Signs of good sperm are primarily assessed through a semen analysis, which evaluates several key factors: quantity, movement (motility), and shape (morphology).
Key Indicators of Healthy Sperm
Here's a breakdown of what contributes to healthy sperm:
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Sperm Count (Quantity): A higher sperm count increases the chances of fertilization. Generally, a count of 15 million sperm per milliliter or more is considered normal. Higher is usually better.
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Motility (Movement): Sperm need to swim effectively to reach and fertilize the egg. Good motility means a significant percentage of sperm are moving forward in a progressive, linear manner. At least 40% motility is generally considered good, with at least 32% showing progressive motility.
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Morphology (Shape): The shape of sperm affects their ability to penetrate the egg. While some abnormalities are common, a higher percentage of normally shaped sperm is desirable. According to stricter (Kruger) criteria, at least 4% of sperm should have a normal shape. Note that different labs might use different criteria, so interpretations should be made in the context of the specific lab's reference ranges.
Summary
In essence, good sperm are abundant, swim well, and have a normal shape. A semen analysis conducted by a healthcare professional is the best way to determine sperm quality.
