Abnormal Sperm: Simple Guide to Types, Causes and Treatment in Pakistan

Many couples struggle to conceive and often people only blame the woman. In reality, male fertility is just as important. One common problem in men is called “abnormal sperm” or “abnormal sperm morphology”.

In this blog, you will learn in very simple words what abnormal sperm is, why it happens, how it affects fertility, and what can be done about it. By the end, you should feel more informed and less afraid, and you will know when to reach out for help.

What Is Sperm And Why Does Its Shape Matter?

Sperm is the male reproductive cell. You can think of sperm as tiny swimmers. Each sperm has:

• a head that carries the genetic material

• a middle part that gives energy

• a tail that helps it swim

For pregnancy to happen, sperm must swim through the female reproductive system, reach the egg, and then enter it. If the sperm is badly shaped, it may not swim properly or may not be able to enter the egg. That is why the shape and structure of sperm are very important for male fertility.

What Is Abnormal Sperm Morphology?

The medical term “sperm morphology” simply means “the shape of sperm”.

Abnormal sperm morphology means that a large number of sperm have an unusual or faulty shape. For example, the head might be too big, too small, round instead of oval, or there may be two heads. The tail may be bent, twisted, too short, or there may be two tails.

Most men have some abnormal sperm and this is normal. The problem starts when the percentage of healthy, normal-shaped sperm becomes very low. Then it becomes harder for the sperm to reach the egg and fertilize it.

How Common Is Abnormal Sperm?

Abnormal sperm is very common. Even men who are able to father children usually have many sperm that are not perfect. During a semen test, the lab checks how many sperm have a normal shape. If only a small number are normal, doctors may say you have “abnormal sperm morphology”.

So if you are told that your morphology is low, you should not panic. It does not always mean you are completely infertile. It simply means that your chances of natural pregnancy may be reduced, and you may need some lifestyle changes or medical help.

What Causes Abnormal Sperm?

There is usually not just one reason. Often, several factors come together. Here are the main groups of causes, explained in easy language.

Hormones And General Health

The testicles need the right level of hormones, especially testosterone, to make healthy sperm. If your hormones are out of balance, the sperm may not develop properly. Long-term health problems such as diabetes, thyroid issues, or obesity can also affect sperm quality.

Lifestyle Habits

Smoking, vaping, gutka or naswar, recreational drugs and heavy alcohol use can damage sperm and make their shape abnormal. Lack of exercise, poor diet, and very little sleep also harm sperm over time.

Heat Around The Testicles

The testicles are outside the body for a reason: they need to stay cooler than the rest of the body. Tight underwear, keeping a laptop on your lap for long hours, very hot environments, or frequent hot baths can increase heat and disturb sperm development.

Varicocele

Varicocele is a condition where the veins around the testicle become enlarged. This increases temperature and reduces the quality and shape of sperm. It is a very common and treatable cause of abnormal sperm in men.

Infections And Illness

Untreated sexually transmitted infections, urinary infections, prostate problems, or infections in the testicles can damage sperm. Even high fever or illnesses like COVID-19 can temporarily reduce sperm quality for a few months.

Age And Genetics

As men get older, sperm DNA becomes more fragile. Some men also have genetic conditions that affect sperm shape from the beginning. In such cases, medical evaluation is very important.

Environmental Toxins

Exposure to pesticides, chemicals, heavy metals, and pollution, which are common in many areas in Pakistan, may also contribute to abnormal sperm.

How Does Abnormal Sperm Affect Fertility?

Abnormal sperm can affect fertility in different ways. Sperm with a badly shaped head may not be able to attach to or enter the egg. If the tail is bent, twisted, or too short, the sperm cannot swim fast enough to reach the egg. Many abnormal sperm die earlier and do not survive long in the female reproductive system.

Sometimes abnormal sperm also carry damaged DNA. Even if such a sperm manages to fertilize an egg, it may lead to early miscarriage or failed implantation. This is why doctors pay close attention not just to sperm count, but also to shape and movement.

However, it is important to understand that abnormal sperm does not always mean zero chance of pregnancy. The chances become lower, but with the right treatment and lifestyle changes, many men can still become fathers.

Different Types Of Abnormal Sperm (In Simple Words)

Doctors see many patterns when they examine sperm under a microscope. To make it easy, we can group them into three main categories.

