Is Sperm Motility Important to Get Pregnant?

Problems with the man's sperm is one reason that some couples have trouble conceiving. Sperm motility, a sperm's ability to swim normally, is one important component of having healthy sperm.

  1. Importance

    • For intercourse to result in pregnancy, sperm must be able to travel to the egg to fertilize it. So sperm motility is essential for successful conception.

    Motility Levels

    • In fertile human semen, more than half of the sperm should be motile for the greatest likelihood of conception, according to Colorado State University. Lower levels of motile sperm can significantly reduce fertility.

    Progressive Movement

    • Motile sperm can display either progressive or non-progressive movement; progressive sperm swim in a generally straight line while non-progressive sperm have abnormal movement patterns which make it unlikely they'll reach and fertilize an egg.

    Cause

    • Abnormal sperm motility can result from high temperatures, prolonged sexual inactivity, alcohol and tobacco use, steroids and high zinc levels, according to Columbia University and BabyHopes.com.

    Treatment

    • While hormone therapy or protein supplementation can sometimes improve sperm motility, many men with low sperm motility will need fertility treatment in order to conceive.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Can you get pregnant by a hairbrush?
      No, you cannot get pregnant by a hairbrush. Pregnancy requires a sperm cell from a male to fertilize an egg cell from a female. A hairbrush does not contain sperm cells, nor does it have the capacity to facilitate fertilization. This is a common misc
    • Do you have to your period in order get pregnant?
      No, you do not have to be on your period to get pregnant. Heres why:* Ovulation: Pregnancy occurs when a sperm fertilizes an egg. Ovulation, the release of an egg from the ovary, happens about halfway through a womans menstrual cycle, usually about
    • When can a girl become pregnant?
      Its important to understand that the term girl can be confusing when discussing pregnancy. A girl can become pregnant once she has reached puberty and is ovulating regularly.Heres a breakdown:* Puberty: This is the period when a girls body begins to