Sperm Motility | What It Is and Why It Plays a Vital Role in Male Fertility

Sperm motility is one of the most important indicators of male reproductive health. In this article, based on trusted global sources such as WHO and ASRM, we examine the types of sperm motility, causes of reduced motility, lifestyle factors, and even global sperm motility competitions.

Introduction

In previous articles, we discussed sperm morphology and sperm count, and learned that male fertility is not limited to the mere presence of sperm.
However, even when sperm count is sufficient and morphology appears normal, one critical question remains:

Can sperm move effectively enough to reach the egg?

This is where sperm motility becomes one of the most vital parameters in semen analysis. Without effective motility, the process of fertilization is fundamentally impaired.

What Is Sperm Motility?

Sperm motility refers to the ability of sperm to swim through the female reproductive tract and reach the egg.
This movement is not simply shaking or vibration—it must be coordinated, progressive, and goal-directed.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), sperm motility is classified into three main categories:

1. Progressive Motility (PR)

Sperm that:

  • Move forward
  • Follow a relatively straight or efficiently curved path
  • Have the highest potential for fertilization

2. Non-Progressive Motility (NP)

Sperm that:

  • Show movement
  • But do not make effective forward progress
  • Often rotate in place or move aimlessly

3. Immotile (IM)

Sperm that:

  • Show no movement
  • Do not contribute to fertilization

Normal Sperm Motility Values According to WHO

Based on the latest WHO laboratory manual for semen analysis:

  • Total motility (PR + NP): at least 40%
  • Progressive motility (PR): at least 32%

Values below these limits may indicate a condition known as:

Asthenozoospermia
(reduced sperm motility)

Why Is Sperm Motility So Important?

To understand the importance of sperm motility, imagine the natural fertilization pathway:

  1. Entry of sperm into the vagina
  2. Passage through the cervix
  3. Movement within the uterus
  4. Entry into the fallopian tube
  5. Penetration of the egg’s protective layers

Without effective motility, completing this journey is nearly impossible.

Even in assisted reproductive techniques such as IUI and IVF, sperm motility plays a decisive role in selecting viable sperm.

What Happens When Sperm Motility Is Low?

Reduced sperm motility may lead to:

  • Decreased chances of natural conception
  • Longer time to achieve pregnancy
  • Increased need for assisted reproductive techniques
  • Psychological stress for couples

In severe cases, natural conception may not occur even when sperm count and morphology are normal.

You may encounter the following terms in specialized semen analyses:

  • Asthenozoospermia: reduced sperm motility
  • Severe asthenozoospermia: very low progressive motility
  • Necrozoospermia: sperm are not alive
  • Oligoasthenozoospermia: low sperm count combined with poor motility

Factors That Reduce Sperm Motility (Short- and Long-Term)

1. Lifestyle Factors

According to studies by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the following are associated with reduced sperm motility:

  • Cigarette smoking and hookah use
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Physical inactivity
  • Obesity
  • Chronic stress

2. Testicular Temperature

The testes are naturally located outside the body to remain cooler.
Factors such as:

  • Tight underwear
  • Frequent sauna or hot tub use
  • Placing a laptop on the lap

can increase testicular temperature and negatively affect sperm motility over time.

3. Nutritional Factors

Deficiencies in the following nutrients are associated with reduced sperm motility:

  • Zinc
  • Selenium
  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Vitamin D
  • Antioxidants

4. Environmental Pollutants

European studies (EAU) show that chronic exposure to:

  • Heavy metals
  • Pesticides
  • BPA from plastics

can negatively impact sperm motility.

Are “Sperm Motility Competitions” Really Held?

It may sound surprising—but yes.

In recent years, some universities and research institutions have organized events known as Sperm Racing or Sperm Motility Competitions to:

  • Increase public awareness
  • Attract media attention
  • Deliver scientific education in an engaging way

Although these events are partly entertaining, they are based on real laboratory data and help explain the importance of sperm motility in simple terms.

This reflects a broader shift: sperm health is no longer a taboo topic but a recognized scientific and social issue.

Can Reduced Sperm Motility Be Improved?

In many cases, yes.

Depending on the underlying cause, sperm motility may improve through:

  • Lifestyle modifications
  • Medical treatments
  • Nutritional supplementation
  • Stress management
  • Treating underlying conditions such as varicocele

Summary

If we simplify sperm health:

  • Count → Are sperm present?
  • Morphology → Are sperm structurally healthy?
  • Motility → Can sperm reach the target?

Sperm motility is the connecting link between all these factors.
Without movement, even the healthiest sperm cannot reach their destination.

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