Sex may be pervasive in our popular culture, but conversations about it are still associated with stigma and shame in Indian households. As a result, most individuals dealing with sexual health issues or trying to find information about sex often resort to unverified online sources or follow the unscientific advice of their friends.
To address the widespread misinformation about sex, News18.com is running a weekly sex column titled ‘Let’s Talk Sex’. Through this column, we hope to start a conversation about sex and address sexual health issues with scientific insight and nuance.
In this article, we will explain what is inside semen and discuss the biological significance of each of its components.
You’re probably curious what’s inside semen. After all, it is something that is flushed out of the body during intercourse. Although semen is primarily made up of spermatozoa, there are other important components that play a role in fertilization and the overall health of sperm.
observation of semen
There are a lot of misconceptions and myths when it comes to semen. So, let’s start by clearing the air: Semen isn’t just sperm. In fact, the seminal fluid that comes out when you ejaculate contains a variety of different components, including fructose (sugar), proteins, vitamins, minerals, and prostaglandins (hormones). Together, these ingredients play a number of important roles in both male and female reproductive health. For example, semen helps carry sperm cells to the female reproductive system, where they can fertilize an egg. Semen also helps keep the vagina healthy and lubricated, and can even boost your mood!
Components of semen and their biological roles
Semen is a fluid that is released during ejaculation. It is composed of sperm and secretions of the male reproductive organs: the prostate, seminal vesicles, and bulbourethral glands. Together, these secretions make up about 60 percent of semen volume. The remaining 40 percent is made up of water and other trace minerals. This includes dissolved ions, glucose, urea and uric acid.
It is actually a very complex substance. Here are some key components:
• Semen is mainly composed of water. This water is responsible for carrying other nutrients and components through the semen and into the vagina of the woman.
• Semen also contains proteins (about 2-5 percent), which also contain enzymes that help with sperm motility and viability. These proteins also give semen its characteristic odor and taste.
• Semen contains a variety of minerals including zinc, calcium, potassium, magnesium and sodium. Calcium ions also play an important role in removing air bubbles from semen and promoting motility of sperm cells.
• Semen also contains many different carbohydrates, including fructose and glucose, which provide nutrition for sperm cells as well as amino acids that are essential for proper function.
• And finally, semen contains sperm (sperm cells). There are usually millions of sperm in each ejaculation.
These components work together to provide optimal conditions for successful fertilization. Without them, male infertility can become an issue.
How is semen produced and stored in the body?
Let’s take a look at the biological process behind its production and storage. Semen is produced in the testes, which is a part of the male reproductive system. Once produced, it moves through a long tube called the epididymis where it is stored and matures. After that, it travels through the vas deferens to the seminal vesicles where it mixes with other bodily fluids such as prostate fluid, and is then stored in the seminal vesicles until ejaculation.
How does sperm concentration affect fertility?
You may already be wondering how sperm concentration is related to fertility. After all, if you have a higher concentration of sperm in your semen, does that make you more fertile? Well, the answer is not that simple.
It’s not just about quantity – quality is important too. Sperm must be strong enough to swim through the female reproductive tract and fertilize an egg. If the sperm count is low or their motility is low (or both), this can greatly reduce the chances of conception. That being said, other factors of infertility must also be considered, such as age and health conditions that affect fertility.
Although sperm concentration is an important factor in fertility, it is only one piece of the puzzle. When trying to assess the fertility of a man’s sperm it is important to look at his overall health and the health of his body. With the right lifestyle, dietary supplements, and medical intervention, couples can improve their chances of conceiving and achieving a healthy pregnancy.
factors affecting sperm quality
There can be many reasons for infertility in men, including low sperm count or poor quality sperm. It can be caused by everything from an infection to medications, physical issues, toxins, and stress. Other factors, such as smoking or drug use, can also have a negative effect on men’s fertility. These are known to reduce the sperm count and quality. Additionally, wearing tight clothing or spending too much time in hot tub water can also reduce male fertility, as these activities can reduce the amount of sperm that are able to be produced.
Lastly, it’s important to note that semen quality can decline with age. As men age, the quality and quantity of their sperm are affected. This can be attributed to a number of health problems such as low testosterone levels, reproductive organ damage, or lifestyle choices. For this reason, it is important to see a fertility specialist regularly, especially as you age. This way, any abnormalities in the semen can be detected and treated before they cause too much of a problem.
conclusion
Semen is a fascinating and underrated bodily fluid. It is rich in nutrients, proteins and antioxidants which are beneficial for both men and women. Semen also has anti-aging effects and can improve mental health. So, the next time you’re faced with a difficult situation, don’t be afraid to go with the flow!
Professor (Dr) Saransh Jain is a winner of the Swasth Bharat Ratna Award and is a certified and licensed sexologist by the American Board of Sexology. He is currently Senior Consultant at Dr SK Jain’s Burlington Clinic in Lucknow. The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not represent the stand of this publication.
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