Motility
Plain-English guide for patients and families.
Causes
Infection, inflammation, varicocele, antisperm antibodies (debated), partial obstruction, toxins, and idiopathic factors. Workup mirrors oligospermia.
AI Information
EducationalSperm motility is critical for natural conception — sperm must swim through the cervical mucus, uterus, and into the fallopian tube to reach the egg. WHO 2021 defines normal total motility as ≥42% and progressive motility as ≥30%. Asthenospermia may be isolated or combined with other abnormalities (oligoasthenoteratospermia/OAT).
Key Points
- Progressive motility (forward-swimming sperm) is more clinically relevant than total motility.
- Total motile sperm count after washing determines IUI viability — typically ≥5 million is desired.
- Oxidative stress is a major contributor to poor motility — antioxidant supplementation may help in selected cases.
- Immotile cilia syndrome (Kartagener) is a rare genetic cause of completely absent motility.
- ICSI requires only one viable sperm per egg, making it effective even with severely impaired motility.
Who Should Know This?
Men with low motility on semen analysis, couples considering IUI (where motility affects success), and those with combined semen parameter abnormalities.
Clinical Context in Pakistan
At IVF Experts Lahore, sperm motility is assessed using WHO standards with computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) when available. Dr. Adnan Jabbar guides couples toward the most effective treatment path based on post-wash total motile count.
Important Disclaimer
This AI-generated summary is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with Dr. Adnan Jabbar or your fertility specialist for personalised clinical guidance tailored to your specific situation.
Related Glossary Terms
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