Everything You Need to Know About the Male Reproductive System

The Male Reproductive System

The Penis and Scrotum

The penis and scrotum are the two external parts of the male reproductive system, located outside the body. The scrotum is the sac of skin that hangs below the penis and contains the testes, crucial for sperm production.

The Testes

The two testes are the sites of initial sperm production (spermatogenesis) and produce sex hormones like testosterone.

The Epididymis

The epididymis, connected to each testicle, is a tube where sperm mature before ejaculation. It connects each testicle to the vas deferens, two tubes that transport sperm during ejaculation, collecting secretions from the seminal vesicles and prostate.

The Seminal Vesicles

These two small organs near the bladder produce fluid that helps sperm motility.

The Prostate

The prostate gland produces an alkaline fluid that helps sperm survive in the acidic vaginal environment.

The Sperm

Each sperm consists of three parts:

• The sperm head, containing DNA, penetrates the egg;
• The mid-section or body produces energy for movement;
• The tail propels the sperm towards the egg.

Hormones

Testosterone stimulates sperm production (spermatogenesis). LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) are crucial for testicular function and testosterone production.

A normally functioning male reproductive system produces sperm and facilitates its journey to the egg for fertilization.

What Factors Influence Sperm Development?

Sperm quality, its ability to reach and penetrate an egg, is measured by four parameters in a semen analysis:

These parameters are:

• Concentration: the number of sperm per milliliter of ejaculate;
• Volume: the amount of ejaculated semen;
• Motility: the sperm's ability to move or swim;
• Morphology: the sperm's shape, size, and form. Abnormal development (e.g., large head or multiple tails) may affect fertility, though its importance remains debated.

Male infertility often stems from:

• Problems with sperm production;
• Issues with sperm delivery (transport through and exit from the reproductive organs);
• Sexual dysfunction (e.g., erectile dysfunction preventing ejaculation).

Male sterility is most commonly linked to impaired sperm production (e.g., low sperm count or motility). Rarer causes include blockages in the reproductive organs. Techniques like testicular biopsy and micro-TESE extract sperm directly from the testes for use in in vitro fertilization.

What External Factors Can Impact Male Fertility?

Alcohol and Tobacco

Smoking, tobacco use, cannabis, and excessive alcohol consumption negatively impact sperm production, count, and motility. The effects of cannabis are still under research.

Nutrition

Diets high in soy, processed meat, trans fats, and dairy fats may be linked to decreased sperm counts. High estrogen levels in soy can create hormonal imbalances affecting sperm production.

Stress

Studies suggest a link between stress, mental health, and sperm quality, though its direct impact on sperm quality isn't fully conclusive.

Heat Exposure

Lower temperatures are ideal for sperm production. Frequent hot baths, saunas, and tight underwear can increase scrotal temperature and potentially affect sperm production. The impact of heat from phones and laptops is inconclusive.

Exposure to Toxins

High exposure to pesticides, radiation, and heavy metals (mercury, lead) can negatively affect sperm quality.

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What is the Impact of Age on Male Fertility?

Similar to female fertility, sperm quality and male fertility decline with age, although at a slower rate and with less clinical significance.

Significant drops in male fertility are less common before the mid-40s to 50s. Advanced paternal age is less likely to drastically impact sterility compared to advanced maternal age.

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