According to the World Health Organization guidelines, the normal sperm count for natural conception is about 15 million sperm per liter. Men with lower than this sperm count experience struggle in conception. And poor sperm quality can result in miscarriages.
Men with lower semen or sperm quality can opt for assisted reproductive technologies for successful pregnancy outcomes. But, what is the exact sperm count for IVF or ICSI? Do you know about such things? This blog comes to aid, let’s be aware of them, here.
Sperm Count for Successful IVF Treatment
Sperm count, production, and morphology hold a huge significance in the in vitro fertilization journey. A smaller amount of sperm in an ejaculation makes conception very difficult. Poor motile sperm struggles to reach the fallopian tube and uterus and fails to fertilize an egg.
Such conditions will result in conception troubles even after unprotected or planned sex. So, sperm quality and quantity are pivotal for successful IVF treatment.
Normal Sperm Count Range
The normal sperm count should be at least 15 million per milliliter and is present in a single ejaculation. Here is a table representing how normal sperm analysis test results will be.
Normal sperm analysis test results
| Test | Normal value |
|---|---|
|
Volume
|
2 ml
|
|
Sperm count
|
40,000,000 |
|
Concentration
|
20,000,000 per ml
|
|
Motility
|
40% |
|
Progressive motility
|
32%
|
What Happens if Sperm Count is Below Normal?
When a male partner’s sperm is less than the normal count, then the couple could experience a delay or struggle in conception. Even after trying for a long period, the couple may witness unsuccessful results.
Low sperm count in men can be due to many reasons, explore such things in the following sections.
Factors That Affect Sperm Count for IVF
Lifestyle and Diet:
These two factors affect sperm count and even overall health. Nowadays, many people follow a sedentary lifestyle and consume excess amounts of packaged junk foods.
So, people’s sleep cycle will be affected and they won’t get the nutrients their body needs. As a result, their reproductive health starts diminishing, which affects their fertility.
Medical Conditions:
Men undergoing cancer treatments such as chemotherapy. Males who have diabetes, high blood pressure, peripheral vascular diseases, and other infections can result in lower sperm count. Consulting your fertility expert will give you the perfect solution, so don’t hesitate.
Age and Sperm Health:
Just like women’s fertility and age have a connection, men’s sperm quality also starts diminishing after the age of 30. Increasing age can lower testosterone levels.
According to the data, men around the age of 40 could produce sperm with abnormal chromosomes that result in miscarriages or infertility problems.
How to Improve Sperm Count for IVF Success
Sperm quality is crucial for both IVF and natural conception. Therefore, men should focus on improving sperm production and motility to witness successful pregnancy.
Dietary Changes
Many research suggests that increased BMI and obesity are the important reasons for poor sperm production, quality, and motility. In that instance, men need to focus on maintaining a specific diet for a healthy weight.
Consult a dietitian or fertility expert for a curated diet plan according to your reproductive health.
In general, you can include walnuts, oysters, bananas, dark chocolates, spinach, fenugreek, berries, pumpkin seeds, tomatoes, pomegranates, avocados, fresh fruits and vegetables, lentils, and eggs.
Supplements and Medications
Vitamin C, E, B12, and D, zinc, omega 3, folate, aspartic acid, and lycopene are some of the important minerals and nutrients necessary for improving sperm quality.
So, you can add foods that are rich in these vitamins or take supplements accordingly. Discuss with your doctor about such supplements, they can provide the right prescription and dosage as per your body condition.
Lifestyle Changes
The most effective way to increase sperm count is implementing the best lifestyle changes.
- Quit drugs, smoking habits, and alcohol.
- Practice mindfulness, yoga, and meditation to manage daily stress.
- Cut off processed meat, ready-to-eat canned and packaged foods, soft drinks, and high-sugar products.
- Keep the testicles cooler by taking regular baths at lower temperatures.
- Avoid hot tubs for a longer period.
- Go with loose-fitting pants and trousers.
How is Sperm Count Tested for IVF?
The most common method to know the sperm count is semen analysis before initiating any assisted reproductive technologies.
Semen Analysis Test
Semen analysis is for evaluating the volume and quality of sperm. A fresh semen sample will be collected from the male partner and observed under a microscope.
This test is generally performed when a couple facing trouble in conceiving. It evaluates the health of sperm and finds out if is sperm a reason for infertility.
Interpreting the Results
Doctors validate the semen analysis test results to identify whether using the sperm will provide successful pregnancy outcomes or not. Plus, it helps to detect the underlying issues that prevent couples from conceiving or the reason for infertility.
Urologists check the
- Semen volume.
- pH scale, checking whether the semen is acidic or base.
- Number of sperm.
- Sperm concentration.
- Shape and motility of sperm.
- Overall sperm morphology.
Other Options When Sperm Count is Low for IVF
In some cases, men’s poor reproductive health and low sperm count could be the reasons for infertility. For such people, there are some other treatments available. Take a glance at what they are.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
ICSI means a sperm injection that takes place inside the cytoplasm of an egg. This is one of the common treatments for men with low sperm counts. Specialists will inject a single healthy sperm directly into an egg.
Donor Sperm
Donor sperm is one of the extreme options that doctors choose with the permission of a couple. Yes, if the male partner’s sperm count and health are very low, then getting a donor’s help is the only choice.
Sperm Retrieval Techniques (PESA/TESA)
PESA is a special procedure performed for men who have obstructive azoospermia due to an infection or vasectomy. In this process, specialists will retrieve the sperm for In vitro fertilization and Intracytoplasmic insemination.
The Bottom Lines
In conclusion, healthy sperm is important for successful pregnancy outcomes whether it is in vitro fertilization or natural conception. Don’t hesitate to seek medical help or discuss the issues with your doctor. Their valuable guidance will increase the sperm count and health and bring effective pregnancy outcomes.
FAQs
At least 10*10(6) sperm per ml is required for the in vitro fertilization. In which, 30% of sperm should be motile, 15% must have progressive motility and 20% of sperm should have normal morphology.
Overall, 15 million sperm per ml is a good count for assisted reproductive technologies.
Yes, there is a chance for a successful pregnancy with a low sperm count. Doctors may combine in vitro fertilization with another technique, ICSI intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection.
They follow this method if a man’s sperm count is extremely low or with poor motility.
Doctors collect semen samples from the male partners before embryo retrieval and check the count and quality. Semen analysis is the popular test for counting sperm. In this test, your semen will be checked under a microscope to count the number of sperm.
Make sure to follow the above-mentioned lifestyle changes to improve your sperm count.
- Get enough sleep and exercise regularly.
- Quit smoking and alcoholic habits.
- Consider fenugreek supplement after the doctor’s advice.
- Consume antioxidant-rich foods like nuts, berries, beans, spinach, and pomegranates.
- Increase healthy fat and vitamin C and D intake.
- Limit soy and estrogen-rich foods such as flax seeds, peaches, sesame seeds, and others.
