Can Abnormal Sperm Still Be Healthy, Fertile Sperm?

Q. What can you recommend for improving sperm size and shape? Only 5% to 6% of my husband's sperms look normal, though his count and motility are fine. He's been taking antioxidants for 3 months, drinks one glass of wine a day, and doesn't smoke, though he used to smoke marijuana regularly.
-- Anonymous, via e-mail

A. You wouldn't think appearances count with sperm (it's not like the eggs only gravitate to handsome guys), but looks matter. Abnormal-looking sperm (bumpy heads, kinky tails) aren't always the best at zooming upstream or fertilizing eggs.

So it's excellent that your husband has good swimmers (motility) and plenty of 'em. Having many abnormal sperm isn't uncommon and doesn't mean you won't get pregnant. It just may take a while (a year or longer), so be patient -- and try to have fun!

For some men, getting more normal sperm is as simple as switching from briefs to boxers. Being overheated below the belt can cause abnormalities, though so can anything from genes and smoking to drugs (Rx or the other kind). Tell your hubby to keep computers off his lap (show him this) and not to inhale anything, including secondhand smoke. He should keep his cell phone out of his pants pocket, too (here's why.). Consider DHA supplements. Daily doses of 1,500 mg for 10 weeks are promising.

If tests show little change, his doc may look for an underlying problem, such as a removable varicose vein in your husband's scrotum. You could also consider artificial insemination.

Meanwhile, he should start taking a multivitamin and you should begin taking pre-natal vitamins. Now! Both of you should also take 300 mg to 600 mg of DHA omega-3s. Doing this 3 months before and during pregnancy cuts your risk of a child with autism by a huge 40%.

Read more (You, too, guys!) about the importance of taking extra vitamins before pregnancy.