Key Facts
- Sperm motility refers to the ability of sperm to move effectively, which is crucial for male fertility.
- Poor sperm motility, known as asthenozoospermia, can lead to infertility issues in men.
- Diet and lifestyle choices, including exercise and avoiding harmful habits, significantly impact sperm motility.
- Environmental factors, such as exposure to chemicals and temperature extremes, can negatively affect sperm health.
- Normal sperm motility requires at least 40% of sperm to be motile, with a minimum of 32% showing progressive motility.
- Consulting a healthcare provider is essential for men experiencing sperm motility issues to explore treatment options.
Sperm motility refers to the ability of sperm to swim effectively, a key factor in reaching and fertilising an egg. In Australia, many couples overlook this aspect until facing fertility issues. Understanding normal sperm movement is vital for informed family planning. When a healthcare provider reports reduced motility, it means sperm are not moving efficiently enough to achieve fertilisation. This condition, known as asthenozoospermia, can contribute to male infertility. Recognising the importance of sperm movement allows individuals to seek timely advice and support to optimise their reproductive health.
What is a good sperm motility percentage?[/caption]
Why do sperm swim?
Naturally, sperm are motile cells that can make themselves move automatically. This is an essential aspect when it comes to conceiving. To get pregnant through vagina sexual intercourse, the man will generally need to ejaculate semen close to the cervical canal or at the farthest end of the vaginal canal so the sperm can find their way easily to meet the egg for fertilisation. Even when ejaculated close to the vaginal area, sperm will find a way up to the vaginal canal and enter the cervix, thanks to motility. It’s also possible for semen to get into a woman’s vaginal canal without ejaculation. This happens through the pre-ejaculation process, whereby a tiny amount of semen-like fluid emerges from the man’s urethra whenever he is sexually aroused. This is one of the primary reasons why the pull-out method is not recommended to prevent pregnancy.
Sperms meet egg
The sperms are naturally designed for swimming so they can get to the ultimate destination: finding the egg and fertilising it. However, the egg moves from the ovary to the fallopian tube, where small hair-like projections known as cilia, an egg cannot swim. What it does is float its way through and get into the fallopian tube with the assistance of the cilia . On the other hand, sperm can move naturally. They are programmed to swim up from where they are deposited (primarily the cervical canal) through the uterus until they reach the fallopian tube. This is where they are supposed to meet with an ovulated egg. Once they get there and meet the egg, the sperm must fertilise it, a process that also requires constant movement. Various studies have shown that it takes about 2 to 10 minutes for the sperm to get to the fallopian tube after ejaculation. 
Improving Sperm Motility Through Diet and Lifestyle
Diet and lifestyle play a significant role in sperm health, including motility. Certain foods, such as beef, liver, salmon, oysters, and specific nutrients like Carnitine, Ashwagandha, Vitamin C, CoQ10, and Omega 3 Fatty Acids, have been shown to support healthy sperm motility. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking can also improve sperm health. Managing stress levels is also important, as chronic stress can negatively affect sperm health. Furthermore, avoiding exposure to harmful chemicals and extreme temperatures can help maintain optimal sperm motility. It’s worth noting that while these strategies can improve sperm health, they may not be enough to overcome severe sperm motility issues caused by medical conditions or genetic factors. Therefore, men concerned about sperm motility should consult a healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation and personalised advice.
Sperm motility and general semen health
Generally, mortality is one measurement of sperm and semen health. Other factors must be considered when analysing semen to determine their mortality and overall health. This includes:
- Semen volume : This refers to how much one ejaculates , and this is measured in millilitres (ml)
- Sperm concentration : This refers to how many sperm a man has in 1 ml of ejaculation
- Total sperm count : This is the number of sperm in a semen sample (they should be approximately 33 to 46 million sperm on average)
- Sperm morphology : This is the general shape of the sperm
- Vitality : This is the percentage of live sperm per sample
- Time to liquefaction : This is the time it takes for semen to change naturally from thick to liquidy (approximately 20 to 30 minutes)
- White blood cell count : This refers to the number of white blood cells found in a semen sample(a high count may indicate infection)
- Semen pH : This refers to the semen acidity
Sperm Motility Measurements in semen analysis
Motility can be evaluated in another analysis of the semen in various ways. This includes:
- Percentage motile : This refers to the percentage of all the sperm that are moving in a single ejaculation
- Percentage motile concentration : This is the percentage of sperm moving in one measurement of semen, mainly millions of cells per ml
- Total motile sperm count : This is the number of sperm that swim in a single ejaculate. The number is most relevant to male fertility prognosis.
