At the Intersection of Fact and Myth: Sperm Cells

13 February 2023

There is more to know about sperm than one might think; naturally, separating right from wrong, and myth from reality is not always easy. Unfortunately, some misinformation can have radically life-altering effects; for instance, unintended pregnancies can arise as a result of misinformation. In this article, I will touch upon topics regarding sperm cells that are beneficial to know correctly. I wish you pleasant reading.

Sperm Only Exits the Body After Ejaculation

This myth, which legitimizes unprotected intercourse, is one of the common reasons behind the occurrence of unwanted pregnancies. During sexual intercourse, before ejaculation occurs, a fluid called "pre-cum" (pre-ejaculate) is secreted from the penis. The male has no control over this secretion process.

This fluid may contain sperm. It is not possible to make a generalization that pre-cum will always contain sperm or that, even if present, it will definitely fertilize the egg cell; however, it is extremely important to know that it is within the realm of possibility.

Moreover, it should not be ignored that apart from skin-to-skin contact, pre-cum fluid is also a risk factor that must be taken into account for Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). It is important to know that the withdrawal method is not accepted as a birth control method and can even be dangerous for health.

Men Continue to Produce Healthy Sperm Throughout Their Lives

Unless there are health issues preventing sperm production, it is possible for men to continue producing sperm throughout their lives. However, this information does not mean that healthy sperm of the same quality can be produced for a lifetime.

Women are born with the total number of egg cells to be released within regular cycles during their reproductive years, whereas men can produce sperm throughout their lives. Just as a decrease in egg quality occurs in women with age, a similar decline is experienced in sperm quality. It is known that in older men, the percentage of sperm with DNA damage increases and sperm quality decreases.

Sperm Are Good Swimmers

The fundamental reason why sperm are thought of as good swimmers relates to the specific requirements of the conception process. For pregnancy to occur, sperm must travel from the vaginal canal to the cervix; and from the cervix to the fallopian tubes to meet the egg. This meeting is the basic condition for natural conception.

What is wrongly known is that all sperm are good swimmers. Many sperm cannot move, and those that can move may not be able to progress correctly. Those considered good swimmers are, in other words, sperm that move in a forward direction (progressive motility) or in large circles at a speed of 25 micrometers per second.

Sperm Live for a Short Time After Leaving the Body

This depends on where the sperm lands after ejaculation. Sperm can maintain their viability inside the vagina for up to 5 days. The female reproductive system produces secretions that preserve the viability of the sperm.

In a different environment, however, it can be said that their viability lasts for only a few minutes. The rapid drying of sperm after leaving the body causes them to lose their viability quickly.