What is the normal range for sperm morphology?

The precise range can vary, but typically a normal or healthy sperm morphology range is between 4 and 14 percent NF. A score below 4 percent may mean it takes longer than normal to achieve pregnancy. A result of 0 percent NF usually means in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be necessary for conception.

How is sperm morphology assessed?

To assess sperm morphology, the sperm are examined under a microscope and the percentage of abnormally shaped sperm is estimated. It is important to know that all men produce abnormal sperm and as many as half of the sperm in a “normal” semen sample are abnormally shaped.

How can I increase my normal sperm morphology?

Fertility specialists recommend supplementing vitamin D to improve the overall health of sperm, including concentration, morphology, and motility. Another study showed that men suffering from vitamin D deficiency were more likely to have lower testosterone levels .

What is strict criteria sperm morphology?

The strict criteria of sperm morphology (e.g. Kruger’s criteria) use the examination of spermatozoa that had penetrated cervical mucus for the definition of normal spermatozoon. Even by using strict criteria it is difficult to determine if results between studies are really comparable.

Can you fix sperm morphology?

But if you discover that your sperm morphology is abnormal, making positive lifestyle changes can be associated with significant improvements to sperm health. A nutrient-rich diet and regular exercise can help improve your sperm morphology, and is something you can take one day at a time.

Can you get pregnant with low sperm morphology?

No. Sperm morphology alone does not determine whether or not a man can father a child. In fact, a study done by Kovac et. al in 2016 found that 29.2% of men with 0% morphology were able to conceive naturally, compared to 55.6% of men in the control group with normal morphology (≥4%).

Can you get pregnant with low morphology?

When the sperm morphology score falls below 4%, your physician will discuss treatment options with you. As discussed above, achieving pregnancy on your own is still possible with low morphology scores, but the chance of conception may be increased by pursuing fertility treatments.

Can sperm morphology be treated?

Most men with abnormal sperm morphology are still able to father a child, but achieving pregnancy may take longer or require assistance from a fertility specialist. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be an option for those with sperm morphology issues.

Can you still get pregnant with low morphology?

Does sperm morphology affect IVF?

Conclusion: Moderately abnormal sperm morphology did not affect the fertility rate of IVF, but significantly decreased the quality of embryos; mildly abnormal sperm morphology had no obvious influence on the rates of fertilization, cleavage, quality embryos, implantation, clinical pregnancy and live births; while …

What is normal sperm morphology according to who?

Since 1980, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued guidelines for what it considered “normal” semen morphologies. Over the decades, the criteria for what the WHO considers normal has gotten progressively more rigorous. WHO Edition Normal Morphology Range 1st Edition (1980) 80.5% 2nd Edition (1987) 50% 3rd Edition (1992) 30%

Are there any normal values for semen parameters?

It is, therefore, clear that the values for semen parameters—and especially sperm morphology as given in the WHO (1992, 1999) manuals—need to be re-evaluated ( Menkveld and Kruger, 1996; Ombelet et al ., 1997 ). Because of the confusion on normal values for sperm morphology, the 1999 WHO manual does not give a normal value for this parameter.

What does Kruger strict criteria mean for sperm morphology?

Kruger Strict Criteria. Note: If the Strict morphology is “0%”, this does not usually mean that there are absolutely no sperm with a normal morphology. Rather this means that less than 1% of the sperm have completely normal shapes.

What are the strict criteria for male fertility?

Another important evaluation aiming to clarify male fertility is the strict criteria for sperm morphology (Kruger’s or Tygerberg’s criteria 1986) (17). Strict criteria of sperm morphology established by Kruger et al. define normal spermatozoa as having an oval configuration with a smooth contour ( Figure 2).