- Average path velocity : This is the movement speed of the sperm, which is measured in microns per second
Progressive, non-progressive, and total motilities
The way the sperm move is also crucial. Progressive mortality refers to how the sperm swim, mostly in large circles or a straight line. Non-progressive motility alludes to sperm that move but do not make the forward progression or manage to swim in tight circles. Total motility is the percentage of sperm that make any movement, which can either be progressive or non-progressive. For instance, sperm that vibrate in one place may be considered mortal but non-progressive. Sperms that can make zigzag movements and forward progression are deemed to be progressive. Progressive motility is required for the sperm to swim up into the female reproductive tract to fertilise an ovulated egg. 
The Role of Supplements in Improving Sperm Motility
Supplements can also play a role in improving sperm motility. Certain supplements, such as CoQ10, alpha-tocopherol, and carnitine, have significantly improved sperm count and motility. These supplements provide the body with essential nutrients that support sperm health and function. However, it’s important to note that while supplements can support sperm health, they should not be used as a healthy diet and lifestyle substitute. Furthermore, not all supplements are created equal, and some may contain ingredients that can be harmful or ineffective. Therefore, men considering supplements to improve sperm motility should consult a healthcare provider to ensure they choose safe and effective products.
Interpreting Sperm Motility Figures
Accurate evaluation is essential for understanding male fertility. In a typical ejaculate—often containing over 39 million sperm—normal standards require at least 40% to show movement and at least 32% to demonstrate progressive, forward motion necessary to reach and fertilise the egg. A total motile sperm count of around 20 million per sample generally indicates normal fertility. Counts below five million suggest poor motility, while below one million are severely impaired. These clear thresholds, based on evidence, provide clinicians and patients with a straightforward way to assess sperm motility.
Understanding the Impact of Environmental Factors on Sperm Motility
Environmental factors can also impact sperm motility. For example, exposure to certain chemicals and plastics can disrupt hormonal balance and negatively affect sperm health. Similarly, keeping electronics off the lap can help maintain optimal testicular temperature, which is crucial for sperm production and motility. It’s also important to avoid extreme heat, as it can impair sperm production and function. On the other hand, certain environmental factors can support sperm health. For example, antioxidants and linolenic acid found in many fruits can boost sperm health and improve motility. By understanding these environmental factors and making appropriate lifestyle adjustments, men can take proactive steps to improve their sperm motility and overall reproductive health.
What factors affect sperm motility?
Usually, when a man has poor motility, they may deal with one or several sperm health issues. For instance, a man with poor sperm mobility will likely have a low sperm count or poor sperm shape ( sperm morphology ). Any sperm that are not appropriately formed will not be able to swim as expected, and this will affect their capability to travel to the fallopian tube. In some cases, sperm motility can be harmed by severe illness, constant exposure to chemicals, lifestyle habits such as smoking, extreme cold or heat, or abnormalities in the male reproductive tract such as varicocele.
Variations in sperm motility, especially in the first ejaculate, can be due to the timing of collection rather than an underlying issue. Health professionals recommend a 2–3 day period of sexual abstinence before providing a semen sample. This ensures sufficient sperm accumulation, resulting in more consistent and accurate measurements of sperm concentration and motility.
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Evan Kurzyp
Evan is the founder of Fertility2Family and is passionate about fertility education & providing affordable products to help people in their fertility journey. Evan is a qualified Registered Nurse and has expertise in guiding & managing patients through their fertility journeys.