Sperm And Semen – The Basic Differences

Generally speaking, sex-related subjects are covered in various layers of mystery, which makes them quite intriguing. You will discover a plethora of fascinating details about semen and sperm.

Many of us are completely unaware of the distinction between sperm and semen. Many couples who visit Babies & Us, a state-of-the-art IVF Center in Mumbai, looking to get pregnant use the terms ‘Semen’ and ‘Sperm’ interchangeably, as though they are similar. 

In this section, we will discuss the fundamental differences between the two. Let us clear up the misconceptions about semen and sperm and how sperm is generated.

Know About Sperm And Semen

As we know, there are several astounding facts that exist in human bodies. If you are keen to understand one aspect, you will obtain numerous intriguing facts about other associated entities. Subjects related to fertility and birthing are cloaked with distinct mystery, and it is pretty appealing. 

Most of us have grown up using the words semen and sperm alternatively; these are 2 terms frequently used interchangeably. However, semen ad sperm are not quite the same things; these are two entirely separate entities. 

Sperm

Sperm (also known as spermatozoa) is just an element of semen. It is a motile reproductive cell that is not visible to the naked eye. It is transported to the female reproductive system by the seminal fluids while sexual intercourse occurs.

The function of the sperm is to fertilize the egg inside a woman’s body. During the fertilization process, the nucleus of the sperm unites with the egg’s nucleus, resulting in the formation of an embryo. This embryo then develops into a baby.

It is important that every couple understands the fundamental differences between sperm and semen.

Semen

A male starts producing semen during puberty. Semen, officially called seminal fluid, contains spermatozoa (sperm) and is a powerful substance secreted by a male’s sexual organs. It is specifically designed by the body to nurture, protect, and carry the sperm cells into the female body, where they can fertilize a female egg and develop into a baby. 

Ejaculation is the term used to describe the process that culminates in the release of sperm. Apart from spermatozoa, the seminal fluid contains a variety of other components. The components of semen include heaps of protein and nutrients.

What are the Components of Semen?

The main components of semen, apart from sperm cells, include:

• proteins
• vitamin C
• chlorine
• calcium
• flavins
• amino acid
• citric acid
• enzymes
• prostaglandins
• lactic acid
• fructose
• magnesium
• phosphorus
• nitrogen
• phosphorylcholine
• sialic acid
• acid phosphatase
• potassium
• vitamin B12
• salt
• prostate-specific antigen
• zinc
• mucus

The presence of healthy sperm indicates that all systems below the belt are in proper operating condition.

Semen typically contains between 40 – 300 million sperm per ml (milliliter).

Why Do Some Healthy Women Not Conceive After Frequent Intercourse?

It is not uncommon for a man to have an ejaculation and have semen produced; however, this semen sample may be devoid of sperm cells, resulting in the condition of azoospermia. 

Azoospermia, also known as “no sperm count,” is characterized by a complete absence of sperm in the semen sample. It affects around 5% of infertile males. 

The lack of sperm in the semen fluid can be caused by various circumstances, including difficulty with the process of sperm generation or a blockage in the ejaculatory system, which prevents sperm production from reaching seminal fluid during ejaculation. In this scenario, the doctors recommend that the males undergo fructose testing of their sperm. 

The seminal vesicle located in the male reproductive organ produces fructose and then releases it into the semen during ejaculation. Fructose provides energy to the sperm and is necessary to significantly aid the sperm’s function, viability and motility.

At Babies & Us, among the best IVF Centers in Mumbai, couples experiencing infertility are frequently offered a semen analysis test, which is essentially an analysis of the semen and the elements of the semen in question.

Semen Analysis Test 

Many couples visiting Babies & Us are genuinely surprised because the female partner has undergone fertility tests successfully. The male partner has a good ejaculation volume, and despite this, they have been failing to conceive. 

The term “seminogram” refers to the analysis of sperm. It is carried out to determine the semen’s properties and the sperm that is present in the semen.

This test is the initial diagnostic test performed to examine the male fertility of couples who are attempting to conceive and determine the success of a vasectomy procedure after it has been completed and results have been obtained.

It is possible to have your sperm counted and analyzed using a semen analysis test. The test also evaluates the total amount of the sample provided, the pH of the sample, and whether or not other necessary components exist in the sample.

Other indications for this test include screening a sperm donor’s fertility, checking for azoospermia as part of standard pre-pregnancy diagnostics, and in situations of underlying pathology, among other things.

We have seen an increasing number of men visiting our specialists at Babies & Us, enquiring about the sperm freezing technique in Mumbai, as they wish to conserve their fertility for the future.

Semen Freezing Technique

With numerous researches and increasing knowledge about our reproductive functions, men are now more aware that fertility is not just a concern for women, as believed throughout history.

Men may choose to bank sperm if they believe they may lose their fertility in the future. The sperm freezing technique is an extremely important option for males who have not yet begun a family and want to ensure healthy sperm when they wish to father a child later.

Semen freezing is the method of collecting, freezing, and conserving sperms using specific chemical protectants and preservatives such as liquid nitrogen. This procedure is also referred to as semen cryopreservation or sperm banking.

This is an excellent option for men who want to delay fatherhood but fear that the quality of their sperm may decline over the years.

It is recommended that all men who wish to father a child in the future consider freezing semen or testicular tissue, regardless of whether the samples have a low sperm count.

Conclusion

Sperm is derived from the Greek word “sperm,” which means “seed,” and semen is derived from the Latin root word “severe,” which means “to plant,”.  

Sperm is the male reproductive cell, also known as a gamete, with a head and tail and looks like a tadpole. It is hyper-focused on completing one task – looking for an egg and impregnating it. But it is not robust enough to traverse the vast distance to the egg on its own; therefore, they require assistance.

Fortunately, sperm does not have to go alone on its journey; it is transported away by the semen. Semen contains and transports sperm, or spermatozoa, from the male reproductive system to the female reproductive canal. 

If you want to delay becoming a father but worry about the virility of your sperm as you age, please visit us at Babies & Us to find the best suitable options available.