What is Sperm?

A sperm is a male reproductive cell which contains all the genetic information. It impregnates the female egg to make an offspring. It has a head and a tail and is shaped like a tadpole. A sperm has the following functions

  • It moves independently.
  • Contains all the genetic information from the father required to make an embryo.
  • Its mission is to find an egg for fertilization.
  • When the sperm reached the egg it fertilizes it starting the process of pregnancy.
Sperm motility is a key factor in determining male fertility. It is the process in which the sperm travels towards the egg to fertilize it. 

What is Semen?

During orgasm when the men discharge a white liquid it is called semen. The semen contains a number of sperms. The white liquid is the discharge from different glands and helps in carrying the sperms to the eggs. Semen is the carrier of sperms, it helps in surviving the sperms to reach the egg and begin the process of fertilization. 

Semen composes of the following things

  • Water
  • Fructose
  • Enzymes
  • Zinc
  • Potassium
  • Prostaglandins
Healthy semen color is greyish white and has a consistency of a jelly. On the other hand, unhealthy semen is of yellow, pink, green, red and even brown in color.

Key differences between Semen and Sperm

The key differences between semen and sperm are

Appearance

Semen is white discharge from the male body during orgasm. Semen contains a number of sperms along with other discharge. Sperm is a single cell which swims towards the female egg to fertilize it.

Shape

Semen is a whitish liquid whereas sperm is a tadpole shaped which is transparent.

Information storage

Sperm holds all the information of the father genetic to produce a child whereas semen only holds sperms in it.

Visibility

Sperm is not visible to the naked eye, semen is visible to the naked eye.

Amount

During a normal discharge about one tablespoon of semen is ejaculated whereas about 15 million to 200 million sperms are ejaculated.


Functions in male fertility

Functions in the male fertility process are as follows

  1. Produce and transport semen which contains sperm cells
  2. Discharge the semen consisting of sperms
  3. Ejaculate the male sex hormones

Common fertility issues related to Semen and Sperm

Some fertility issues related to semen and sperm are as follows

  • Ejaculation Issues: Semen can be affected from situations such as premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction.
  • Blockages: Blockages such as infections, wounds on penis can affect the semen and sperm.
  • Immune System: Sometimes problems in the body’s immune system can attack its sperms.
  • Treatments: Some medical treatments such as chemotherapy and rations may damage the sperms.
  • Hormonal and Genetic Problems: Some genetic problems and hormonal changes effects the sperms and semens.
  • Environmental Conditions: The environment in which the male is living strongly affects the semen and sperm health. Long exposure to UV rays, excessive heat, toxins may affect the body’s ability to produce healthy sperm and semen.
  • Lifestyle: A person’s lifestyle deeply affects their fertility. Poor diet, being overweight, no exercise, wearing tight clothes, smoking, and drinking alcohol all affects the man’s fertility.

When to seek Medical Help?

Some conditions in which immediate medical help is required are as follows

When after trying to conceive for one year, no result is yielded. If the female partner is above 35, then after six months of trying medical help should be taken.

  • Infections: If you are suffering from some infections, than proper medical help should be taken.
  • Injures On The Penis: If you suffer some injuries on your private parts, then you should go to the doctor. Similarly any form of pain, swelling, etc. should also be reported to the doctor.
  • Erectile Dysfunction: If you are not properly ejaculating, you should instantly see a doctor.

Conclusion

The male fertility process involves the discharge of semen which consists of sperms. The sperms are responsible for fertilizing the eggs whereas semen helps it to swim towards the egg. The rate at which the sperm travels is called sperm motility. It is a key factor in assesing male fertility. The health of the semen and sperm are related to the man’s lifestyle, environmental and genetic factors. To improve the health of sperm exercise, diet, sleeping schedule should be taken very seriously. If you are continuously trying to conceive and cannot do it consult a doctor immediately.

Please book an appointment with the Best Urologist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find a verified doctor for your disease.