Spermatogenesis is a complex process in the body of a man, during which spermatozoa are formed from gonocytes (primary germ cells). It is during adolescence that its intensive stage of development begins, and the process itself continues until old age. A complete separate cycle of sperm development occurs on average once every 3 months.
It is in the sperm that the genetic material of a man is located. In addition, any stage in the life of the stronger sex is reflected in its fertility. Therefore, the process by which spermatogenesis cells are formed should be taken seriously.
Interesting fact: every day, about 200 million spermatozoa are produced in the testicles, and there are half as many viable ones, which is approximately 100 million spermatozoa.
Phases
This process, so indispensable for the normal functioning of the male body, is usually divided into 3 key phases of spermatogenesis:
- The initial stage of development is called mitosis. In this periodreproduction of stem cells located in the gonads, which are called testes.
- During the second stage, a certain proportion of cells are transformed into first-order spermatocytes. Then their number increases, and after a short period they enter the phase of the first meiosis.
- At the next step of the process, there are cells called second-order spermatocytes. They form spermatids. And already, as a result of certain changes, they turn into spermatozoa.
Sertoli Cell Functions
Spermatogenesis is a process during which cells are in close contact with Sertoli cells, which perform the following functions:
- create an optimal environment for the development of "tadpoles";
- secrete a fluid that is involved in the functioning of the testicles;
- transport oxygen and nutrients to cells;
- synthesize a binding protein that transports testosterone to spermatogenesis cells.
In general, the process of spermatogenesis is quite long and complicated, and its productivity fully depends on the work of the whole organism. If a man is he althy, then he, accordingly, has good sperm. What does this mean? Quality semen contains a large number of viable spermatozoa.
Another characteristic of spermatogenesis
Chromosome division during this period deserves special attention. When spermatocyte transformation occurs, 46 chromosomes are divided into two parts. Thus, from the chromosomes that the parents pass on, 23 of them go to onespermatid cell, and the other half into the other. Accordingly, the future fetus has 50% data from the father and 50% from the mother.
Factors that affect the process of spermatogenesis
Spermatogenesis is a process that depends on the influence of the environment. Not surprisingly, at every stage of development, spermatozoa can be affected by adverse factors.
First of all, the main factors for this unique process are the temperature and the influence of the environment, in addition, the lifestyle that a man leads.
The acceptable temperature for spermatogenesis is 34°C. Interestingly, in the male scrotum, this temperature is maintained mainly due to proper blood flow.
Sometimes, even due to elevated body temperature during a minor illness, sperm counts can deteriorate significantly. Experts advise not to use heated seats in cars, as this can also provoke a deterioration in sperm quality.
In addition to temperature, other factors also affect sperm viability.
Stress, antibiotics, steroids, hormonal failure - all this can affect important male function and sperm quality. Therefore, before conceiving a child, it is not recommended to take any medications, be nervous, use steroids.
What else does spermatogenesis in men depend on?
Even with polluted air in the atmosphere, the speed of sperm movement can be reduced. A long and permanentcontact with chemicals can cause temporary infertility.
If a couple fails to conceive a child for a long period, then the man is checked first. They take sperm from him for analysis, which is called a "spermogram".
Sperm he alth indicators
With the normal development of a man's body, the number of spermatozoa per 1 ml of semen should be approximately 20 million. The number of viable spermatozoa should be equal to half of their total number. But even in a he althy body, inactive spermatozoa may be present, which is not a deviation.
Multiple studies have shown that the quality of sperm often depends on the somatic diseases of a man. For example, heart and vascular diseases, high blood pressure, and even skin ailments impair spermatogenesis cells.
Australian scientists have found that daily intimacy affects the quality of sperm. For those who followed this recommendation, they found that the level of damaged DNA decreased by 20%. The researchers explained this by the fact that when abstinence sperm DNA is damaged, and with regular sex, such defects were not found.
Although for successful conception, some doctors recommend abstaining from sexual intercourse for several days. This is done in order to increase the concentration of active and viable spermatozoa.
