Sperm quality and IVF success

• For IVF to be successful, an adequate number of high quality sperm need to be present to fertilise the eggs. If there are too few or poor quality sperm, it can lead to failed IVF cycles and need for repeated attempts. In IVF, the sperm is extracted and injected directly into the egg in the lab instead of the traditional way where the sperm swims up the fallopian tube to reach the egg. IVF can be helpful if the sperm count or motility is low because only the healthy sperm will be directly injected into the egg. Since the fertilization occurs outside, even the motility can be compensated for through this process.
• But if the DNA Quality of sperm or genetic of sperm is abnormal, achieving pregnancy can take longer even with IVF/ICSI.
  
  

What is the minimum sperm count for IVF success:

The minimum count needed for IVF success varies based on several factors like age of the male partner, overall health, quality of the sperm and the specific IVF protocol being used. However, in general a minimum of 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen is required for successful fertilization.

Does sperm quality matter:

One may never find out about his abnormal sperm shape or low sperm count unless he goes for a semen analysis when he has fertility issue. When a couple opt for IVF, low sperm quality or abnormalities in the sperm will be identified as semen analysis is a part of fertility treatment. Even though there are large number of abnormal sperms in the semen, pregnancy is still possible. Large number of abnormal sperms are associated with other issues like low sperm count or motility. However, this does not mean that conceiving is impossible but certain studies show that these decreases the chance of natural conception.

How can I improve sperm quality for IVF:

Though it is possible to get pregnant with poor quality sperm, it is often advised to do something about improving sperm quality. Here are a few tips in doing so –

• Change lifestyle – making some lifestyle changes like decreasing alcohol intake and smoking even when you cannot quit has been shown to increase the quality of sperms.
• Getting active – like including more exercise, more movement in your daily life can improve overall health as well as sperm quality for IVF treatment.
• Dietary changes – eating a more balanced diet rich in vitamins, consuming multivitamins can improve overall health and good quality sperm.
• Limiting exposure – limiting exposure to radiation, chemicals and toxins have been shown to increase sperm quality.
• Weight loss – being overweight has been linked to low sperm quality. Reducing excess weight can increase chance of pregnancy.
• Stress – high levels of stress can lead to hormonal imbalance that can negatively impact sperm production.
  
  

Advanced techniques to improve sperm quality for successful IVF

• Sperm washing and Sperm selection are some of the advanced techniques that are used for improving sperm quality for IVF. Sperm washing involves separating high quality sperm from seminal fluid and other contaminants while sperm selection uses a specialized technique to identify and select the healthiest and most mobile sperm for fertilization.
• In addition to these, other techniques like Intra -Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE) are also used to increase the chances of successful IVF.
  
  

Conclusion

Sperm quality is important for successful IVF. It is always safer to improve sperm health for better sperm count, motility and chances of pregnancy. In case of any queries, contact our fertility experts at FERTILITY FOUNDATION/SISU HOSPITAL.