There are several different standards for morphology reporting. There is an older standard called WHO morphology, where 30% normal forms is a ‘perfect score’. The most common method of reporting nowadays is called Kruger or ‘strict’, where the ideal range is 15% or greater normal morphology.
To answer your original question: yes, low morphology means your husband may be ‘subfertile’ and it may be harder to conceive naturally. Dr Kruger’s group compared morphology with other numbers like count and motility, and all were helpful at identifying men with subfertility, with a value of under 5% for strict morphology being the suggested cutoff. More abnormal shaped sperm means he may have more sperm with genetic abnormalities.
Even if the abnormal morphology test was done at a fertility clinic using the Kruger or strict morphology, one repeat semen analysis 1-2 months after the first is still a good idea.
None of the sperm tests are 100% predictive, though – you may still get pregnant ‘easily’ as it only takes one good sperm to fertilize an egg.
I recommend seeing a Fertility specialist (Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility or REI MD) for further testing and advice, if you aren’t already seeing one.
