Regardless of your sex, you need to understand sperm health, what affects it and it’s influence on reproduction. You as a man and your partner (as a woman), having healthy sperm ensures successful conception and falling pregnant. A man with healthy sperm is a man whose health is in order whilst healthy sperm also gives the man confidence and good mental health. A man’s lifestyle and health have a huge influence on sperm health so getting to know this relationship will help you make healthy choices that will give you good results.
It is also important for you to remember that sperm is a constituent of semen, and these two are not the same. Sperm is a cell for reproduction produced by a man in the testicles and is transported by and within a fluid called semen, out to be deposited into the female reproductive system during sexual intercourse.
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What is Sperm Health
Sperm health is assessed by conducting semen analysis. It is constituted by the following:
1. Sperm count
Also known as the amount of sperms found in a man’s semen. A man needs to have enough sperm or a considerably high number of sperms for them to be able to successfully make a woman pregnant. Normal sperm count should not be below 15 million sperm per millilitre of semen (World Health Organization) and anything below that is considered low sperm count ( Oligospermia).
2. Sperm motility or movement
After deposition into the vagina, sperm should be able to move effectively towards the egg for successful fertilization. Poor sperm motility reduces the chances of fertilization. Good motility is when sperm moves in a somewhat direct, focused and quick direction towards the egg and it is also known as progressive motility. Poor or non progressive motility is when the sperm move in circles. There are instances when the sperm does not move and this is immotile movement.
On another note, at least 40% of the semen should be moving to consider that normal motility whilst at least 30% of that should be moving progressively to guarantee successful fertilization (World Health Organization).
3. Sperm morphology
This is the size and shape of the sperm and a sperm can be normally or abnormally shaped. Abnormal shape can be in form of a large and irregular shaped head and/or double or crooked tail. It determines the chances of the sperm reaching the egg. It is considered normal to have some of your sperm as abnormal and about 4-10% of the sperm meet strict standards (Mayo Clinic). Sperm morphology can not independently be used to determine successful fertilization because of a weak correlation between the two (Pelzman and Sandlow, 2024).
Other determinants of sperm quality
Semen volume
This is the amount of semen produced during ejaculation that is a medium for the transportation of sperm. If it is not enough, this may reduce the chances of fertilization and may lead to delay in conception (Mayo Clinic). It is determined by the body’s hydration levels.
Sperm DNA quality
Poor or damaged sperm DNA has a negative effect on fertilization (Schulte et al, 2010). DNA may be damaged through age associated mutations and poor lifestyle choice like smoking. This calls for healthier lifestyle choices.
Medical Conditions that negatively affect sperm health
- Sexually transmitted infections interfere with the normal processes of the reproductive system.
- Medicines that you may be taking for other conditions may interfere with the reproductive processes
- Hormonal imbalances also have a negative effect.
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How to maintain sperm health
- Healthy eating
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Regular exercise
- Wearing loose fitting clothes that do not put pressure on the groin
- Avoid smoking and drug abuse
- Avoid excessive alcohol intake
- Avoid exposure to toxic chemicals and heat
- Have adequate sleep
- Reduce stress
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It may seem as something that is not as important to have one checked especially before deciding to have children. However, as the man, if you and your partner do not manage to get pregnant within a year of trying, you experience low libido as well as erectile dysfunction, you may need to consider seeing a health professional and get a semen analysis done. If all is well, you may need to consider an improvement in your health and lifestyle choices as well to maintain healthy sperm.
Sources
- World Health Organization 2010- WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen, 6th ed, https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/343208
- Mayo Clinic- Sperm morphology: What does it mean?
- Pelzman DL, Sandlow JI. Sperm morphology: Evaluating its clinical relevance in contemporary fertility practice. Reprod Med Biol. 2024 Jun 24;23(1):e12594. doi: 10.1002/rmb2.12594. PMID: 38915912; PMCID: PMC11194684.
- Schulte RT, Ohl DA, Sigman M, Smith GD. Sperm DNA damage in male infertility: etiologies, assays, and outcomes. J Assist Reprod Genet. 2010 Jan;27(1):3-12. doi: 10.1007/s10815-009-9359-x. Epub 2009 Dec 12. PMID: 20012685; PMCID: PMC2826626.
Written by:
Laura Mlambo
Medically Reviewed by:
This article was reviewed by the OhHealthWorld Editorial Review Team using credible health resources and public health guidance to ensure accuracy and clarity for readers. Information is intended to support general wellness education and should not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Last Updated:
19 May 2026
