Understanding the Sperm Regeneration Cycle: How It Affects Fertility

Male fertility is made possible only by the existence of sperm cells, which are the essential building blocks. Sperm can be defined as a lean machine that is designed in such a way that it finds itself swimming towards the egg. Mature sperm cells take about 2.5 months to develop and produce a lone sperm cell.

Stage of Sperm Regeneration Cycle

The three stages of the sperm regeneration cycle are:

Formation of the Sperm

Initially, the sperm is formed in tubes which are microscopic and present within the testicle. These tubes are called seminiferous tubes. The testicle produces two elements: namely testosterone and sperm. The impulse which enables these two productions directly originates from the brain, specifically from the pituitary gland which then releases:

Luteinizing hormone (LH) which triggers testosterone development. The testosterone is released immediately into the blood circulation and is readily usable.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) which triggers sperm development

The testicle is composed of three types of cells:

Germ cells which produce the sperm
Sertoli cells which foster the development and growth of the immature sperm
Leydig cells which produce the testosterone

Maturation of the Sperm

Maturation is a long process and takes an average of 72 days. This stage is critical and defines therapy for men who have fertility problems. Keeping in mind that the male body produces millions of new sperm every single day, it is recommended for men who want to make lifestyle changes and thereby improve their sperm quality and success at reproduction.
During the maturation, sperm continues to travel through the pathways of the seminiferous tubules and then reach the epididymis. The epididymis is worm-like, slender appendage which is positioned outside the testicle. This gland then turns into the vas deferens and the sperm is then carried to the scrotum and then to the groin. From the groin is it carried out to the pelvis and finally reaches the prostate gland. The prostate gland along with the seminal vesicles produces semen, a fluid which is released during an orgasm or when the man ejaculates.