Semen quality in conception fail
Semen quality is one of the factors that can affect the success of conception, either naturally or with assisted reproductive techniques (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). Semen quality refers to the quantity, movement, and structure of the sperm in the ejaculate, which are influenced by various biological and environmental factors. Poor semen quality can reduce the chances of fertilizing an egg and increase the risk of miscarriage or birth defects.
The most common test to assess semen quality is the semen analysis, which measures sperm concentration, motility, and morphology. However, this test has some limitations, as it does not reflect the functional ability of the sperm or the integrity of the genetic material inside the sperm. Therefore, other tests have been developed to evaluate sperm DNA fragmentation, chromosomal abnormalities, oxidative stress, and epigenetic modifications, which can also affect sperm quality and fertility.
Several studies have shown that poor semen quality is associated with lower pregnancy rates and higher miscarriage rates, both in natural conception and in ART. For example, a meta-analysis of 16 studies found that sperm DNA fragmentation was negatively correlated with the clinical pregnancy rate and the live birth rate in IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. Another study found that sperm chromosomal abnormalities were more frequent in men with recurrent pregnancy loss than in fertile men.
The causes of poor semen quality are not fully understood, but some possible factors include age, lifestyle, diet, stress, infections, hormonal imbalances, genetic disorders, and exposure to heat or toxic chemicals. Some of these factors can be modified or treated to improve the semen quality and the chances of conception. For example, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, managing stress, and avoiding excessive heat or radiation can have a positive impact on sperm quality.
In conclusion, semen quality is an important aspect of male fertility that can affect the outcome of conception. It can be assessed by various tests that measure different parameters of the sperm. Poor semen quality can reduce the chances of pregnancy and increase the risk of miscarriage or birth defects. Therefore, it is advisable to seek medical advice and follow the recommendations to improve the semen quality and the chances of conception.
