What is Sperm Morphology? By Dr. Jay Mehta

UPDATED ON 12 MAR. 2023

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As a leading infertility specialist in Mumbai, One of our clinic’s most commonly asked questions is,

What does the 1% or 2% normal sperm in the report indicate?

Well, it has to do with sperm morphology.

You can read further OR just Watch the video

When it comes to fertility and the ability to conceive, Sperm morphology plays a vital role.

So when your report indicates that your normal sperm count is 1% or 2%, the first step is to get a retest at the best laboratory. 

Sperm morphology, in general, shows the visual appearance of the sperm. It gives identification to the sperm.

Structure of the Normal Sperm

A normal sperm has three main parts:

Head :

It’s the first part of the sperm where its nucleus is present.

This is the region that stores genetic information or DNA and carries forward the traits of a father to his children. The cap that covers the sperm is called Acrosomal Cap.

Middle Piece :

This region is also known as the powerhouse of the sperm as it stores energy and acts as a battery for the sperm.

The medical term for this batter is Mitochondria.

Tail :

This is the part that helps the sperm swim and reaches the egg during sexual intercourse.

If there is some issue with any part of the sperm being defective, it is known as a defective sperm.

Related Read : Treatment for the Sperm Morphology

Formation of the Sperm cell

In the initial stage of its life, the Sperm cell looks like any other cell in the human body. i.e. it does not have its distinctive tail or head.

At this stage, the sperm cell is called Spermatogonia. It contains a nucleus and mitochondria even at this stage.

The nucleus is surrounded by the Golgi body. These spermatogonia grow into sperms in the testes.

After a few days, its shape starts changing. A small flagellum appears at the cell’s end, eventually growing into a tail.

At the same time, the nucleus moves in the frontal region, and the acrosomal cap surrounds the nucleus. Similarly, the Mitochondria, or the cell’s powerhouse, moves a little below.

Now,

If you are wondering how and why these cells change their structure, then the answer is Testosterone. Testosterone is a male reproductive hormone that’s responsible for this conversion.

Gradually, the structure of sperm cells changes. The Golgi body starts covering the nucleus, forming an acrosomal cap shortly. 

Understanding Sperm morphology is critical, especially for those trying to conceive but unable to do so.

A lot of patients are misguided that if their sperm morphology report is bad, i.e. the structure of their sperm cells is defective, they cannot conceive naturally. They must use an ART(assisted reproductive technique) to conceive a child.

But that’s a wrong belief. Even if 95 to 98% of your cells are defective, you can easily conceive naturally.

Also Read : Importance of Sperm Morphology

Wrapping up

We hope this blog has given you a clear insight into sperm morphology and how a sperm cell is formed.

In our next blogs, we will discuss the causes of defective sperm morphology and its treatment.

The treatment options for defective sperm morphology are also very simple. So stay tuned with us, and we will bring you an in-depth blog on the topic.

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