Men begin producing sperm during their teenage years, and continue throughout their lifetime. Sperm production requires the appropriate interaction of a number of hormones, particularly testosterone.
Sperm production occurs in tiny tubules, packed in each testicle. Sperm move from the testicle into the epididymis, a larger tube that runs along the testicle within the scrotum. The complete process of producing a sperm and sperm transit through the epididymis takes about 2 months.
The quality of semen is evaluated in the laboratory by semen analysis In some men, the testicles may produce few sperm (called oligospermia) and-or abnormal sperm. Sperm abnormalities can include poor motility, which prevents sperm from reaching the egg or penetrating the egg coatings. The sperm may also have abnormal shapes (morphology). Sperm with poor morphology are less able to reach the egg and complete fertilization.
When ejaculation occurs, a tubule called the vas deferens (or vas) contracts, propelling the sperm out of the epididymis and into the penis. The vas is surgically cut when a vasectomy is performed.
As sperm leave the vas and enter the penis, secretions from two glands, the prostate and the seminal vesicles, are added to the semen.
Infections or damage to the testicle, epididymis or prostate can reduce semen quality.
Sperm production occurs in tiny tubules, packed in each testicle. Sperm move from the testicle into the epididymis, a larger tube that runs along the testicle within the scrotum. The complete process of producing a sperm and sperm transit through the epididymis takes about 2 months.
The quality of semen is evaluated in the laboratory by semen analysis In some men, the testicles may produce few sperm (called oligospermia) and-or abnormal sperm. Sperm abnormalities can include poor motility, which prevents sperm from reaching the egg or penetrating the egg coatings. The sperm may also have abnormal shapes (morphology). Sperm with poor morphology are less able to reach the egg and complete fertilization.
When ejaculation occurs, a tubule called the vas deferens (or vas) contracts, propelling the sperm out of the epididymis and into the penis. The vas is surgically cut when a vasectomy is performed.
As sperm leave the vas and enter the penis, secretions from two glands, the prostate and the seminal vesicles, are added to the semen.
Infections or damage to the testicle, epididymis or prostate can reduce semen quality.