Problems With The Head

In some sperm, the head is very large, very small, pointed, or completely round. Sometimes there are two heads instead of one. The head may also look irregular or misshapen. These problems make it hard for sperm to attach to the egg or to release the enzymes needed to enter the egg.

Problems With The Tail

Some sperm have a tail that is too short, bent like a hook, twisted around the body, or curled backward. Others may have two tails. All of these changes make swimming difficult. The sperm either move very slowly or in circles instead of straight ahead.

Problems With The Middle Part Or Immature Sperm

Sometimes the middle part that connects the head and tail is thick, thin, or oddly shaped. Some sperm still carry extra material from when they were developing. These “immature” sperm usually do not move well and are not able to fertilize an egg.

Your lab report may use technical names for these issues, but the idea is the same: the more serious and common these changes are, the harder it becomes to achieve pregnancy naturally.

How Do Doctors Check For Abnormal Sperm?

The main test is called a semen analysis. You provide a semen sample in a lab. Under a microscope, specialists look at three main things: how many sperm there are, how well they are moving, and what percentage has a normal shape. This tells them if abnormal sperm morphology is a significant problem for you.

In some cases, doctors also order blood tests to check hormone levels like testosterone, LH and FSH. If they suspect varicocele or another issue in the testicles, they may advise a scrotal ultrasound. When there is a history of repeated IVF failure or miscarriage, a special test for sperm DNA damage may also be suggested.

Can Abnormal Sperm Be Improved?

In many cases, yes. The good news is that sperm is constantly being made. A full cycle of new sperm takes around two to three months. This means that positive changes you make today can produce better sperm after a few months.

Lifestyle changes are usually the first step. Quitting smoking, reducing or avoiding alcohol, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, exercising regularly, and getting proper sleep can all help. Avoiding tight clothing and high heat around the testicles also supports better sperm production.

If there is a medical cause such as hormone imbalance, varicocele, or infection, doctors can treat these problems directly. Treatment might include medicines, hormone therapy, surgery for varicocele, or antibiotics. In more serious cases of abnormal sperm, assisted reproductive techniques like IUI, IVF, or ICSI can be used, where doctors select the best sperm and help it reach or fertilize the egg.

When Should You See A Doctor About Abnormal Sperm?

You should consider seeing a fertility or andrology specialist if you and your partner have been trying to conceive for six to twelve months without success, especially if the woman’s basic tests are normal. You should also seek help if a semen analysis has already shown abnormal sperm morphology, or if you have symptoms like low sexual desire, erection problems, pain or swelling in the testicles, or a history of testicular injury or infections.

Getting help early can save time, money, and emotional stress. It can also give you a clear plan instead of confusion and worry.

Help For Abnormal Sperm And Male Infertility

Nasim Fertility Center, led by Dr. Farooq Nasim Bhatti, offers specialized care for men with fertility and sexual health problems, including abnormal sperm morphology, low sperm count, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation and hormonal issues.

Dr. Farooq is Pakistan’s first and only American Board-Certified Medical Sexologist and has more than thirty years of experience. Over the years he has helped tens of thousands of men from Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi, Faisalabad, Multan, Peshawar, Sahiwal and many other cities regain confidence, improve sperm quality and achieve fatherhood.

At Nasim Fertility Center, you can receive detailed semen analysis interpretation, hormone testing, ultrasound assessment for varicocele, modern medical treatment and personalized guidance. Consultations are available both in-person at clinics and online, so men from anywhere in Pakistan can get expert advice in complete privacy.

If you are worried about abnormal sperm or male infertility, you do not have to suffer in silence. Professional help is available, and many cases improve with the right approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a man with abnormal sperm become a father?

Yes. Many men with abnormal sperm still manage to conceive, especially if some sperm are normal and other fertility factors are fine. However, it may take longer or may need treatment.

Can abnormal sperm become normal again?

Often, yes. Because sperm are renewed every two to three months, lifestyle changes and proper medical treatment can improve the next “batch” of sperm.

Does stress or lack of sleep affect sperm?

Ongoing stress and poor sleep can disturb hormones and reduce sperm quality, including shape and movement.

How long should I wait after changing my lifestyle before repeating a semen test?

Usually doctors recommend waiting at least three months, because that is how long it takes for new sperm to be produced.