NewsFeed
Headlines ASRM ESHRE FIGO ACOG Fertility and Sterility PCOS
November, 2026
November 2026
M T W T F S S
 1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
30  
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

Stay informed with the latest updates in fertility and reproductive medicine on Fertility News.

Fertility Fertility News OBGYN reproductive health Reproductive Medicine Sperm Malformations Women’s Health
NewsFeed