Understanding the basics of Male Reproduction
In order to have a successful viable pregnancy, both the male and the female reproductive system has to function properly. In the male the sequence is :
- The testes produce sperms and testosterone.
- Erection is achieved and there is sexual intercourse.
- Ejaculation occurs and the semen is expelled out into the vagina.
- The sperm count motility and morphology are as per WHO guidelines.
Testes
The tests are two glandular organs that are responsible for making testosterone and to produce sperm.
Epididymis
Is a single, narrow, tightly-coiled tube connecting the efferent ducts from the rear of each testicle to its vas deferens? It transports and stores sperm cells that are produced in the testes. The epididymis also brings the sperm to maturity,
Vas Deferens
The vas deferens connects the left and right epididymis to the ejaculatory ducts in order to move sperm. During ejaculation the smooth muscle in the wall of the vas deferens contracts, pushing the mature sperm toward the penis and into the urethra.
Urethra
The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside of the body and is about 20 cm. It has the additional function of ejaculating semen when the man reaches orgasm. When the penis is erect during sex, the flow of urine is blocked from the urethra, allowing only semen to be ejaculated at orgasm.
Accessory Glands
The male accessory glands are seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands.
Seminal vesicles: these are located within the pelvis and their function is to secrete a significant proportion of the fluid that ultimately becomes semen
Prostate gland: the prostate secretes a slightly alkaline fluid, milky or white in appearance, which normally constitutes around 50-75% of the volume of the semen.
Bulbourethral glands: the function of these glands is to produce a clear, salty, viscous secretion (pre-ejaculate) during sexual arousal, to help to lubricate the urethra for spermatozoa to pass through. This fluid neutralizes traces of acidic urine in the urethra and helps to remove any residual urine or foreign matter.