
Sperm is the male reproductive cell or gamete. The term “gamete” implies that the cell is half of a whole.
When a sperm combines with a female gamete, or egg, it results in a human embryo. Sperm is the male reproductive cell or gamete. The term “gamete” implies that the cell is half of a whole. When a sperm combines with a female gamete, or egg, it results in a human embryo.
When studying a sperm cell under a microscope, scientists can typically identify the following three parts: The head The sperm head contains chromatin, which is the DNA material that makes up chromosomes. Typically, both the human sperm cell and the human egg cell each contain 23 chromosomes. When the sperm and egg combine, this results in an embryo with 46 chromosomes. Covering the head of the sperm is a cap that doctors call an acrosome. The acrosome contains proteins that help the sperm penetrate the outer shell of an egg. The midsection The midsection of the sperm contains energy producing mitochondria. These specialized structures provide the energy necessary for the sperm cell to move. The tail The purpose of the sperm tail, or flagellum, is to allow movement. The tail propels the sperm forward, towards an egg for fertilization.
Where it is produced?
The testicles are the male reproductive organs responsible for making sperm. They also produce testosterone, which is a sex hormone responsible for many male characteristics. Spermatogenesis is the process of creating sperm cells. This process begins in the seminiferous tubules within the testicles. These tubules produce sperm cells called spermatocytes. Spermatocytes undergo several rounds of division to turn the cells into spermatids. Spermatids are young sperm that must grow and mature until they become sperm cells.
According to a 2013 article, the male body takes about 74 days to produce new sperm cells. This time can vary from person to person.
For Infertility, if both partner is active with regular sexual activities without any contraception, they will go for semen analysis along with Hormonal profile & scrotum scan.
A semen analysis assesses the sperm count and the following factors: semen volume sperm concentration sperm motility sperm morphology Sperm count can be important if you’re trying to conceive a child. An abnormal sperm count may also indicate an underlying health condition.
A normal sperm count ranges from 15 million sperm to more than 200 million sperm per milliliter (mL) of semen. Anything less than 15 million sperm per milliliter, or 39 million sperm per ejaculate, is considered low. A low sperm count is often referred to as oligospermia. A high, or above average, sperm count is over 200 million sperm per millimeter. We can determine the sperm count through a semen analysis. Total sperm count in ejaculate 39–928 million Ejaculate volume 1.5–7.6 mL Sperm concentration 15–259 million per mL Total motility (progressive and non-progressive) 40–81 percent Progressive motility 32–75 percent Sperm morphology 4–48 percent
Factors affecting Sperm defect;
– inactive lifestyle
– excessive alcohol consumption
– smoking cigarettes
– taking artificial steroids, including workout supplements – use of illegal drugs
– Occupational like working more time with laptop, exposure to any chemicals etc, – prolonged exposure to heat, such as saunas or hot tubs – Physical abnormalities like Reproductive tract abnormalities like Varicocele, descended testis, etc,
Management; Non- medical like life style changes like food habit, physical exercise and also sleeping hours.
Medical treatment: Hormonal/ Non- Hormonal treatment