Sperm and semen are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Sperm are the male reproductive cells that carry the genetic material to fertilize the female egg. Semen is the fluid that transports and nourishes the sperm during ejaculation. In this article, we will explain the difference between sperm and semen in more detail, and answer some common questions about them.
What is Sperm?
Sperm are microscopic cells that are produced in the testicles of males. They have a distinctive shape, with an oval head and a long tail. The head contains the male DNA, which is made of 23 chromosomes. The tail helps the sperm move and swim towards the egg.
Sperm production starts at puberty and continues throughout life. It is estimated that an average man produces about 1500 sperm cells per second. However, not all sperm cells are mature or viable. It takes about two months for a sperm cell to fully develop and be ready for ejaculation.
Sperm quality and quantity are important factors for male fertility. Sperm quality refers to the shape, size, and movement of the sperm cells. Sperm quantity refers to the number of sperm cells in a given volume of semen. A normal sperm count ranges from 15 million to 200 million sperm per milliliter of semen.
What is Semen?
Semen is the whitish or grayish fluid that comes out of the penis during ejaculation. It is composed of various fluids and substances that are secreted by different glands in the male reproductive system. These include:
- The testicles, which produce sperm cells.
- The epididymis, which stores and transports sperm cells from the testicles to the vas deferens.
- The vas deferens, which connects the epididymis to the urethra.
- The seminal vesicles, which produce a thick fluid that contains fructose, amino acids, and other nutrients for the sperm.
- The prostate gland, which produces a thin fluid that contains enzymes, zinc, and other substances that help activate and protect the sperm.
- The bulbourethral glands, which produce a clear fluid that lubricates the urethra and neutralizes any acidic urine residue.
The main function of semen is to carry and nourish the sperm cells during their journey to the egg. Semen also provides a medium for the sperm to swim in, and helps prevent infection and damage to the sperm by maintaining a suitable pH level.
The average volume of semen ejaculated by a man is about 3 to 5 milliliters (about a teaspoon). However, this can vary depending on several factors, such as age, hydration, frequency of ejaculation, diet, and overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions and answers about sperm and semen:
- Is there sperm in pre-cum? Pre-cum or pre-ejaculate is the clear fluid that leaks out of the penis before ejaculation. It is produced by the bulbourethral glands and serves as a lubricant and a neutralizer for the urethra. Pre-cum does not contain sperm by itself, but it may pick up some residual sperm from previous ejaculations. Therefore, there is a small chance of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from pre-cum.
- How long can sperm survive outside the body? Sperm can only survive for a few minutes outside the body, as they are sensitive to temperature, humidity, and exposure to air. However, if they are inside a moist environment, such as a vagina, a cervix, or a uterus, they can survive for up to five days.
- How long can sperm survive inside the body? Sperm can survive inside the female reproductive tract for up to five days after ejaculation. However, this depends on several factors, such as the quality and quantity of the sperm, the timing of ovulation, and the acidity of the vaginal environment.
- Can you run out of sperm? No, you cannot run out of sperm. As long as you have healthy testicles, you will continue to produce sperm throughout your life. However, you may experience a temporary decrease in semen volume or sperm count if you ejaculate frequently or have certain medical conditions or lifestyle factors that affect your sperm production.
Conclusion
Sperm and semen are two different but related aspects of male reproduction. Sperm are the male reproductive cells that carry the genetic material to fertilize the female egg. Semen is the fluid that transports and nourishes the sperm during ejaculation. Both sperm and semen play important roles in male fertility and sexual health. Understanding their difference can help you improve your reproductive health and prevent unwanted pregnancies or STIs.
