Sperm morphology refers to the size and shape of individual sperm. It is one of the factors contributing to male fertility. The range of sperm morphology can vary. What is sperm morphology? Not all sperm in a man look the same. Abnormalities in sperm size and shape can occur in their head, midsection, or tail. In some cases, these mutations or changes do not affect the overall functionality of the seminal fluid. In other situations, the sperm may not be able to move properly or fast enough to reach, break through, or enter the egg cell membrane. Specialists usually evaluate sperm morphology during a general analysis of seminal fluid (spermogram) or a test to determine male fertility. By itself, an abnormal or low sperm morphology test result is usually not an indication of impaired fertility. What is a sperm morphology test? Sperm morphology tests examine samples of semen under a microscope and calculate the percentage of normal-shaped sperm in the total sample. The requirements for normal sperm include: A head with a smooth surface and an oval shape; A head that is between 2.5 to 3.5 micrometers (?m) wide and 5 to 6 ?m long; The tip of the head must have an acrosome (a membrane with enzymes capable of breaking down the egg’s coat) and it must cover between 40 and 70 percent of the sperm’s head; A head without large vacuoles (fluid-filled organelles) having no more than two small vacuoles occupying less than 20 percent of the head volume; The middle part of the sperm (the segment between the head and the tail) should be about the same length as the head, but much thinner; Tail developed 45 ?m long, which should be thinner than the head and middle part of the sperm; No defects on the head or tail of the sperm. Lab technicians usually process the samples by placing a small portion of seminal fluid on a glass slide, letting it air dry, and then staining it with a dye that makes individual sperm easier to see under a microscope. Technicians usually calculate the percentage of normally shaped sperm out of 200 or more sperm in one segment of the sample. Sperm morphology can also be assessed using image analysis technology such as computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). According to the World Health Organization, computer-based tests are more accurate and reliable than manual ones because of the eliminated risk of human error. One round of tests is not enough to fully assess the quality of sperm or seminal fluid. There is a high level of variation between samples from different males as well as between samples from the same male. Factors such as human error,contamination, mislabeling, and waiting a long time before processing also make multiple tests necessary. Usually, three or more tests with the same or similar results are required to confirm characteristics such as sperm morphology, vitality and motility. What can sperm morphology test results show? The presence of a large number of abnormally formed spermatozoa (with defects in various parts – head, acrosome, nucleus, neck, tail) and a low number of normally shaped spermatozoa in the sample are signs of a condition called teratozoospermia. The exact range can vary, but usually sperm with normal or healthy morphology are between 4 and 14 percent. A score below 4 percent may mean that it is taking longer than normal to achieve pregnancy. A result of 0 percent normal-shaped sperm usually means that conception may require in vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF involves the collection of egg and seminal fluid to be combined in a petri dish in the hope of fertilization. Sperm morphology criteria were developed less than a decade ago, so there are still many inconsistencies in how the test is performed and the results interpreted. It is also important to note that sperm that are abnormal in size or shape usually also carry healthy genetic material. Many fertile men have a high percentage of abnormal sperm. A man whose sperm with normal morphology is less than 4 percent should consult a specialist to rule out potential complications and additional health problems. Doctors specializing in reproductive medicine can help identify the cause of abnormal sperm morphology and, in some cases, recommend a course of treatment to improve semen quality. References: 1. Agarwal, A., Tvrda, E., & Sharma, R. (2014, May 27). Relationship among teratozoospermia, seminal oxidative stress and male infertility. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology 2. Berruti, G., & Paiardi, C. (2011, April-June). Acrosome biogenesis: Revisiting old questions to yield new insights. Spermatogenesis 3. Cooper, TG (2010). WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen 4. Medical News Today. What is a sperm morphology, and what do the results mean?What can sperm morphology test results show? The presence of a large number of abnormally formed spermatozoa (with defects in various parts – head, acrosome, nucleus, neck, tail) and a low number of normally shaped spermatozoa in the sample are signs of a condition called teratozoospermia. The exact range can vary, but usually sperm with normal or healthy morphology are between 4 and 14 percent. A score below 4 percent may mean that it is taking longer than normal to achieve pregnancy. A result of 0 percent normal-shaped sperm usually means that conception may require in vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF involves the collection