Sperm Mobility Test in Seoul, Korea

When a couple faces challenges conceiving, assessing male fertility is a crucial step. While a full semen analysis provides a comprehensive picture, one of the most critical parameters evaluated is sperm motility – the ability of sperm to move effectively. In South Korea, leading fertility clinics and urology centers offer advanced sperm motility testing as part of their thorough male fertility assessments.



What is Sperm Motility and Why is it Important?

Sperm motility refers to the movement of individual sperm cells. For natural conception to occur, sperm must be able to swim through the female reproductive tract (vagina, cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes) to reach and fertilize an egg.

There are different categories of sperm motility:

  • Progressive Motility (PR): Sperm moving actively, either in a straight line or in large circles. This is the most crucial type for fertility, as these are the sperm capable of reaching the egg.
  • Non-Progressive Motility (NP): Sperm moving but not making significant forward progression (e.g., swimming in tight circles, vibrating in place).
  • Immotility: Sperm that are not moving at all.

Why is Sperm Motility So Important for Fertility?

  • Journey to the Egg: Sperm need progressive motility to traverse the considerable distance through the female reproductive tract to reach the fallopian tube where fertilization occurs.
  • Penetration of the Egg: Motility is also essential for sperm to penetrate the outer layers of the egg.
  • Indicator of Sperm Health: Good motility often reflects overall sperm health, vitality, and proper metabolic function. Low motility (known as asthenozoospermia) can indicate underlying issues such as hormonal imbalances, genetic factors, infections, or lifestyle influences.


How is Sperm Motility Tested in Korea?

Sperm motility is assessed as a key component of a semen analysis. The procedure in Korean fertility labs follows international (typically WHO) guidelines to ensure accurate and reliable results.

  1. Abstinence Period: The patient is typically advised to abstain from ejaculation for 2 to 7 days (most commonly 3-5 days) before the test. This helps ensure optimal sperm quality.
  2. Sample Collection: The semen sample is usually collected via masturbation into a sterile container in a private room at the clinic. If collected at home, it must be kept at body temperature and delivered to the lab within 30-60 minutes to preserve sperm viability and motility.
  3. Laboratory Analysis:
  • Liquefaction: The lab observes how long it takes for the semen to liquefy (turn from a gel-like to a liquid consistency), usually within 15-60 minutes. Sperm motility is best assessed immediately after liquefaction.
  • Microscopic Examination: A small portion of the liquefied sample is placed on a warmed slide and examined under a microscope by trained technicians (andrologists or embryologists).
  • Assessment: They count the number of sperm that are motile, categorize them into progressive, non-progressive, or immotile, and assess the quality of their movement. Many advanced Korean labs use Computer-Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA) systems for more objective and precise measurements of motility and velocity.


Interpreting Sperm Motility Results (WHO 2021 Criteria)

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2021 guidelines, the lower reference limits for sperm motility parameters are:

  • Total Motility (Progressive + Non-progressive): ≥42%
  • Progressive Motility (PR): ≥30%

If a man's progressive motility is below 30%, or total motility below 42%, it may indicate a problem with sperm movement. However, it's crucial to interpret these results in conjunction with other semen parameters (sperm count, morphology, volume) and the overall clinical picture. A single abnormal test does not confirm infertility, and a repeat analysis is often recommended after a few weeks.


Factors Affecting Sperm Motility

Several factors can influence sperm motility, including:

  • Varicocele: Enlarged veins in the scrotum, which can increase testicular temperature.
  • Infections: Urogenital infections can impair sperm function.
  • Hormonal Imbalances: Hormones crucial for sperm production can affect motility.
  • Genetic Factors: Certain genetic conditions can impact sperm development.
  • Lifestyle: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, recreational drug use, obesity, poor diet, and exposure to certain environmental toxins can negatively affect sperm motility.
  • Prolonged Abstinence: Both too short and too long periods of abstinence can affect motility.


When choosing a clinic for a sperm motility test, it's advisable to select one with a dedicated andrology laboratory and experienced technicians to ensure the most accurate and reliable results. Consulting with a fertility specialist or urologist will help you understand the implications of your results and discuss potential next steps for your fertility journey.