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About Male Fertility
by Marcie Fitzmaurice
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Overview
The male reproductive system, just like the female counterpart, is controlled by hormones. Testosterone is produced in the testes and is the most critical hormone pertaining to male fertility. A man's reproductive health depends on the health of the hormones, as well as the health of his body and, especially, his reproductive organs.
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Sperm Development
Sperm development, or spermatogenesis, occurs in the ducts of the testes. Each spermatogenesis cycle consists of six stages and takes about 16 days to complete. It takes about five cycles to produce one mature sperm. Because sperm development spans over a time period of at least two months, an illness that was present during the first cycle may adversely affect the quality of the mature sperm at the end.
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Sperm and Fertilization
Each time a man ejaculates, between 200 million sperm combine with semen. From that, between 15 million and 45 million are healthy enough to fertilize an egg. Post-ejaculation, only 400 sperm actually survive to start on the fertilization journey, while a mere 40 ever reach the egg's location. After capacitation, or the ascension of the sperm through the tough outer layer of the egg, one sole sperm may penetrate the egg, allowing fertilization and conception.
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Habits that Affect Fertility
To be most fertile, a man should stop smoking cigarettes and marijuana, and decrease the intake of alcohol. Smoking tobacco has been linked to low sperm count and sluggish motility, or movement, of the sperm. Long-term use of marijuana can also result in lowered sperm count, as well as the development of normal, functioning sperm. Alcohol can severely damage sperm, so even moderate consumption can cause problems for men trying to initiate conception.
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Weight Issues
Average-weight men have the greatest chance at being fertile. Overweight men can have hormonal disturbances that result in low-quality sperm, while underweight men can have decreased sperm count and functionality.
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Exercise Norms
Men who exercise in moderation are the most fertile. Men who exercise excessively may have lower sperm count that is related to the lowered amount of testosterone in the body. Men who take steroids can experience testicular shrinkage, causing them to be less fertile.
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Essential Vitamins
Vitamin C and zinc are needed for men to be most fertile. Low levels of vitamin C and zinc can cause sperm to clump together. Vitamin E is also important because it counteracts any excessive free-oxygen radicals that can affect sperm quality.
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Career Choices
The type of job a man has can affect his fertility. Landscapers, contractors, manufacturing workers and men with continuous contact with environmental toxins or poisons like pesticides, insecticides, lead, radiation or heavy metals are at a greater risk for infertility.
