Miscarriage, or spontaneous abortion, going by its definition, is a distressing outcome of pregnancy affecting many couples. It is important to note that while several factors may contribute to this unfortunate event, poor sperm quality can be considered one of the most important (yet often overlooked) causes. Also, understanding the role of sperm quality in pregnancy outcomes would give vital information to couples experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss and underscore the importance of male reproductive health.
We spoke to our expert Dr Kinjal Kothari, Consultant – Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Manipal Hospital, Goa, who explained how sperm quality affects pregnancy and may cause miscarriage.
According to a 2017 study, pregnancy loss is a common occurrence, affecting approximately 30% of pregnancies. While traditionally attributed to maternal factors, the complex nature of pregnancy suggests that male contributions also play a significant role. Given that men provide half of an embryo's genetic material, it's plausible that male infertility, which accounts for up to 50% of all infertility cases, may be linked to pregnancy loss.
Understanding Sperm Quality
“Sperm quality lives are assessed using different parameters like sperms in the ejaculate, their movements or motility, how they look (morphology), and whether they are intact DNA-wise or not,” said Dr Kothari.
Every one of these plays an important role in fertility and therefore within pregnancy health. Low sperm count, reduced movement of sperms, unusual shape of sperms, or increased fragmentation of DNA can all be indications of poor-quality sperm.
Also Read: Miscarriage Can Be Prevented And More: Expert Debunks Myths About Miscarriage
Sperm DNA Fragmentation and Miscarriage
“Among the many factors concerning low sperm quality, few are as worrisome as DNA fragmentation. This is often manifested as breaks or damage in the genetic material of sperm. High levels of DNA fragmentation in sperm lead to an increased risk of failed fertilisation, impaired embryo development, and miscarriage,” said Dr Kothari. The reason for this is that during the early stages of embryo formation, it may not be possible for the genetic material within the sperm to provide enough support.
Mechanisms Linking Poor Sperm Quality to Miscarriage
Several mechanisms explain how poor sperm quality can increase the risk of miscarriage:
- Impaired Embryo Development: One of the reasons why genetic abnormalities can occur in embryos is due to sperm with injured DNA. These mutations frequently prevent normal growth of embryos which results in their early abortion during pregnancies.
- Reduced Implantation Potential: When sperm exhibit excessive amounts of fragmented DNAs this may hinder the fertilised egg’s possibilities as far as attaching itself to the womb tissues is concerned. For continued foetal growth within the mother, there must first be an effective integration process; hence failure to do so would ultimately lead to a spontaneous loss or abortion.
- Increased Genetic Abnormalities: Early pregnancy loss frequently results from genetic abnormalities within the foetus. A genetic defect in the foetus may lead to spontaneous abortion and hence poor sperm quality can be one of the risk factors.
Addressing Poor Sperm Quality
Given the impact of poor sperm quality on miscarriage rates, addressing this issue is critical for improving pregnancy outcomes. Here are some strategies listed by Dr Kothari that can help enhance sperm quality:
- Lifestyle Modifications: You should adopt a healthy lifestyle as it can significantly improve sperm quality. This includes maintaining a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, engaging in regular exercise, avoiding excessive alcohol and smoking, and managing stress levels.
- Medical Interventions: In cases where lifestyle changes are insufficient, medical interventions may be necessary. These can include treatments for underlying conditions, such as varicocele or hormonal imbalances that affect sperm production and quality.
- Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART): For couples experiencing recurrent miscarriage due to poor sperm quality, assisted reproductive technologies, such as In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) with sperm DNA fragmentation testing may be recommended. ART can help bypass some of the issues related to sperm quality by directly selecting healthy sperm for fertilisation.
Bottomline
Dr Kothari concluded, “Poor sperm quality can significantly impact the likelihood of miscarriage by affecting embryo development, implantation, and genetic integrity. By recognising the importance of sperm quality in reproductive health and taking proactive measures to address issues, couples can improve their chances of a successful pregnancy. Consulting with a fertility specialist can provide further guidance and personalised strategies to enhance reproductive outcomes and reduce the risk of miscarriages.”
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your own professional if you are dealing with any health issues to avoid complications.]