For those couples who have their eyes set on becoming parents, every aspect of the IVF process is very important. Like egg quality for women, sperm count can also be often considered important factor for conception.
Although most pay attention to the woman’s fertility, the man’s role is equally significant. Sperm count for IVF isn’t a statistic, it can significantly influence your future of cradling your baby.
In this article, we will explore the significance of sperm count for IVF, the effects of low sperm count and other essential ways to increase sperm count for conception.
What Is the Significance of Sperm Count for IVF?
When you’re attempting to become pregnant using IVF, every factor must come together with attention and precision. One such determining factor is sperm count. Sperm count can be indicated by the number of sperm present in one millilitre of semen. The presence of healthier sperm indicates that they will reach the egg and fertilize it.
In IVF, fertilization takes place in a laboratory. Strong embryos are more likely to develop into an embryo. However, it is possible if there is a sufficient number of active, well-shaped sperm. It plays a key role in providing quality embryos and healthy conception. Having more sperm gives you a stronger start because they are typically more motile and genetically stable.
How Does Sperm Count Affect IVF Success?
When IVF fails, it is natural to be frustrated. That something as intangible as male fertility, that sperm count in particular, could be a contributing factor is reassuring. There are fewer sperm with which to fertilize the eggs if the sperm count is low. Therefore, you have fewer or no embryos to transfer, and this reduces your chances.
But there is still hope. A new advanced treatment that helps to cure male infertility is Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). The physicians can select one good sperm and place it in an egg, even if there are not many. Even if your partner has a very poor sperm count, this procedure offers a greater chance of fertilization and a new hope.
What Is a Normal Sperm Count for IVF?
What is a normal sperm count for IVF doctors would be on your mind. As per the WHO, there must be a minimum of 15 million sperm in a millilitre of semen. That raises the prospect of a successful IVF cycle, but it is not guaranteed.
However, certain men with sperm counts below 15 million sperm can still father children through IVF. A man’s fertility largely depends on how strong and healthy his sperm are. The ability of sperm to move, or motility, and their shape, or morphology, are equally important in the planning of embryo development.
What Happens If Sperm Count Is Low for IVF?
Low sperm count can be disappointing. You may wonder what to do now. It is not the end card for your parenthood. Physicians may suggest further sperm testing or resort to assisted methods such as ICSI.
Sperm retrieval procedures are done in other instances. Advanced methods like Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE) are beneficial in finding sperm in the ejaculate process. Even when it appears not to be possible for a couple to have children naturally, these alternatives provide them with a new beginning. Follow up with your fertility doctor regularly and have faith in the process.
How Is Sperm Count Measured for IVF?
Semen analysis exactly measures sperm health. The count, motility, and morphology of sperm can be analysed through this test. To determine the number of sperm per millilitre, their ability to swim, and their quality of formation, experts test a sample of semen in a laboratory.
This test provides an overall view of male fertility. If something appears out of the ordinary, physicians can recommend additional tests to investigate the cause. Varicocele or hormonal imbalances can be involved, and discovering them early on enables targeted treatment.
Can Low Sperm Count Be Improved for IVF?
At times, low sperm count is temporary. The body adapts easily to healthier options. Enhancing your lifestyle may show visible signs of change in just a few months. Cutting down on alcohol, giving up cigarettes, stress management, and sleeping adequately all contribute. Incorporating fertility-friendly foods, antioxidants, and vitamins such as zinc, selenium, and vitamin E too can show results.
Physicians can also prescribe medication to reverse hormonal imbalances. In some instances, treating an infection or a varicocele will restore sperm counts. Although not all cases respond to lifestyle modifications, many couples have experienced improved sperm counts with patience and counselling.
When Should You Consider IVF with Low Sperm Count?
If you’ve been trying to conceive for over a year without success, and testing shows low sperm count, it may be time to consider IVF. This is especially true when the count is under 10 million or when sperm motility is very low.
Selecting IVF does not imply that you’re giving up on trying naturally; it’s just that you’re being proactive about becoming parents. IVF, when combined with ICSI, is like opening doors where other therapies haven’t succeeded. A fertility physician will walk you through your case, age, and the two partners’ health.
How to Prepare for IVF with Low Sperm Count
You may be scared to begin your IVF, particularly after a failed cycle. But, preparation can be a great help to overcome this fear. Men are recommended to begin looking after their overall health at least 3 months prior to semen collection. That’s how long it takes for new sperm to mature completely.
Eating well, managing stress, moderate exercise, and prescribed supplements assist the body in creating healthier sperm. Steer clear of hot baths, saunas, and tight-fitting underwear, as heat impacts sperm creation. Drinking water and regular check-ups also assist with improved results.
Conclusion
Being infertile doesn’t make you weak; it makes you human. And each day that you decide to try again, you’re deciding on hope. Sperm count is perhaps a minor detail, but it occupies a special position in your IVF journey.
Even couples with low sperm count have found their way to parenthood with the support of the best fertility hospital.
Don’t let a number fade your dream. Rather, let science, care, and perseverance take you further. You are not alone, and your miracle can be just around the corner.
Frequently asked Questions:
Quality dictates how effectively the sperm will fertilize the egg and grow into a healthy embryo.
Yes, ongoing stress can disrupt hormone levels and lower sperm production.
Yes, ICSI is commonly used and deemed safe, with research continuing to track long-term results.
It takes 70–90 days for the sperm to replenish itself, so it is visible after 3 months.
Yes, techniques like TESE can extract the sperm from the testicles directly in a few instances.
