The body speaks its language in subtle ways, which are ignored until there is a fertility issue. The male reproductive system gives signs which are clear to signify that something has to be dealt with, whether in the colour line or a change in texture of the testicles, which indicates the underlying health effects. Most men ignore these warning signs as temporary or normal variations, which could lead to a serious situation later. Recognising these warning signs will change the approach to reproductive health and fertility planning.

Knowing about the signs of unhealthy sperm is the first step toward addressing potential fertility challenges.

Changes in semen colour indicate signs of Unhealthy Sperm

A healthy semen colour will be milky white to a little grey, but it’s a matter of health concern when there is a colour change.

Warning colour changes:

  • Yellow or greenish semen may be an indication of bacterial infections or sexually transmitted infections and requires prompt medical care.
  • Brown or rust-colored semen could indicate blood in the ejaculate, which may result from prostate issues, infections, or other medical conditions.
  • Red streaks or pink discolouration often indicate the presence of blood.

These unhealthy sperm colour variations should never be ignored, as they often point to treatable conditions that could affect your fertility if left unaddressed.

Unusual texture and consistency changes

Healthy semen is thick and jelly-like in consistency, like raw egg whites. Still, this normal texture can change due to different factors.

Signs of texture are: 

  • Semen that remains thick and doesn’t liquefy within 20-30 minutes after ejaculation could suggest enzyme deficiencies or prostate problems.
  • Clumpy or chunky semen indicates infections or blockages in the reproductive tract.

These texture changes represent ”what are signs of unhealthy sperm” that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Volume and odour abnormalities 

Normal semen has a volume of 1.5 to 5 millilitres per ejaculation, with a slightly alkaline or ammonia-like smell.

Volume issues: 

  • Less volume could indicate hormonal problems, blockages, or retrograde ejaculation
  • Extremely high volumes might show prostate inflammation or other glandular issues

Odour changes: 

  • Pungent, bad smells can be infections and require a fast medical solution
  • Sweet or fruity odours might indicate diabetes or other metabolic disorders

These unhealthy sperm signs usually come together with other symptoms, and therefore, it is advisable to seek medical attention immediately.

Physical signs of unhealthy sperm and health-related problems

Semen health issues in men often create other physical symptoms that should never be overlooked.

Common symptoms:

  • Pain, swelling, or lumps on the testicles may be signs of infections, varicoceles or structural deformity that interrupts sperm production.
  • Urinary tract infections that occur repeatedly, painful urination or urinary discharge are indications of infections in the reproductive system.
  • Low libido, difficulty in getting or maintaining erections
  • Moreover, tiredness, impotence, depression, and weight gain can be associated with testosterone problems.

These symptoms usually go hand in hand with “what are the signs of unhealthy sperm”. They would have to be assessed by professionals well.

Laboratory test results and medical indicators 

In a healthy semen analysis, the sperm count of a male is at least 15 million sperm per millilitre of semen sample, and at least 1 of every 3 sperm moves forward.

Key laboratory findings: 

  • Poor sperm motility, when the number of sperm moving progressively is less than 40%, decreases the chances of fertilisation.
  • Abnormal sperm morphology, with more than 96% of sperm having irregular shapes, indicates potential fertility issues.
  • The most serious conditions are Azoospermia, where no sperm is produced, or oligospermia, where few sperm are produced.
  • A large amount of fragmented DNA in sperm may result in miscarriage and unsuccessful pregnancies.

These laboratory results are clear indicators of unhealthy sperm conditions that need specialised treatment.

Effective ways to improve sperm health

Sperm health is an issue that needs a multi-dimensional approach that focuses on lifestyle, diet, environmental issues, and testing.

  • Getting a Male fertility test works the best for getting a clear picture of sperm fertility. This measures all the key areas that are sperm count, motility, and morphology.
  • Regular exercise, gaining a healthy weight, and avoiding excessive heat exposure help optimise sperm production.
  • No alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, and reducing stress improve sperm quality.
  • Getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and avoiding tight clothing help maintain reproductive health
  • A rich diet with antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, zinc and folate, supports healthy sperm development.

When followed genuinely, these approaches can help address many signs of unhealthy sperm.

Conclusion 

Knowing these watchful signs helps men make proactive efforts towards ensuring reproductive health and fertility success. The body signals as an early warning system, allowing addressing issues before they become more serious problems. Many sperm health issues are treatable when caught early, through lifestyle changes, medical treatment, and professional guidance. This is where a trusted male fertility clinic acts as a supporting partner.

Schedule a consultation with The Male Fertility Clinic for expert assessment and treatment solutions on male fertility concerns.