Response to Heather

Infertility, which is a major clinical problem today, affects between 8-12% of couples across the globe (Kumar & Singh, 2015). It is estimated that nearly 50% of all infertility cases are due to male-factor. As you correctly pointed out, a human male must have a normal shape and a normal ability to move. The male-factor in all infertility cases across the globe is attributable to suboptimal sperm parameters. These parameters are reflected in your post, which points outs the formation of the shape of sperm cells and the development of the ability of motion. While the shape of the sperm cell and its ability to move are critical parameters, deficiencies in semen and semen quality are factors that have been found to contribute to male infertility. Existing research demonstrates that there is a strong link between abnormal sperm parameters and sperm count (Kumar & Singh, 2015).

In addition to the development of the sperm cell, which is comprehensively discussed in your post, sperm parameters are important considerations when examining male infertility problems. These parameters are classified into three; oligospermia, asthenospermia, and teratospermia. Oligospermia refers to low sperm concentration while asthenospermia refers to abnormal sperm morphology, and teratospermia is poor sperm motility. Therefore, a human male could have a normal sperm shape and mobility but still suffer from infertility because of abnormal sperm parameters. As noted by Omu (2013), poor sperm parameters are by-products of various factors including ill health. In addition, disarray in control mechanism and pre-testicular, testicular, and post-testicular factors could contribute to poor sperm parameters (Kumar & Singh, 2015). From a biblical perspective, God is the giver of children. In this regard, I believe that the problem of male infertility including poor sperm parameters can be addressed by looking up to God and praying for the gift of a child.

References

Kumar, N. & Singh, A.K. (2015). Trends of male factor infertility, an important cause of fertility: A review of literature. Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences, 8(4), 191-196.

Omu, A.E. (2013). Sperm parameters: Paradigmatic index of good health and longevity. Medical Principles and Practice, 22(1), 30-42.