Rahul Manoj: How Do We Get Abnormal Sperm
Rahul Manoj, Senior Embryologist at Best Life Fertility Center, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Day 36 — How Do We Get Abnormal Sperm?
Every semen sample tells a story – and when sperm morphology or motility is compromised, the cause often begins long before ejaculation. Understanding the origins of abnormal sperm helps embryologists trace quality issues and guide better patient interventions.
Where Do Abnormal Sperm Originate?
1. Testicular Level (Spermatogenesis Errors):
Genetic or chromosomal defects (e.g., Y-chromosome microdeletions, Klinefelter’s).
Varicocele causes an increased scrotal temperature, which impairs spermatid maturation.
Exposure to toxins, radiation, or infections can lead to meiotic errors and vacuolized heads.
2. Epididymal Maturation Defects:
Incomplete membrane remodeling or cytoplasmic droplet retention leads to poor motility.
Oxidative stress during transit causes mitochondrial dysfunction.
3. Systemic and Environmental Factors:
Smoking, alcohol, obesity, and high heat exposure reduce sperm quality via ROS production.
Certain medications (chemotherapy, anabolic steroids) suppress spermatogenesis.
Nutritional deficiencies (zinc, selenium, folate) affect chromatin packaging.
4. Post-Ejaculation Factors:
Improper liquefaction or high seminal viscosity hinders motility assessment.
Delay in sample processing increases oxidative damage.
Most importantly ‘abnormal sperm‘ are not just morphologically different — they’re functionally compromised. Identifying the root cause (testicular, systemic, or iatrogenic) can improve both treatment choice and lab strategy.”

Stay updated on all scientific advances in the field of fertility with Fertility News.
-
Nov 2, 2026, 17:08Elena Milner: The 2nd Class of the School of Embryology Is Already in Full Swing
-
Nov 2, 2026, 17:05November Is National Diabetes Month – PCOS Awareness Association
-
Nov 2, 2026, 17:04Thanos Papathanasiou: Are We Preparing Patients for the IVF Cycle, or for the IVF Journey?
-
Nov 2, 2026, 17:02Anna Morales: Why Is It So Hard to Build in Women’s Health?
-
Nov 2, 2026, 16:59Rickard Ericsson: Honored to Take on the Role of Interim CEO of the Vitrolife Group
-
Nov 2, 2026, 16:56Mohammed Nasur: 1 Small Simulation, A Bigger Purpose
-
Nov 2, 2026, 16:54Carlos Guerrero: Presenting Our Latest Research on AI and Embryo Assessment at ASRM 2026
-
Nov 2, 2026, 16:52Sarah Lewen: My 1st ASRM Is Officially Complete
-
Nov 2, 2026, 16:49Jemma Garratt: Taking on the Role of Kind IVF and Data Science Manager at London Women’s Clinic
