The quantity of sperm cells is ideal for IVF treatment. The quantity of sperm required for fertilisation differs from man to man. There could be individual differences. But some variables, such as age, lifestyle, and fertility rate, can influence it.
Sperm count is also one of the key factors that has a significant role in natural conception. A normal fellow may have a minimum of 15 million sperm per millilitre or a maximum of 39 million sperm in a single ejaculation, which is considered viable, as per the WHO. In this article, let us discuss how IVF tackle this male infertility issue with modern advancement techniques.
Semen Analysis Before IVF Treatment
Semen analysis can identify the appropriate treatment for male factor infertility. The optimal treatment for low sperm count is specific to a patient’s individual diagnosis. As a result, our doctors always suggest a semen analysis. This test evaluates several parameters of sperm and semen health.
| Term | What It Means in Simple Words |
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Semen Volume
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The total amount of fluid released during ejaculation. |
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Sperm Count
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The amount of sperm contained in a volume of semen.
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Sperm Motility
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How many sperm are alive and moving properly can be analysed. |
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Sperm Morphology
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The proportion of sperm with a normal shape and size.
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If the tests show a low sperm count, your physician may request you to take the test again to establish the finding. The team at our fertility clinic may also suggest blood tests to evaluate your levels of FSH, LH and testosterone. Your physician may also test your prolactin level if erectile dysfunction is an issue.
Minimum Sperm Requirement for IVF Success
There is no specific minimum sperm count for IVF since success involves numerous factors. In general, fertilisation is possible with one sperm cell, but if there are more sperm cells, the chances of success increase.
A good sperm count for IVF is as follows, according to research conducted by the University of Göttingen:
- At least 10 million sperm per milliliter
- 30% motility (alive and moving sperm)
- 15% progressive motility (moving sperm in the right direction)
- 20% normal morphology (normal size and shape of sperm)
Sperm Count for IVF: Why Do Both Quantity and Quality Matter?
Sperm quality surpasses sperm count in the process of conception. Sperm quality is based on the ability of the sperm to move (motility) and on their healthy shape (morphology).
Reasons for Sperm Quality over Quantity
Greater mobility of sperm equals greater possibilities of achieving pregnancy. Sperm need to swim strongly to reach the egg. If they can’t move well, they might never get there.
The healthy shape of sperm results in a simple fertilisation process. Sperm with the correct shape and size can penetrate the egg. Malformed sperm can have a difficult time in fertilising the egg.
How are Sperms Selected For the IVF process?
After a thorough semen analysis, a healthy sperm is selected for the IVF process as discussed below:
Sperm Selection During IVF:
In IVF, a process called “sperm washing” removes less motile sperms and debris, and only the fittest sperms are utilized for fertilisation. Compared to IUI, it takes fewer sperms, but a thorough scrutiny can be conducted.
If the sperm level is below than required amount for IVF, the doctor may recommend ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection), where one sperm is inserted directly into an egg.
How IVF and ICSI Enable Conception Even with Low Sperm Counts?
IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) and ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) are procedures that can transform the popular myth that conception always requires an increased sperm count. Conception is still feasible even if the sperm count is very low due to these modern methods. Here’s why:
1. Overcoming Natural Barriers
In natural conception, sperm must travel a great distance to the egg by overcoming many hurdles in between. IVF removes these hurdles and increases the possibility of fertilisation by bringing the sperm and egg closer in the lab.
2. Direct Sperm Injection (ICSI)
ICSI does it even better. One healthy sperm is injected straight into the egg, eliminating the need for the sperm to locate and enter the egg. This implies that if there is at least one healthy sperm readily available, fertilisation can still occur even with a very low sperm count.
3. Perfectly Controlled Environment
In contrast to the uncertain circumstances within the body, IVF and ICSI are performed in a closely observed laboratory. The nutrient-rich environment, pH levels, and temperature are all adjusted to maximise sperm and egg survival and increase the likelihood of success.
How Does Advanced Sperm Extraction Help with Very Low Sperm Count?
Doctors can take the sperm directly from the epididymis or testes if sperm count is low or ejaculation becomes an issue. This aids in avoiding any type of obstruction or discontinuity in sperm discharge. Some of the popular methods include:
1. MESA (Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration)
A microscope is employed to remove sperm from the epididymis (the little tube holding the sperm). It can be done under general anesthesia (you will be asleep at the time). It delivers good-quality sperm but involves surgery.
2. PESA (Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration)
A very small needle is used to collect sperm from the epididymis. It is less surgically intrusive than MESA, but it may not recover as much sperm.
3. TESE (Testicular Sperm Extraction)
Sperm is directly removed from the testicles by surgery. It can be used when there’s a blockage or hardly any sperm production.
4. Micro-TESE (Microdissection TESE)
A more accurate form of TESE, where a microscope is employed to locate the optimum sites for sperm retrieval. This helps to identify minute quantities of sperm in extreme situations of infertility.
These newer technologies, when used with IVF and ICSI, hold promise for men whose sperm counts are greatly reduced. They are risky and challenging, however, so consulting with an infertility specialist is the way to go.
Conclusion
In vitro fertilisation offers numerous chances to get a healthy baby with its modern advancements. Even in greater adversities, it helps couples to attain parenthood. If your advancement fails, don’t be worried about that; attempt other ways regardless of any conditions. Or repeat your IVF for the second time according to the recommendations of your fertility expert.
