what is morphology in sperm

Sperm morphology refers to the size, shape, and appearance of a mans sperm. It is one contributing factor to male fertility, and abnormal sperm morphology can decrease fertility and make it more difficult to fertilize an egg. During routine semen analysis, sperm morphology is assessed by examining the sperm cells under a microscope, and the results are reported as the percentage of sperm that appear normal. A healthy sperm must have an oval-shaped head, a midpiece, and a tail, and the head should be between 2.5 to 3.5 micrometers wide and 5 to 6 micrometers long. Some percentage of ejaculated sperm always has an irregular shape, which is normal and may not even affect that sperm’s ability to fertilize eggs. However, certain structural problems can prevent sperm from entering an egg, and some kinds of abnormality can definitively damage the sperm’s ability to fertilize an egg. Couples with abnormal sperm morphology may need to use assisted reproductive technologies such as IUI, IVF, or ICSI to improve their chances of becoming parents.