Understanding the Causes of Abnormal Sperm so that Male Fertility Remains Protected

Illustration of the causes of abnormal sperm (freepik)

YOGYAKARTA - Many couples find it difficult to have children because they ignore male reproductive health. In fact, the cause of abnormal sperm can come from daily habits that seem trivial but have a big impact.

This problem is much more common than you think. By understanding it early, the chances of getting the right solution are much greater.

What is Abnormal Sperm?

Doctors assess sperm quality through semen analysis. This examination measures several important aspects ranging from sperm count, movement (motility), shape (morphology), to the volume of semen produced.

As reported by the Ubi Health website, sperm is said to be abnormal if one or more of these values are outside the medical standard range. Some common conditions found include low sperm counts (oligospermia), no sperm at all (azoospermia), to abnormal sperm shape (teratozoospermia).

The good news is, this condition is not the end of everything. One bad test result does not necessarily mean infertility because doctors usually recommend repeating the test a few weeks later to confirm the results.

Read also: Understanding the Process and Factors of Sperm Formation

The Most Common Causes of Abnormal Sperm Unhealthy Lifestyle

Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and lack of sleep have been shown to significantly affect sperm quality. Cigarettes not only damage your lungs but also your sperm quality directly.

In addition, obesity and a too passive lifestyle are also on the list of major risk factors. A healthy body is the foundation of good sperm production.

Testis Temperature Too High

The testicles need a temperature slightly lower than body temperature to produce sperm optimally. The habit of wearing tight pants, often soaking in hot water, or putting a laptop on your lap for too long can increase the temperature of the testicles.

Certain Nutritional Deficiencies

Zinc, selenium, as well as vitamins C and E play an important role in supporting sperm health. Deficiency of these nutrients can directly affect sperm quality and quantity.

For this reason, make sure your diet contains enough balanced nutritional sources every day.

Prolonged Stress

High work pressure and chronic stress can interfere with hormone balance, including hormones that regulate sperm production.

Managing stress is not a luxury. For men's reproductive health, this is a real need.

Certain Medical Conditions

Varicocele, or enlarged veins in the scrotum area, is one of the most common medical causes and can be treated. Infections such as prostatitis or epididymitis can also significantly damage sperm quality.

In addition, hormonal imbalances due to pituitary gland disorders also need to be examined. Consulting a urologist is the most appropriate step.

When Should You See a Doctor?

If you and your partner have been trying for more than a year without success, this is the right time to get tested. Semen analysis can give you a complete picture of your current sperm condition.

So, don't delay if symptoms such as testicular pain, sudden swelling, or lumps in the scrotum area appear. These symptoms require immediate medical treatment, not waiting.

The sooner the problem is known, the greater the chance of success in handling it.

How to Increase Sperm Quality Naturally

The good news is that sperm continues to be produced and renewed every about 64-74 days. This means that lifestyle improvements that are consistently carried out can provide real results in just three months.

The steps that are medically recommended are to stop smoking, limit alcohol, exercise regularly, get enough sleep 7-9 hours per night, and avoid excessive exposure to heat on the testicular area.

The above method is quite simple, but the effect cannot be underestimated. The male body has the ability to recover, provided it is given the right opportunity and support.

Understanding the causes of abnormal sperm is the most important first step towards better fertility. For more complete, accurate, and easy-to-understand information about men's reproductive health, visit VOI, a trusted digital media that presents fact-based health education every day.