A Video Uncovers What Happens to Old Sperm Cells in Men

Men begin producing sperm cells typically around the ages of 10 to 12, and this continues throughout their lives.

It’s reported that, in a single ejaculation, a healthy man can release between two and five millilitres of semen, which contains anywhere from 20 million to 300 million sperm cells, according to the Open University.

These sperm take around two and a half months to mature through a process known as spermatogenesis. Once mature, they are stored in the epididymis, a coiled tube that surrounds the testes.

When ejaculation occurs, sperm combine with fluids from seminal vesicles to form semen, ready to venture out. Interestingly, sperm can survive up to five days in a woman’s body, but when they aren’t expelled through sex or masturbation, something rather intriguing occurs.

A scientific simulation, presented by Dr. Smurf on YouTube, showcases this process. Sperm have a kind of shelf life—estimated at about 74 to 76 days—and when this time is up, they don’t just go to waste. Instead, they undergo a process known as ‘degeneration’.

During degeneration, the sperm cells are broken down and reabsorbed into the epididymis, where their proteins contribute to the creation of more sperm.

Sperm consist of essential components, including enzymes, zinc, and fructose. If they cannot be reabsorbed, they might get released during a ‘wet dream’, as stated by Medical News Today.

However, things don’t always go smoothly when it comes to sperm production. Approximately one in a hundred men experience a condition called azoospermia, where they produce no sperm in their ejaculate. Elsewhere, if a man has fewer than 15 million sperm per millilitre of semen, that’s termed oligospermia—though it may sound like a lot, it’s actually quite low. Some may even face anejaculation, which is the inability to ejaculate, yet they can still orgasm and produce sperm. This can lead to infertility if left untreated.

Another condition is retrograde ejaculation, where semen instead moves into the bladder instead of exiting the body during orgasm, resulting in cloudy urine and dry orgasms.

The Cleveland Clinic notes that various factors can influence sperm production, including:

• Varicose veins in the scrotum
• Testicular trauma
• Sexually transmitted infections (e.g., chlamydia and gonorrhea)
• Low sex hormones (hypogonadism)
• Thyroid issues (hypothyroidism)
• High levels of prolactin in the blood (hyperprolactinemia)

Environmental effects, like smoking, alcohol intake, and prolonged heat exposure, also play a part in sperm count.

On top of all that, some individuals may purposely choose not to ejaculate for various personal reasons.

If you’ve spent time online, the term ‘No Nut November’ likely rings a bell. Some believe that avoiding ejaculation could enhance sperm quality and boost testosterone levels, but medical professionals have repeatedly debunked this myth.

A Harvard study indicated that men who ejaculated 21 times or more per month had a 31 percent lower risk of prostate cancer.

The study’s findings stood up to thorough statistical scrutiny, accounting for various lifestyle factors and the frequency of PSA testing.