Abnormal Tail Morphology

Fertility marker

Abnormal Tail

Abnormal Tail Morphology

Category: Fertility
Unit: %

The share of abnormal sperm with tail defects: coiled, bent, short or doubled flagella.

PED Notes

No reference range, as with the other morphology sub-types. Generally the least clinically weighty of the three, though coiled tails specifically are worth noting because they are associated with osmotic stress and with prolonged abstinence, both of which are easy to change. A high coiled-tail share is one of the few morphology findings with a straightforward practical fix.

Descriptive rather than diagnostic. Use Sperm Morphology for the assessment.

Coiled tails are the sub-type worth acting on. They are associated with osmotic stress and with long abstinence, so:

  • Shorten abstinence to 2 to 3 days before a sample
  • Stay properly hydrated
  • Avoid scrotal heat in the months before testing

Timeline: about 3 months, being a full spermatogenic cycle plus transit.

History Chart

Reading History

Frequently Asked Questions

Reference Ranges

Standard Range

Not available

Statistics