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S.0 Mikaye: Classification of Sperm Malformations
Photo: DepositPhotos
Aug 25, 2026, 19:04

S.0 Mikaye: Classification of Sperm Malformations

S.0 Mikaye, Medical Doctor at MSK, shared on LinkedIn:

“Sperm malformations (abnormal sperm morphology) are classified according to the part of the sperm that is affected.

1. Head abnormalities

  • Large head (macrocephalic)
  • Small head (microcephalic)
  • Round head (globozoospermia; lacks acrosome)
  • Tapered or pyriform (pear-shaped) head
  • Amorphous (irregular) head
  • Double head
  • Vacuolated head

2. Neck (connecting piece) abnormalities

  • Bent neck
  • Thick or thin neck
  • Asymmetrical attachment of the neck to the head
  • Detached head

3. Midpiece abnormalities

  • Thick midpiece
  • Thin midpiece
  • Bent midpiece
  • Irregular or swollen midpiece
  • Cytoplasmic droplet retained (proximal or distal)

4. Tail abnormalities

  • Short tail
  • Coiled tail
  • Double tail
  • Broken tail
  • Bent tail
  • Absent tail
  • Irregular-caliber tail

Clinical significance

Abnormal sperm morphology (teratozoospermia) may reduce fertility by impairing sperm motility, ability to penetrate the egg, or fertilization capacity.

A semen analysis evaluates morphology using strict criteria (such as Kruger strict criteria). Generally, ≥4% normal forms are considered within the normal range by current WHO guidelines.

Mnemonic: H–N–M–T

  • Head defects
  • Neck defects
  • Midpiece defects
  • Tail defects.”

S.0 Mikaye: Classification of Sperm Malformations

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