Testing Essentials: Sperm Motility
If you or your partner are trying to conceive, sperm motility is a crucial factor to understand. It refers to how well sperm move — and movement is essential for reaching and fertilising an egg.
Author
Tassia O’Callaghan
Reviewed by
Kayleigh Hartigan
14 min read
Treatment Spotlight:
- Sperm motility is the ability of sperm to move efficiently through the reproductive tract — essential for natural conception. [1]
- A normal motility rate is considered 40% or more, with at least 32% showing progressive movement. [2,3,4]
- Around 30% of infertility cases are linked to male factors, including poor sperm motility. [5]
- A semen analysis is the main way to test motility, and can be done either with a GP (depending on eligibility) or with a private fertility clinic. [2,6,7]
- Low motility means fewer sperm are moving effectively and can make conception more difficult, though not impossible.
- Motility may be improved with lifestyle changes — like reducing alcohol, managing stress, or avoiding heat exposure. [8,9,10,11,12,13]
- If sperm motility is low, assisted treatments like IVF with ICSI may be recommended — and understanding your results can help shape the best next steps.
What is sperm motility?
Sperm motility is a way of describing how well sperm move — and when it comes to conception, movement really matters. For a sperm cell to reach and fertilise an egg, it needs to swim through the cervix, into the uterus, and up the fallopian tubes. That journey requires energy, direction, and healthy flagella (the tail-like structures that propel sperm forward). Motility is what allows that entire process to happen. [14]
What’s happening behind the scenes? Motility is powered by the mitochondria located in the sperm’s midsection, which act like tiny energy plants, fuelling the flagellum to whip and propel. Several factors can influence how well this works — from oxidative stress and DNA fragmentation to infections or even the temperature of the scrotum. [8,9,10,11,12,13]
Motility also plays a role in how sperm interact with the egg once they arrive. Certain proteins help sperm respond to chemical signals released by the egg — and sperm that lack proper motility often struggle to respond to these signals or penetrate the egg’s outer layer. [15]
Understanding and addressing motility early on can help shape the best next steps — whether that’s lifestyle changes, medical treatment, or exploring assisted fertility options.
What activates sperm motility?
Sperm activate as they mix with seminal fluid and begin their journey. Certain chemicals, enzymes, and pH conditions trigger movement. In the lab, sperm are sometimes activated or “capacitated” to prepare for ICSI or IUI.
Who are sperm motility tests for?
A semen analysis can be helpful for anyone trying to conceive, whether through sex or assisted treatment. Fertility challenges aren’t just a “female” issue — around 30% of infertility cases are linked to male factors. That’s why understanding sperm health is just as important as understanding egg health when planning your next step. [5]
Testing sperm motility may be especially helpful if:
- You’ve been trying to conceive for 6–12 months without success
- You’ve had previous fertility issues or unsuccessful IVF or IUI cycles
- You want a fertility baseline before trying
- You’ve had chemotherapy, injury, infection, or other medical conditions that could affect sperm [16]
- You’re over 40, or have been exposed to environmental or lifestyle risk factors, such as obesity, pollution, harmful chemicals, excessive heat, smoking, and high alcohol consumption [17,18]
How is sperm motility tested?
Sperm motility is usually checked as part of a semen analysis — a lab test that looks at the overall quality of a sperm sample, including how many sperm are moving and how well they’re moving. [2,6,7]
The process starts with providing a semen sample, ideally after 2–7 days of no ejaculation. This can be done at home or in a private space at the clinic, and it’s important to collect the whole sample in a sterile container (no regular condoms — they often contain chemicals that can damage sperm). If you’re collecting it at home, you’ll need to get it to the lab within an hour, and keep it at room temperature.
Once at the lab, your sample is checked under a microscope using WHO-approved methods. [19]
Specialists will assess:
- Motility: The percentage of sperm that are moving.
- Progressive motility: How many are moving purposefully in the right direction.
- Vitality: Whether immotile sperm are dead or just slow.
- Semen volume: The total amount of ejaculate.
- Sperm concentration (AKA sperm count): How many sperm per millilitre.
- Morphology: The size and shape of sperm.
- Semen pH: Which can affect sperm function.
- Signs of infection or inflammation: Such as white blood cells.
- Agglutination: Whether sperm are clumping together, which can limit movement. [20]
Sperm motility is best assessed within an hour of ejaculation, so timing matters. If your results show lower-than-expected motility, your doctor might recommend repeating the test a few months later — sperm take about 3 months to regenerate, and a single test doesn’t always give the full picture.
For the clearest results, many clinics suggest doing two or more semen analyses, especially if the first shows anything unusual. These tests are often part of a broader fertility assessment that includes hormone checks and a physical exam.
Why do I need a sperm motility test?
