Discover The Differences and Relationships Between Semen and Sperm

The difference between semen and sperm is still a serious bone of contention among many today. In fact, most people do not believe there are differences between these two subjects of discussion; this is why they use both terms interchangeably. Contained within every biology textbook is the explicit definition and description of each term, but even with that, quite a lot of people still take both of them to be the same. Nonetheless, in contrast to this, there is a huge difference between sperm and semen. Though they might look the same in the physical eyes and even get produced through the same process and in the same place, notwithstanding, each has its own unique function and features, hence the difference. Or come to think of this, another reason you possibly take them to be the same should be for the simple reason that they both begin with the letter “S” and are both five lettered words. These facts, coupled with the fact that they are both produced the same way and in the same place, must have been your reasons for concluding that both of them are the same. But no, no matter what your reasons are, sperm and semen will remain two different things.

In this very article, there is a breakdown of these differences in order for you to better understand the different features and functions of these subjects. All the numerous questions on your mind about the possibility of the difference would be duly answered in this article.

What is Semen?

Remember that whitish fluid you call cum? What exactly is semen. It is just a vehicle for the movement and transportation of sperm cells. Is it beginning to make sense to you? Sperm is part of the semen, but the semen is not part of the sperm. Makes sense, right? The semen monitors and controls the movement of sperm cells. It helps sperm cells move and carry out their mission.

Semen is a combination of sperm cells and fluids from the bulbourethral gland and the seminal vesicles. This collection is filled with other nutrients like protein, sugar, vitamins, and minerals, among others.

What is Sperm?

Sperm is one of the semen’s components; it is also the most important content in the semen and the most important part of the male reproductive system. The male reproductive system is incomplete without sperm cells. The sole mission of these sperm cells is the fertilization of eggs to make babies. Semen cannot fertilize eggs; sperm does. The problems of infertility in men is closely associated with sperm. When the production of sperm has a fault, or when the expected amount of sperm is not released during ejaculation, then there would be no fertilization. Semen with all its rich contents, without sperm in it, fertilization cannot take place. Sperm cells swim in this fluid, and it is this fluid that makes it floating in the right position possible. Is it becoming clearer now?

How Long Does the Production of Sperm in The Body Take?

The complete process of sperm production from start to finish takes about 74 days.

Does the Body Get Tired of Producing Sperm?

No. The body continues to produce sperm cells as long as the body is alive. There might only be a little decline over time in sperm cells’ production as the body grows older. This decline usually begins in an average male at the age of 50.

What Could Be the Life Span of Sperm Cells After They Have Been Released, Anyway?

According to medical experts, the life span of sperm cells after they have been released depends on where they land after they come out of the body. Sperm cells that are lucky enough to land in the vagina might live up to 5 days maximum due to the protection given to them by the cervical mucus. However, if they are so unlucky to land on surfaces like the floor, bed, or tabletops, they might only live for just a few minutes.

What Is the Mission of Semen?

Both sperm and semen have their own separate missions. Semen fluid helps the sperm swim successfully to meet and fertilize the egg. Without the semen, the sperm would swim without any direction or coordination. In other words, let us just say the semen is the compass of the sperm.

Where is Semen Formed?

• The testes: This is what you popularly know as your balls or your nuts. They are two small balls that are located inside the scrotum bag. These testes produce sperm and testosterone.
• The epididymis: It is a tube that is located very close to each of your testicles. This tube moves your sperm after it has been produced to a tube we call the vas deferens.
• The vas deferens: This is a tube that connects the epididymis and urethra. The urethra is the hole through which semen and urine exit your body. This vas deferens, then stores the sperm and brings it out of the scrotum.
• Seminal vesicles: The seminal vesicles are located behind the bladder. It produces seminal fluids, which is one of the components of the semen.
• Prostate gland: It surrounds the tip of the bladder and urethra. It also secrets a fluid that is also one of the contents of the semen. It serves as a propeller that pushes out the semen from the penis.

After passing through this production process, the semen would then pass through the urethra, the hole via which urine and semen exit the body. Then the semen reaches the penis from the urethra and is released from the penis during the period of ejaculation.

Is Sperm Visible?

Can you look well into your semen and see sperm? Well, no, except with the aid of a microscope. Sperm cells are very tiny and can only be visible under the lenses of a microscope. The average measurement of sperm cells is 4.3 micrometers long and 2.9 micrometers wide. If you understand measures very well, you will realize that this is quite impossible to notice sperm cells’ presence in your semen.

Did You Know?

During ejaculation, only about a teaspoon full of semen is released. Though this depends on the individual and other factors like age, lifestyle, and feeding habits. However, the average measurement of semen produced during ejaculation is one full teaspoon. About 15 million to 150 million sperm cells are present in this one teaspoon full of semen. The amount of sperm cells has to meet this number, as mentioned above, in order to pass as a normal sperm count. If the sperm cells a person’s reproductive organ produces is not up to 15 million, then the person would be said to have a low sperm count and considered unfit for making babies until the sperm count has been elevated.

Home Remedies for Low Sperm Count

Low sperm count can be treated. It is not an illness that is damning. When the right treatment measures are taken, the sperm count will elevate, and you would be able to make babies. Being diagnosed with low sperm count should not make you lose hope about life. The condition is a redeemable one. Speak with your health care service provider to place you on medications for treatment. Here are a few tips to help you during the treatment process.

• Engage in physical activities and sleep well.
• Put a quick stop to smoking, alcohol, and drugs. Or you can continue at the expense of your fertility (I know you would not want to do this.)
• Chew fenugreek seeds. They are very effective in fixing fertility problems in men and women. Soak seeds overnight and chew the seeds first thing in the morning and drink the water.
• Add foods that have a lot of Vitamin D to your food collection or diet plan.
• Reduce unnecessary fat and junk intake.
• Avoid red meats and processed foods.
• Consume foods that are high in antioxidants, vitamins, and other fertility-friendly nutrients.
• Have frequent sex, no matter what.
• Stay away from harmful chemicals.

In conclusion, the difference between sperm and semen is glaring—each with its unique functions and features. One serves as the vehicle for the other. Both of them work hand in hand to ensure the fertilization of eggs and the production of babies. This article has provided an in-depth explanation of these two terms and why they cannot be used interchangeably.