Stimulation of spermatogenesis
WorldThe statistics for today is such that the percentage of men suffering from infertility is quite high. Every second individual is infertile for a certain period or permanently. And this is a real problem, because without sperm, even the in vitro fertilization procedure is impossible. Examination for infertility in men does not take much time, unlike the female half of humanity. Do not be afraid of doctors, because the ability to have children depends on it.
That is why it is so important to seek medical help in time. The doctor will advise the implementation of certain activities aimed at stimulating spermatogenesis.
Spermatogenesis is a process that is quite difficult to restore. To begin with, a man will have to undergo a full examination by specialists and pass a spermogram - a detailed analysis of the ejaculate, which is used to determine the fertility of a man, detect diseases and hormonal disorders. You can also increase sperm production by following a certain technique, which includes medical procedures and medications. The latter include gonadotropins - hormones that regulate the function of the gonads.
The effect of hormones on the body will be discussed in detail below.
Basic principles for the restoration of spermatogenesis
It is possible to restore the male function by simple methods that do not require expensive efforts. Here are some of them:
- observance of the optimal temperature regime: overheating of the testicles should not be allowed;
- giving up bad habits (smoking, drinking alcoholdrinks);
- proper nutrition, which excludes products harmful to male function;
- avoiding products that contain additives and flavor enhancers;
- not recommended to work with toxic substances;
- off antibiotics and antihistamines. And in general, during the recovery period of spermatogenesis, it is better to refrain from using any medications.
What has a positive effect on spermatogenesis? Of course, proper nutrition plays an important role in this process.
Products
Certain foods contain vitamins to help maximize male fertility. In particular, these include:
- Avocado. It contains vitamins E and B6, as well as folic acid. They adjust the hormonal system and increase libido.
- Green peas and asparagus. The vitamin C found in these foods improves sperm motility.
- Tomatoes, red grapefruit, watermelon. Their ingredient is lycopene, which increases the activity of "tadpoles".
- Pumpkin seeds, oatmeal, eggs, oysters, nuts. The zinc they contain increases sperm count.
- Garlic. Selenium, which is part of its composition, protects sperm from damage and improves blood circulation.
- Ginger. It affects the stimulation of sperm production.
Special attention should be paid to foods that contain folic acid. It is indispensable in the process of spermatogenesis. In great numbersfolic acid is found in citrus fruits, beets, pumpkins, corn, lentils, and beans. It turns out that you can adjust your diet so that the quality of sperm will improve over time.
What interferes with the normal process of spermatogenesis?
Alcohol increases the level of female sex hormones. Therefore, if a man's reproductive function is important, he should stop drinking alcohol. Smoking also has a negative effect on the formation of spermatozoa.
Cabbage, wheat bran, and cruciferous vegetables, which also promote estrogen production, are not recommended. Fatty foods are also a big risk. Fried meat, mayonnaise, bacon, ice cream are real enemies for the male reproductive system.
All this can provoke a violation of spermatogenesis.
Interestingly, the number of spermatozoa decreases in autumn and winter, and in summer they become more mobile. Therefore, according to statistics, conceptions take place more in summer than in winter.
Unique Sperm Data
- When a man ejaculates once, about half a spoonful of sperm comes out.
- The head of a spermatozoon consists of an acrosome. This membranous vesicle contains the strongest chemicals that can dissolve the shell of the egg in order to enter it.
- After ejaculation, sperm can live in a woman's body for up to 7 days.
- Sperm speed during ejaculation reaches approximately 70-80 km/h.
- WhenIVF (in vitro fertilization) dead sperm can create a live baby. This is explained by the fact that with such fertilization, only the DNA inside it is important.
- Sperms are produced every day without interruption.
- Tadpoles move against the current due to the spiraling tail.
Conclusion
In specialized clinics, hormonal stimulation of spermatogenesis is carried out. However, it does not always give a stable and permanent result. Sometimes medication suppresses some innate processes in the body. Receiving hormonal reinforcement from the outside, the brain will no longer want to produce its own testosterone. And from this, the characteristics of spermatogenesis will only worsen.
Interestingly, when a man is in love for a long period, his brain begins to produce a huge amount of hormones for the glands, which improves many processes throughout the body, including spermatogenesis. To improve fertility, men can be advised to love their other half more.