All the facts about male sperm: composition, properties, uses, analysis standards
Male sperm is the human ejaculate that enables humans to reproduce. Typically, they are associated with fertilization by sperm. In fact, these cells make up a very small portion of male semen. The composition of this fluid is highly variable, but it”s not only the specific components of semen that are of interest, but also the various sperm characteristics that can be caused by these factors.
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In reproductive processes, proper stimulation of the reproductive structures of both the female and male is essential. Fertilization occurs only when eggs from the female come into contact with sperm from the male. However, in the case of female organs, sperm alone is not enough.
And here, nature has developed a unique configuration. For fertilization, the male, otherwise known as the individual, requires a special fluid. Contrary to popular belief, both the composition and characteristics of sperm are richer than one might assume. Read the article to learn more about the proper composition of sperm.
Composition
Theoretically, it might seem that sperm are the main component of the secretion that enables fertilization of the egg. In fact, they make up only 1% of the total number of sperm.
The composition of male sperm is quite varied, and, furthermore, many different male organs are involved in their production. The secretory component is produced in structures such as the testicular circle (secreted by sperm), the prostatic gland (commonly called the prostate), the seminal vesicles, and the testicular circle. In addition to this secretory component, you may also find:
- Vitamins (particularly vitamin B12 and vitamin C),
- Various enzymes,
- Steroid hormones,
- Amino acids,
- Carbohydrates such as fructose or galactose,
- Minerals (such as calcium, selenium, zinc, and magnesium),
- Prostaglandins,
- Lipids,
- Various organic compounds (these substances protect sperm from the acidic environment of the female vagina),
- Spermine,
- Cholesterol.
What are the normal values?
Semen examination is not considered one of the main clinical tests performed on men. Analysis of this fluid is not carried out during medical examinations, but only in situations where there is a reason for this. As a rule, they consider it in situations where a couple experiences certain difficulties in getting pregnant.
Unfortunately, such disorders are becoming more and more common — according to the latest statistics, 15% of couples experience problems with fertility. According to statistics, in half of such situations, fertility disorders lead to some disorders in women and occur in half of men. The existence of such statistics should convince both partners of the need to conduct research.
The parameters of seeds that are considered correct have changed over the years. The World Health Organization (WHO) regularly updates this data, and based on information received since 2010, the following parameters are considered correct
- Number of sperm per ml: at least 15 million,
- Volume: no less than 1. 5 ml,
- Acidity (pH): above 7. 2,
- Total number of sperm: more than 39 million,
- Percentage of live sperm in semen: more than 58%,
- Percentage of sperm showing progressive movement: minimum 32%,
- Percentage of sperm with the correct structure: minimum 4%.
When discussing acceptable parameters for ejaculation, one aspect needs to be addressed. If the patient”s sperm deviates from one or more parameters, and if it deviates from all, then such a man is infertile.
Inaccurate sperm test results may be the result of actual fertility problems. Deviations may be the result of completely different factors. For a semen analysis to be reliable, it must be performed after at least three days of abstinence from sexual intercourse. In addition, the quality of secretion is also affected by the general health of a man. Overcoming any infection, even a relatively mild infection with fever, can cause abnormal results.
Properties
The amount of fluid expelled from the body during ejaculation (ejaculation) varies — this parameter is an individual characteristic. The average amount of fluid released is approximately 3. 4 ml. However, it may be less or more. It is relatively common for a teaspoon of sperm to appear during ejaculation.
The sperm environment is slightly alkaline, which allows cells to migrate into the vagina (in an acidic environment, cells may lose the ability to migrate).
A single semen sample can contain up to 500 million sperm. Why are so many of these cells expelled from the body? Therefore, the sperm that enter a woman”s vagina along with the fluid undergo a very long journey before coming into contact with the egg.
Read also: What is male sperm made of: TOP 10 facts you didn”t know
The chemical composition of male sperm is very interesting from a scientific perspective. They say it can also be beneficial. Is this true? Myths and truth. Before.
Most of them die during this arduous journey—it is believed that this is a kind of evolutionary mechanism. After all, it is believed that the “best” sperm will eventually reach the egg, providing the embryo with the best set of male genes.
It is also important to monitor sperm secretion. This is because abnormalities can indicate a serious problem.
How long do sperm live?
