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Photo Gallery | Sperm: 11 things to know

Sperm: 11 things to know
Submitted by Maneeza Iqbal
Monday, May 14th, 2012, 6:14pm
11) Sperm decides sex of baby
Human female eggs contain the X chromosome, but the male sperm carries either the Y chromosome or X chromosome. If a sperm cell carrying an X chromosome fertilizes an egg, the baby will be a female. If a sperm cell carrying a Y chromosome fertilizes an egg, the baby will be a male.
from Getty Images
10) Sperm take 10 weeks to mature
Sperm are produced in a male’s testicles and can stay in the epididymis for up to 2 weeks before they are broken down and reabsorbed by the body.
9) Sperm can live for hours to years
Sperm ejaculated into a vagina can live in cervical mucus or the upper genital tract for three to five day. Sperm ejaculated outside a body can survive for a few hours. Sperm can be preserved for weeks if stored in a lowered temperature or for years if frozen.
8) No fixes for the Y chromosome
The X Y chromosome pair, the sex chromosome pair, does not act like other chromosome pairs. The X chromosome is longer than the Y chromosome and has more genes. Men tend to have more genetic mutations linked to the sex chromosome pair because there is no opposing gene to correct a mutation or offer dominance.
from Biology-Online.org
7) Age matters
Around the age of 35, the quality and quantity of a man’s sperm is less than when he was younger. Research shows that a man’s immune system cannot get rid of defective sperm as effectively compared to when they were younger. Studies show that sperm from men over 35 has more damaged sperm with even more damaged DNA.
6) No extras needed
Lubricants slow down or even stop the mobility of sperm. A woman’s cervical mucus helps transport sperm, while the store-bought stuff tends to hold them back.
from K-Y Brand
5) What be these foreign bodies?
Because sperm only have 23 chromosomes and mature at puberty, after a man’s body establishes immune tolerance, sperm are considered “germs” by the immune system. As a result, testicles have a blood-testis barrier, which protects the sperm from an attack by the body’s immune system.
4) Early Risers
A man’s sperm count is higher in the morning.
3) How much?
Men ejaculate about half to 1 teaspoon of semen. Even though that seems small, there around 200 million sperm cells in that amount of semen. Sperm cells only make up 5 percent of what is ejaculated when a man ejaculates.
2) Staying cool produces “hot” sperm
The scrotum’s temperature effects sperm production. Fertility experts suggest men not wearing tight underwear or athletic shorts. Also, if a man bikes or remains seated for long periods of time, he should take frequent breaks. Experts also suggest men should not place laptops directly on their laps.
1) So, how do I get to the egg?
Sperm don’t know where to go after they are ejaculated. Only 20 percent of sperm start swimming in the right direction, while the rest go every other direction, even though the egg releases chemical signatures to attract the sperm. Sperm also can’t swim backwards.

While we learned about the birds and the bees from our parents and, the ever so awkward, sex-ed class, there are some things about sperm that many people don't know.

Here are 11 facts about sperm

MORE: Sperm banks help more single women become mothers 

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