Myths and Facts about Sperms - Male Fertility and Reproductive Health
Sperm health is often misunderstood, leading to myths and misconceptions about fertility. While many believe that sperm thickness determines fertility, the reality is quite different. Sperm quality depends on multiple factors, including count, motility, viability, and morphology. In this blog, we’ll clarify common misconceptions and provide evidence-based insights into sperm health and fertility.
1. Sperm Thickness and Fertility
- The thickness of sperm does not affect fertility or health.
- Sperm count and viability, as measured by microscopic examination, determine fertility.
2. Liquefaction of Sperm
- Sperm must liquefy within 30 minutes following ejaculation.
- Delayed liquefaction can be a sign of an underlying condition that needs medical treatment.
3. Sperm Survival Inside and Outside the Body
- Sperm does not perish immediately after ejaculation.
- Within the vagina, sperm survive for up to three days.
- Sperm usually dies instantly outside of the body because of environmental conditions.
4. Lifespan of Male vs. Female
- Women cease to produce eggs near menopause (about age 50).
- Men keep producing sperm all their lives, although quality worsens with age.
5. Peak and Slow Decline of Sperm Production
- Sperm production reaches its peak at age 26 and declines slowly with time.
- Men are still able to have children well into their 70s and 80s.
- Examples in history are Yasser Arafat, who had children in his 70s.
6. Scientific Discovery of Sperm
- Scientist Antonie van Leeuwenhoek saw sperm cells under the microscope in 1677.
- He recorded the find and submitted it to the Royal Society of England when he was 44 years old.
7. Size Comparison of Reproductive Cells
- The largest reproductive cell in the human body is the female egg.
- The smallest reproductive cell in the human body is the sperm.
- The egg offers all materials necessary for development, whereas sperm offers just genetic material.
8. WHO Guidelines on Sperm Health
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued evidence-based guidelines concerning sperm health since 1980.
- Normal sperm volume per ejaculation is at least 1.4 milliliters.
- Elasticity of sperm is approximately 2 cm; anything beyond this can be a sign of quality problems.
- A normal sperm count should be about 15 million sperm per milliliter and a total of not less than 39 million per ejaculation.
9. Sperm Motility, Viability, and Morphology
- At least 32% should be motile (crawling).
- Approximately 42% should be motile and alive.
- About 58% should be alive with at least 4% having normal morphology (normal shape).
- These traits can only be evaluated under a microscope during a sperm analysis.
10. Influences on Sperm Quality
- Sperm quality and count vary with age, health, lifestyle, diet, and stress.
- Abstinence from alcohol, smoking, and bad habits can greatly enhance sperm quality.
11. Intercourse Frequency and Fertility
- A long interval between intercourse does not increase sperm viability or fertility.
- Sperm quality reduces if ejaculation does not take place for four days, even though sperm count is higher.
- Protection-free frequent intercourse is essential for conception.
- Frequent intercourse, four times a week, improves chances of pregnancy by 83%, whereas fewer times result in 17%.
To Conclude
Knowledge of sperm health is important for dispelling misconceptions and enhancing fertility. As sperm production persists throughout life, lifestyle, nutrition, and how often one engages in intercourse directly affect fertility. Frequent medical check-ups and a healthy way of life may enhance reproductive well-being.
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