How is Sperm Produced?

The role of the male reproductive system is to produce and store sperm and to deliver the spermatozoa outside the body.  These three things take place throughout man’s reproductive life and are regulated by hormones.  The testes, located inside a bag that hangs behind the penis called scrotum, are the sperm-producing organs.  Aside from producing sperm, the testes also produce the male hormone testosterone.

Sperm production begins with the immature sperm cells that grow and develop inside the two testicles.  At that point, spermatozoa are not yet fully mature and are unable to move on their own.  It is only with the help of other accessory organs that spermatozoa become functional.

The main intervening organ is the epididimus, localized behind the testes.  Spermatozoa mature when they travel through the epididimus.  Semen consists of fluids derived from the epididimus, the vas deferens, the seminal vesicles and the prostate.  After ejaculation, spermatozoa may live up to two days in the female reproductive tract.

Development and transportation of functional mature sperm depends on a specific sequence of events.  A thorough assessment is required in order to localize a problem when one of the links in this chain is dysfunctional.  This assessment is critical in determining the treatment options that may be offered.

What are some of the most common types of male infertility?

The most common types include:

- AZOOSPERMIA:  or the total absence of sperm in the seminal fluid.  This happens in 10 - 15% infertile men and may be due to the following:

Absence or severe drop in sperm production associated with hormonal or chromosomal abnormalities.

Obstruction of the ejaculation pathways.

- OLIGOZOOSPERMIA or "low sperm count": It is usually due to a significant reduction in sperm production and may be associated with varicocele (scrotal varicose vein).

- ASTENOZOOSPERMIA: Low sperm travel speed.

- TERATOZOOSPERMIA: Increased alteration of abnormal forms.

- Ejaculation issues (although there is sperm production, the semen does not make it to the outside).

- Problems with erection and other sexual functions.

When should you ask to be assessed?

Infertility assessment of a couple’s male factor must be assessed if there is no pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse.  However, an assessment is recommended in the event one of the following conditions is present:
 
- A known male factor such as undescended testes.
- Female infertility risk factors such as more than 35 years of age. 
- When the couple suspects that there may be a problem with their fertility potential.
- A man who does not have a partner but wishes to determine if his fertility is normal.  Moreover, a prior history of fertility does not necessarily mean that a man will always be fertile.