of egg and seminal fluid to be combined in a petri dish in the hope of fertilization. Sperm morphology criteria were developed less than a decade ago, so there are still many inconsistencies in how the test is performed and the results interpreted. It is also important to note that sperm that are abnormal in size or shape usually also carry healthy genetic material. Many fertile men have a high percentage of abnormal sperm. A man whose sperm with normal morphology is less than 4 percent should consult a specialist to rule out potential complications and additional health problems. Doctors specializing in reproductive medicine can help identify the cause of abnormal sperm morphology and, in some cases, recommend a course of treatment to improve semen quality. References: 1. Agarwal, A., Tvrda, E., & Sharma, R. (2014, May 27). Relationship among teratozoospermia, seminal oxidative stress and male infertility. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology 2. Berruti, G., & Paiardi, C. (2011, April-June). Acrosome biogenesis: Revisiting old questions to yield new insights. Spermatogenesis 3. Cooper, TG (2010). WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen 4. Medical News Today. What is a sperm morphology, and what do the results mean?What can sperm morphology test results show? The presence of a large number of abnormally formed spermatozoa (with defects in various parts – head, acrosome, nucleus, neck, tail) and a low number of normally shaped spermatozoa in the sample are signs of a condition called teratozoospermia. The exact range can vary, but usually sperm with normal or healthy morphology are between 4 and 14 percent. A score below 4 percent may mean that it is taking longer than normal to achieve pregnancy. A result of 0 percent normal-shaped sperm usually means that conception may require in vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF involves collecting an egg and seminal fluid to be combined in a petri dish in the hope of fertilization. Sperm morphology criteria were developed less than a decade ago, so there are still many inconsistencies in how the test is performed and the results interpreted. It is also important to note that sperm that are abnormal in size or shape usually also carry healthy genetic material. Many fertile men have a high percentage of abnormal sperm. A man whose sperm with normal morphology is less than 4 percent should consult a specialist to rule out potential complications and additional health problems. Doctors specializing in reproductive medicine can help identify the cause of abnormal sperm morphology and, in some cases, recommend a course of treatment to improve semen quality. References: 1. Agarwal, A., Tvrda, E., & Sharma, R. (2014, May 27). Relationship among teratozoospermia, seminal oxidative stress and male infertility. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology 2. Berruti, G., & Paiardi, C. (2011, April-June). Acrosome biogenesis: Revisiting old questions to yield new insights. Spermatogenesis 3. Cooper, TG (2010). WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen 4. Medical News Today. What is a sperm morphology, and what do the results mean?therefore, there are still many inconsistencies in how the test is performed and the results interpreted. It is also important to note that sperm that are abnormal in size or shape usually also carry healthy genetic material. Many fertile men have a high percentage of abnormal sperm. A man whose sperm with normal morphology is less than 4 percent should consult a specialist to rule out potential complications and additional health problems. Doctors specializing in reproductive medicine can help identify the cause of abnormal sperm morphology and, in some cases, recommend a course of treatment to improve semen quality. References: 1. Agarwal, A., Tvrda, E., & Sharma, R. (2014, May 27). Relationship among teratozoospermia, seminal oxidative stress and male infertility. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology 2. Berruti, G., & Paiardi, C. (2011, April-June). Acrosome biogenesis: Revisiting old questions to yield new insights. Spermatogenesis 3. Cooper, TG (2010). WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen 4. Medical News Today. What is a sperm morphology, and what do the results mean?therefore, there are still many inconsistencies in how the test is performed and the results interpreted. It is also important to note that sperm that are abnormal in size or shape usually also carry healthy genetic material. Many fertile men have a high percentage of abnormal sperm. A man whose sperm with normal morphology is less than 4 percent should consult a specialist to rule out potential complications and additional health problems. Doctors specializing in reproductive medicine can help identify the cause of abnormal sperm morphology and, in some cases, recommend a course of treatment to improve semen quality. References: 1. Agarwal, A., Tvrda, E., & Sharma, R. (2014, May 27). Relationship among teratozoospermia, seminal oxidative stress and male infertility. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology 2. Berruti, G., & Paiardi, C. (2011, April-June). Acrosome biogenesis: Revisiting old questions to yield new insights. Spermatogenesis 3. Cooper, TG (2010). WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen 4. Medical News Today. What is a sperm morphology, and what do the results mean?