Strict morphology is a way of using a special template to measure the shapes, characteristics and appearance of sperm. A normal sperm has an oval head, intact middle piece, uncoiled tail, and a well-defined acrosome (end of the head). This test is sometimes used for in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures.

Sperm is examined for:

• abnormal heads: too large or too small, absent heads, pin heads, two heads
• abnormal necks: thick necks or bent necks
• immature sperm or white blood cells that can suggest infection

Studies have shown that the more abnormal the sperm, the less likely fertilization will occur during in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures.

It allows your provider to determine whether or not sperm abnormalities can be contributing to infertility. If your provider feels that you may benefit from this procedure you will be given special instructions.

It may be caused by prior or current exposure to toxic chemicals, varicose veins in the scrotum, infection, external factors or unknown factors.

The best treatment for a high percentage of abnormal forms is IVF with sperm microinjection (ICSI). You, as a couple, may decide instead to choose donor sperm. Your provider can recommend counseling for both partners so that you can focus on your marriage and your options for having children.

In some cases, the male patient might not want to be treated. If the test results show sperm abnormalities, some men might experience low self esteem or depression once the problem is identified.

Anyone who is not planning on doing an IVF cycle should not do strict morphology testing.

If more than 14% of the man’s sperm have abnormal morphology forms, studies have shown that fertility is reduced in IVF procedures. Abnormal morphology may also be associated with low sperm count and poor motility. When a couple with unexplained infertility or variable, but low, sperm count and motility on repeated semen analyses are deciding about IVF, a strict sperm morphology may provide more useful information than a semen analysis.