How long can sperm survive? The answer depends on the condition of the seed. On a dry surface, sperm lose viability as soon as they dry out. In a moist environment, sperm can survive for 3-5 days. Therefore, in the case of unprotected intercourse before ovulation, it is impossible to definitively conclude that pregnancy has not occurred. Penetration of the egg by the sperm can occur within 3-5 days after intercourse, making fertilization possible.
In a warm environment, sperm can survive (in vitro) for about 18 hours. When body temperature drops to 20°C, sperm survival triples. In an alkaline environment inside the body (e. g., in the cervix, uterine cavity, fallopian tubes), sperm can survive for up to 48 hours. Survival for up to 72 hours has been reported. However, in the vagina, where the environment is acidic, they can last up to 2 hours.
An adult man can produce over 150 million sperm per day. According to WHO standards, sperm is considered fertile if it contains between 20 and 250 million sperm per milliliter.
Does abstinence improve quality?
Moderate abstinence has a positive effect on the quality of this fluid, but after 14 days, its quality rapidly declines. If the male copulates frequently (more than once every three days), the quality also declines. Immature sperm do not have time to mature and are released from the epididymis too quickly.
Where are sperm located?
Despite many modern discoveries about the numerous properties of semen, semen will forever remain its most important ingredient. After all, it is thanks to them that a new life is born.
Interestingly, they were only discovered in the 17th century. Having examined various objects and substances under a microscope, the Dutch merchant decided to study the secrets of man. He was interested in very busy small cells. Thanks to these home tests, the world soon became aware of sperm.
Where there is room temperature, they do not die quickly. Thanks to the contact with the seed on the towel, the fear of women who may think that it has achieved fertilization can be safely put aside.
Interestingly, not only sperm can be fertilized. Despite numerous doubts, it was eventually confirmed that they were also included. Discharge appears during sexual arousal, when ejaculation does not occur for a long time. However, the sperm they contain have impaired motility and are much less common than spermatozoa. Pre-ejaculation in the vagina can lead to pregnancy, but it is much more complicated.
Normal spermogram
Uses
Male semen, of course, can be considered one of the most interesting human secretions. According to some people, it can be used for cosmetic purposes. This is due to the fact that one of the components of the aforementioned ejaculate — sperm — is an antioxidant that has a firming and moisturizing effect, especially on the skin. The seminal fluid of some animals is already actively used for cosmetic purposes, increasing the composition of creams.
At the beginning of the 21st century, studies were conducted to determine whether sperm could have an antidepressant effect on women. Such claims were made on the basis that women with depressive disorders reported some improvement in mental health after sex without a condom compared to patients who used protection during intercourse.
However, it is possible that a component of semen may lead to improved mood — this is not entirely clear. The antidepressant effect was due to the presence of prostaglandins in male secretions. Read the article for detailed answers to the question of what helps sperm.
Allergies to peanuts and poisons probably do not surprise anyone, but it turns out that allergic reactions can also occur to sperm. Women who experience these problems may experience skin reactions or problems urinating after coming into contact with male secretions, which can lead to anaphylactic shock and death.
Interestingly, the presence of sperm allergies in women is not associated with the fact that they cannot conceive a child. In this case, the allergy does not extend to the sperm itself. There is only increased sensitivity to other components of secretion.
How to improve sperm quality?
A healthy diet has a beneficial effect on the quality of male sperm. Vitamin C plays a special role. It improves the absorption of certain minerals, such as zinc, potassium and copper. They have a positive effect on sperm motility and viability.
Therefore, it is worth enriching your diet with raw vegetables (peppers, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts) and fruits (black currants, strawberries, citrus fruits).
To increase the chances of fertilization, men should drink alcohol and avoid smoking cigarettes.
Infertility is often confused with impotence or decreased libido. By the way, this is why some people do not accept information that they have some fertility problems and are reluctant to try to get treatment.
Research
Modern lifestyle contributes to a decrease in sperm quality. The World Health Organization has gradually reduced the normal amount of ejaculate per ml from 60 million to 15 million.
A natural consequence of this state of affairs is frequent problems with male feces. In particular, the reasons for a decrease in sperm count are a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, stress, bad habits, and in recent years, the habit of holding a laptop on your lap.
Although professional ejaculation testing is becoming more common, few men still undertake it. And bad sperm is best diagnosed at an early stage. This makes it easier to restore quality.
Ideally, a man”s sperm should be tested every few years. Tests are performed in fertility clinics and in some medical laboratories. Research, as a rule, is not expensive, but the nerves and time of a male representative and his partner in this case can be significantly saved.
