For this third entry, i have decided to explain how sperms actually move about!
In evaluating motility with sperms, they are classified as non-motile, progressively motile or non-progressively motile. A progressively motile sperm swims forward in an essentially straight line, whereas a non-progressively motile sperm swims, but with an abnormal path, such as in tight circles.( An example could be seen in the picture above)
Another term that is sometimes used is "total motility" which refers to the fraction of sperm that display any type of movement. This concept is the norm for describing human sperm motility.
When analyzing motility, it is important to know whether the semen sample has been abused in any way. Exposure to heat, cold, any kind of residue on collection equipment, or the wrong pH or osmolality of an extender can adversely affect motility. Motility is also affected by periods of sexual inactivity - males that have not ejaculated for prolonged periods often have poor motility on the first ejaculate, but much better motility for a second ejaculate collected soon thereafter.
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