Sperm motility is considered one of the biggest contributors to male fertility. If sperm can’t move well, they may not reach or fertilise the egg — even if sperm count is normal. [21]
If you’ve been trying to conceive without success, or you’re planning to begin fertility treatment, testing motility can offer important clarity. It helps identify whether difficulties might be linked to how the sperm function, not just how many there are. That can make a real difference in what next steps are most likely to help — whether that’s trying naturally a little longer, considering IUI, or being referred for IVF with ICSI.
Sperm motility is a functional marker — it reflects the sperm’s ability to perform. And because it often changes over time (due to lifestyle, environment, or even illness), testing it gives you the chance to either take action or feel reassured you’re on the right track. [17,18]
Male Fertility Tests & Sperm Tests
Male factor fertility issues play a role in around 50% of couples struggling to conceive — but are often overlooked in the early stages of testing.
Can I ask my GP for a sperm motility test?
Yes — you can ask your GP for a semen analysis, which includes sperm motility testing as part of the standard evaluation. If you’ve been trying to conceive for 12 months or more (or 6 months if your partner is 35 or older), you may be eligible for NHS investigations into potential fertility issues, and that typically begins with tests like this. [7,22]
The referral process might vary depending on where you live (your local ICB, or integrated care board), and waiting times can be longer in some areas. If you’re concerned, it’s absolutely valid to bring it up with your GP, even before hitting the one-year mark. You can explain your reasons for wanting clarity or mention any other signs that prompted concern.
If you’re facing long waits, want faster answers, or would simply prefer to choose who you speak to and when, private clinics are another option. Many offer comprehensive fertility testing, including advanced sperm analysis, with shorter waiting times and more personalised support.
Not sure where to start? You can use our Clinic Match tool to find trusted private fertility clinics that fit your needs — including those that specialise in male-factor fertility. It’s free to use, and it takes into account your location, preferences, and eligibility.
How much does a sperm motility test cost?
If you’re referred by your GP for a semen analysis, sperm motility will usually be checked at no cost through the NHS. For those going private, prices can vary quite a lot depending on the clinic and what’s included. A straightforward semen analysis — which looks at how many sperm you have, their shape, and how well they move — usually falls between £100 and £210, with the average cost sitting around £175 in a fertility clinic.
Some clinics package this into a broader male fertility check, often called a Fertility MOT. These can include more advanced testing, consultations, and sometimes additional support, with prices ranging from £449 to £1,150, and a typical advertised cost of £475 for a heterosexual couple. Andrology centres, which specialise in sperm testing, tend to charge between £139 and £199, averaging £189.
Home testing kits are another option, but prices and accuracy vary widely. In the UK, they currently range from around £85 to £320, with most clustered closer to £98.
We’re working on expanding this cost breakdown with more UK-wide figures to give you a clearer view — more information coming soon!
What is a ‘normal’ sperm motility level?
According to the World Health Organization’s 6th Edition lab manual (2021), a normal sperm motility level means that at least 42% of sperm are moving, with 30% or more showing progressive movement — that is, swimming purposefully in a forward direction. [4,23]
The guidelines also reintroduced two categories of progressive motility: fast and slow. While not all clinics break it down this way, it reflects a move toward more detailed assessment in some settings.
Motility is just one part of the fertility picture, and reference values are not strict cut-offs. Instead, they help highlight when further investigation, lifestyle changes, or treatment might be helpful — depending on your overall fertility profile.
What is a ‘low’ sperm motility level?
Low sperm motility (sometimes called asthenozoospermia) means that a smaller proportion of sperm are moving effectively, and is typically classed as less than 42% of total motility or less than 30% of progressive motility. [4,23]
While the WHO has moved away from using diagnostic labels like asthenozoospermia, many clinicians still rely on these thresholds to flag when further investigation might be helpful.
Low motility doesn’t always mean something is wrong, or that conception is off the table — but it does mean the sperm may have a harder time reaching the egg without support. It’s often considered alongside other sperm parameters (like vitality, morphology, and DNA quality) to build a fuller picture of male fertility.
In cases of severely reduced motility, assisted treatments like IVF with ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) or IUI may be recommended, where a single sperm is injected directly into the egg.
How serious is low sperm motility?
Whether or not low sperm motility considered “serious” often depends on what’s behind it. For some, low motility can happen without a clear reason. In other cases, it may be linked to medical factors like infections, hormonal issues, or testicular injury — or to external factors like obesity, exposure to heat or toxins, smoking, or high alcohol intake. When that’s the case, it’s worth investigating further to understand whether there’s something that can be treated or improved.
What is the minimum sperm motility for IVF?
Many clinics recommend at least 32% progressive motility for IVF without ICSI. If motility is lower, ICSI (where a single sperm is injected directly into the egg) is often used to improve success rates.
What is a ‘high’ sperm motility level?
