Sperm analysis (abnormal sperm motility)
If less sperm are moving progressively (asthenozoospermia) a problem with motility or an increased level of sperm degradation may be indicated.
Decreased motility may be secondary to sperm dysfunction, prolonged periods of sexual abstinence, partial blockage or infection.
If increased numbers of sperm are immotile then the analysis will determine whether the sperm are immotile or dead. This will determine whether the sperm immotility is due to cell death or a motlity defect.
Increased cell death may be treatable if the cause is identifiable e.g. partial blockage, increased abstinence periods, infection. Immotile sperm can be used for assisted conception purposes as long as they are alive.
NICE state normal values are:
- total motility (percentage of progressive motility and non-progressive motility): 42% or more motile (95% CI 40 to 43)
- progressive motility: 30% or more (95% CI 29 to 31)
- vitality: 54% or more live spermatozoa (95% CI 50 to 56)
Reference:
Related pages
Create an account to add page annotations
Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page