How to Improve Sperm Motility | The Fertility Institute

Fertility can feel complicated, and it’s normal to worry about your role in starting a family. If you’ve been thinking about how to improve sperm motility, you’re not alone—and there are steps you can take. At The Fertility Institute, we provide guidance that’s practical, science-backed, and designed to help you feel empowered rather than overwhelmed.

Please note: While we do perform semen analysis as part of fertility testing, The Fertility Institute is not a sperm bank and does not collect sperm donations.

Understanding Sperm Motility

Sperm motility refers to how well sperm move forward. Even if sperm count and shape are healthy, poor motility can make it harder for sperm to reach an egg. That’s why motility is one of the first things checked in a fertility evaluation.

A semen analysis measures motility, and if results show it’s below optimal levels, your specialist can help identify underlying causes and suggest ways to improve it. Many patients see meaningful changes with lifestyle adjustments, targeted support, and a few strategic habits.

Semen analysis also checks:

Sperm count

Sperm motility (movement)

Morphology (size, shape)

Quality (such as consistency, alkalinity or acidity)

Volume

Signs of white blood cells, which could signal an infection or an abnormality

To ensure a semen analysis is accurate, our fertility specialists will need to consider both temperature and timing. The closer the semen is to human body temperature and the sooner the semen analysis occurs, the more reliable the testing.

For this reason, it is important to schedule an appointment with us before dropping off a semen analysis sample.

Evidence-Based Ways to Support Sperm Motility

Research shows that several lifestyle and medical interventions can support sperm motility and overall fertility. Although not guaranteed, doing the following may help to improve sperm motility in otherwise healthy individuals:

Maintain a healthy weight

Being underweight or carrying excess body fat can negatively affect hormone balance and sperm function.

Engage in regular, moderate exercise

Studies, including one from Bioscientifica, show that six months of consistent physical activity can significantly improve sperm quality.*

Reduce heat exposure

Avoid prolonged sitting, tight clothing, putting your laptop on your lap, and frequent hot tubs, which can raise scrotal temperature and impact motility.

Review medications and supplements

Prescription or over-the-counter substances may influence sperm quality. Your provider can guide you on safe adjustments.

Limit alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and toxins

Avoid alcohol, tobacco, steroids, and recreational drugs. Limit exposure to pesticides, smoke, chemicals, and harmful lubricants to support sperm health.

Protect reproductive health during medical treatments

Fertility preservation is recommended before chemotherapy, radiation, or certain surgeries.

Medical Treatments That Can Help

If you’re diagnosed with poor sperm motility or other fertility concerns following a semen analysis, specialized medical interventions can make a meaningful difference:

Medication

Hormonal imbalances, infections, or erectile dysfunction can be treated with targeted therapy.

Surgery

Procedures can address blockages in the reproductive tract, reconnect the vas deferens after a vasectomy, or retrieve sperm directly for use in assisted reproductive techniques.

Assisted Reproduction

Options like intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can help overcome motility issues and other male factor infertility challenges.

FAQs

When should I consider a fertility evaluation?

If pregnancy hasn’t occurred after a year of trying—or six months if you or your partner is over 35—a fertility evaluation can provide clarity. Sperm motility is just one part of the picture, and a full assessment helps you understand your options. Many people feel relieved once they get a baseline of information and a plan for moving forward.

How can a fertility center support sperm motility?

In addition to lifestyle changes, fertility specialists can recommend targeted treatments. These may include hormone-balancing medications, surgical corrections, or assisted reproductive techniques such as IVF (in vitro fertilization) or ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection).

Does gender-affirming care affect motility?

Hormone therapies such as estrogen or antiandrogens can reduce or temporarily pause sperm production, which may impact motility. Because sperm development takes about three months, it’s important to plan ahead before starting any hormone treatment. Many patients choose to complete semen analysis and sperm freezing beforehand, working with fertility specialists to preserve future family-building options.

Connect with Our Louisiana Fertility Clinic

At The Fertility Institute, our Louisiana clinics near Metairie, Baton Rouge, and Mandeville provide confidential, supportive care for individuals and couples of all backgrounds.

Whether you’re exploring fertility preservation, recovering from medical treatment, or planning your future family, our team gives clear guidance, compassionate answers, and practical steps to help you move forward with confidence.

Reach out today to schedule a consultation or ask questions—we’re here for you.

*Source: Bioscientifica

How to Improve Sperm Motility—Your No-Nonsense Guide