There’s no official cut-off for what counts as ‘high’ sperm motility — only a clinical definition for what’s considered low. That’s typically anything below 40% total motility or 30% progressive motility. So if your results are well above those levels, that’s generally seen as a reassuring sign. [2,4,23]
But motility is just one part of the picture. Even with high sperm motility, it’s still possible to experience difficulty conceiving. That’s why fertility specialists will look at other parts of a semen analysis too — like sperm count, shape (morphology), and DNA quality — as well as factors that affect your partner’s fertility.
If your sperm motility is within or above the expected range and you’re still not getting pregnant, it’s worth speaking to a fertility specialist. They can help you dig deeper and figure out what else might be going on — so you’re not left guessing.
Find the right clinic for you
Choosing a clinic is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. We’ll help find the best options for you, whatever your journey.
Can sperm motility be improved?
Yes — sperm motility can be improved, depending on whether certain lifestyle or environmental factors are involved. Because sperm take around 64 days to regenerate, changes made today could start showing up in test results within a few months. [24]
Some of the most effective ways to support better motility include: [16,17,18]
- Eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet (plenty of whole foods, antioxidants, and healthy fats)
- Getting regular exercise, at a level that supports overall wellbeing without overtraining
- Cutting down on alcohol and quitting smoking
- Avoiding excess heat (like hot tubs, saunas, and tight underwear)
- Improving sleep and reducing chronic stress
Sometimes, low motility is linked to medical conditions like infections, past chemotherapy, or hormonal imbalances. It can also be affected by age, exposure to pollution or harmful chemicals, or underlying conditions you might not yet be aware of. In these cases, lifestyle changes may still help — but it’s also worth speaking to a fertility specialist to explore possible treatment or support options.
If you’re unsure what’s behind your results, or you want tailored advice on improving them, a clinic can run further tests and help guide your next steps. Motility isn’t fixed — and in many cases, it can be nudged in the right direction.
Can you improve sperm motility in 2 weeks?
Two weeks isn’t long enough to make a big shift in sperm motility — but it’s still a valuable window to start making changes. Sperm take around 64 days to fully regenerate, so improvements in motility usually show up after 2–3 months of consistent lifestyle changes. [24]
That said, the steps you take now — whether it’s cutting back on alcohol, improving your diet, or reducing heat exposure — can lay the foundation for better sperm health down the line. Think of it less as a quick fix, and more as the first step in the right direction.
Does ejaculating more increase sperm motility?
There’s not enough evidence to say for sure — but early research suggests that frequent ejaculation may support sperm quality in some cases, especially where oxidative stress is a concern.
One small study found that daily ejaculation for two weeks had no major negative effect on sperm motility, DNA fragmentation, or other functional parameters. In fact, this approach may help reduce oxidative damage by limiting how long sperm are stored in the reproductive tract. [25]
That said, the research is still limited. Frequent ejaculation isn’t guaranteed to improve motility — but it doesn’t seem to harm it either. For most people trying to conceive, ejaculating (during intercourse to conceive) every 1–2 days around ovulation is a good starting point. If you’re working with known sperm issues, your clinic may suggest a more personalised approach.
Does sperm washing increase motility?
Sperm washing doesn’t improve motility overall — but it does help isolate the sperm that are already moving well in a given sample.
The process involves removing the seminal plasma and concentrating the sperm into a smaller volume, typically for use in treatments like IUI (intrauterine insemination). While it’s a quick and commonly used lab technique, it doesn’t filter out non-motile sperm completely or improve their function — it simply makes it easier to work with the most motile sperm already present. [26]
Sperm washing can improve the motility profile of a processed sample, but it doesn’t actually boost sperm motility in the body or fix underlying issues. It’s a lab-based selection method — not a treatment.
Can drinking water improve sperm motility?
Drinking more water won’t directly boost sperm motility — but staying hydrated is still a good move for overall sperm health.
Semen is mostly water, so if you’re dehydrated, it can affect semen volume and how sperm function. While water alone won’t transform motility, hydration supports the body’s natural processes, including those involved in sperm production and movement. As part of a balanced diet, regular movement, and healthy lifestyle, it plays a small but helpful role. [8]
Next steps after a sperm motility test
Once your sperm motility results come through, your next step depends on what they show — and what else might be affecting your fertility. But one of the most important things you can do at this stage is to go through your results with a fertility doctor. They can help you understand what the numbers actually mean in your individual case, and guide you on the most effective next steps.
If your motility is within the expected range but you’re still not conceiving, a doctor may suggest looking at other aspects of the semen analysis — or exploring fertility testing for your partner. If your results show low or borderline motility, they may recommend lifestyle changes, repeating the test in 2–3 months, or starting to consider assisted treatments like IUI or IVF with ICSI.
Sperm motility is just one piece of the puzzle, but it’s a meaningful one. Understanding your results, and talking them through with someone who specialises in fertility, can help you take control of the next stage of your path — whatever that looks like for you.
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