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Fertility Glossary

Progressive motility

Sperm that swim purposefully forwards rather than in place.

Male fertility

Progressive motility counts only sperm moving actively forwards, which is the movement most relevant to natural conception and IUI. Sperm that twitch on the spot are motile but not progressive. This figure is one of the most important on a semen report.

Also known as: progressively motile sperm, forward movement

Sources

  • WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen

Last reviewed: 8 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.

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