Sperm morphology refers to size, shape and cytoplasmic droplet assesments. A normal shape of a sperm is;
Head: Smooth oval-shaped head that is 5-6 micrometers long and 2.3-3.5 micrometers wide. The acrosome (head that fertilizes the oocyte) should cover 40-70 % of the sperm head. Neck,Midpiece and Tail: There should be no visible abnormalities with small changes which are acceptable. Cytoplasmic droplets: No fluid droplets in the sperm head, that are larger than one half of the sperm head size is acceptable.
Interpretation:Although there are two criterias in assesment of morphology, Kruger criterias are more strict and World Health Organisation criterias are more lenient. The physicain checks the results, according to the methods and the clinics of the couple. Although is not clearly definite, the abnormally shaped sperm, tend to have more trouble causing pregnancy. Typically only around 4-10% of the sperm in a semen is normal. Therefore abnormal sperm morphology below 4% is considered to cause infertility.
Sample: Semen (With sexual abstinens for 2-7 days and no alcohol use at least one day before the specimen day)
Working day: Everyday
Result Time: Next day 6:00 PM