What is Sperm Motility?
Sperm motility refers to how well sperm move. Two measures are key: total motility (the percentage of sperm moving at all) and progressive motility (the percentage moving forward in a straight line). According to WHO criteria, normal samples have at least 40% total motility and 32% progressive motility. Below these thresholds is called asthenozoospermia.
What Affects Motility?
Oxidative stress from smoking, pollution or poor diet damages the sperm tail
Heat exposure (hot baths, saunas, laptops) impairs sperm function
Varicocele raises scrotal temperature and reduces motility
Long abstinence (more than 5-7 days) leads to older, less motile sperm
Infections in the reproductive tract
Anti-sperm antibodies that cause sperm to clump together
Genetic abnormalities affecting the sperm tail
Nutrient deficiencies, particularly zinc, selenium, CoQ10 and L-carnitine
Improving Sperm Motility
Stop smoking and limit alcohol — both directly damage sperm tails
Avoid heat: skip saunas, hot baths and laptops on the lap
Take antioxidant supplements: CoQ10, vitamin C and E, selenium
L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine have specific evidence for motility
Eat a Mediterranean-style diet rich in oily fish, nuts and vegetables
Maintain a healthy BMI — obesity worsens motility
Have intercourse every 2-3 days to ensure fresh sperm
Treat any underlying infection or varicocele if present
When to See a Specialist
If a semen analysis shows low motility on two occasions
If lifestyle changes have not improved results after 3-6 months
If you and your partner have been trying for 12 months (6 if she is over 35)
IVF with ICSI bypasses motility issues entirely by injecting a single sperm into the egg