Infertile sperm often look abnormal under a microscope, with misshapen heads (large, small, tapered, double), bent or coiled tails, or tails not properly attached, hindering their ability to reach and fertilize an egg; while semen color/texture changes (yellow, green, lumpy) can signal infection or issues, the core problem with infertile sperm is their poor shape, movement, or count, not always visible to the naked eye as “bad” sperm, requiring a lab test (semen analysis) for proper diagnosis.
How is male infertility diagnosed?
Normally, semen is a thick liquid and is white in color. However, several factors can alter the color and consistency of semen. Watery sperm can be a sign of low sperm count, indicating that fertility may be affected. Watery sperm can also be a temporary condition that does not seriously impact health.
Male factor infertility can be caused by sperm with an abnormal shape or size. Abnormally shaped sperm can prevent normal motility and egg penetration, which results in infertility. Common sperm abnormalities include sperm with an overly large or too-small, tapered, or crooked heads, two heads, or a tail with kinks.
Yellow semen may also indicate urine in the semen. This can be an issue that requires attention from a fertility specialist, as it may indicate infertility. Pink or reddish-brown semen suggests that you may have some bleeding from or inflammation of your prostate.
The color of certain foods and spices, as well as their vitamin and mineral content, can temporarily turn your semen yellow. Turmeric, onions, garlic, chives and asparagus are common causes of yellow semen. Your semen should return to its usual white-gray color after the foods leave your system.
A complete lack of sperm occurs in about 10% to 15% of men who are infertile. A hormone imbalance or blockage of sperm movement can cause a lack of sperm. In some cases of infertility, a man produces less sperm than normal. The most common cause of this condition is varicocele, an enlarged vein in the testicle.
Clear semen may indicate a low sperm count, frequent ejaculation (reserves not replenished), or in some cases it may simply be pre-ejaculatory fluid.
Watery semen can sometimes indicate that a person has a low sperm count or reduced semen quality. These can result from certain medical conditions and lifestyle factors. Having watery semen does not necessarily mean that a person is infertile. However, people with persistent watery semen may wish to consult a doctor.
Many believe that thick semen means higher fertility. However, in reality, what matters is normal semen consistency. It helps sperm get released slowly after ejaculation and protects sperm. Sperm motility can actually be hampered by excessively thick semen, which makes it more difficult for them to swim toward the egg.
Signs and symptoms you may notice include: Problems with sexual function — for example, difficulty with ejaculation or small volumes of fluid ejaculated, reduced sexual desire, or difficulty maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction) Pain, swelling or a lump in the testicle area.
These can include:
Male infertility can be very challenging. It affects up to 15% of males in the United States who are attempting to have a biological child. But because of modern technology, many couples have the potential to conceive a biological child.
Infertility is commonly caused by problems with ovulation (the monthly release of an egg from the ovaries). Some problems stop an egg being released at all, while others prevent an egg being released during some cycles but not others. Ovulation problems can be a result of: polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
The main symptom of infertility is the inability to get pregnant. A menstrual cycle that's too long (35 days or more), too short (less than 21 days), irregular or absent can mean that you're not ovulating. There might be no other signs or symptoms.
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Men's age significantly affects men's fertility and semen quality. Although sperm production continues at older ages, sperm quantity and quality decline after the age of 35. From the age of 45, sperm may begin to show genetic changes, challenging the belief that men can procreate indefinitely.
Things you can do if you have a low sperm count
Heavy or ongoing alcohol use can lower testosterone levels and cause the body to make less sperm. Tobacco smoking. People who smoke might have a lower sperm count than people who don't smoke. Emotional stress.
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