1. How Does Ejaculation Occur?
Ejaculation is the release of semen from the male reproductive organ, resulting from sexual stimulation such as intercourse with a partner or masturbation to meet physiological needs. During ejaculation, men experience orgasm and relaxation.
When ejaculation happens, sperm are expelled out. Sperm are male reproductive cells, measuring around 65–70 μm in length. Sperm in men include:
- Head: The head of the sperm contains the cell nucleus, surrounded by a thin layer of cytoplasm and a cell membrane. The front of the sperm head has a thick area called the acrosome (which contains various enzymes important for fertilization).
- Tail: The sperm tail has a neck, a midpiece, a principal piece, and an end piece. The midpiece of the sperm contains mitochondria arranged spirally, which plays a crucial role in sperm movement because this arrangement allows the sperm to move straight forward.
Generally, sperm are produced daily, but it takes about 64–72 days for sperm to complete a full regeneration cycle, from spermatogenesis to full maturation, ready for ejaculation.
2. How Many Sperm Can a Man Produce with Each Ejaculation?
Sperm count is an important measure of a man’s reproductive health, because fertilization requires both the female egg and the male sperm. If a man’s sperm count meets the standard, it helps enhance sperm quality and increases the chance of pregnancy. Conversely, a low sperm count can lead to male infertility and difficulty conceiving.
However, even beyond reproduction, sperm count is an important gauge of overall health. A low sperm count is often associated with obesity, high blood pressure, and greater risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and metabolic syndrome.
So, how many sperm are released each time a man ejaculates? As stated, the number of sperm and semen concentration in each ejaculation depend on the man’s health at the time. Generally, a normal sperm count ranges from 15 million to over 200 million sperm per milliliter of semen. Therefore, fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter is considered a low count, whereas more than 200 million sperm per milliliter is considered high.
3. Signs of a Low Sperm Count
The most common sign of a low sperm count is difficulty conceiving. Additionally, men can look at certain aspects of their semen after ejaculation to detect potential low sperm count:
- Very little semen volume, along with clear, watery semen
- Reduced libido or difficulty maintaining an erection
- Pain or swelling in one testicular area
- Decreased facial or body hair
Low sperm quality in men may be caused by several factors:
- Genetics: If there is a family history of reproductive disorders and poor sperm quality, it can be inherited.
- Frequent stress: Stress, troubles, and sadness can negatively affect sperm quality.
- Using harmful stimulants: If you consume alcohol, beer, cigarettes, or other harmful substances, sperm quality may decrease, and infertility may occur.
- Serious illness: People who have had or are suffering from orchitis (testicular inflammation), prostatitis, chronic illnesses, cancer, etc., all face a higher risk of declining sperm quality.
4. How to Improve Health and Increase Sperm Quality
The healthier the sperm, the higher the chance of successful conception. Therefore, to enhance sperm quality, men should:
- Exercise regularly: Studies show that men who regularly engage in moderate, healthy sports activities tend to have higher sperm counts than those who do not exercise. Exercise not only benefits overall physical health but also helps men produce more sperm.
- Get enough vitamins C and D in your diet: Men who lack daily vitamin C also experience slower sperm count growth and reduced sperm motility. Similarly, men whose blood levels of vitamin D are adequate have a higher chance of conception than those with vitamin D deficiency.
- Include enough Lycopene: Lycopene is an antioxidant found in many fruits and vegetables; consuming 4–8 mg of lycopene may help increase sperm count and viability.
- Limit harmful substances, smoking: Smoking clearly affects semen quality and sperm function, even in men with normal fertility. Also, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to abnormally shaped sperm and low testosterone, affecting fertility.
- Wear breathable underwear and clothing: The testicles need a cool, comfortable environment of about 35–37°C to optimally produce sperm. Wearing tight underwear and clothes constricts the testicles and raises their temperature.
To arrange an appointment, please call HOTLINE or make your reservation directly HERE. You may also download the MyVinmec app to schedule appointments faster and manage your reservations more conveniently.
SEE ALSO
How does sperm formation take place? 11 things about sperm that people often believe are true but are completely false Signs of healthy sperm
