Semen Semen is made up of fluid and of sperm. The Fluid component is produced in various male reproductive organs; - The seminal vesicles produces a slightly alkaline fluid which makes up 50% of the semen fluid (it contains citric acid , flavins , fructose and potassium , these substances provide nutritional support for the spermatozoa). - The prostate gland contributes an acidic fluid containing acid phosphates , citric acid and proteolytic enzymes (including a clotting enzyme) , which makes up 20% of the semen fluid. The rest is contributed by other male reproductive organs, such as the bulburethral and urethral glands , which produce a fluid important in lubricating the male reproductive semen. Upon ejaculation the fluids from all these sources form the mixture semen.

Semen The Spermatozoa is formed in the testis . The process of spermatozoa formation (spermatogenesis) is under hormonal control. The spermatozoa take over 70 days to develop and are produced solely in the testicles from a cell called a spermatogonium. The spermatogonium divides to produce spermatocytes, which then develop into spermatids. The spermatid develops its familiar tail and the cell gradually acquires the ability to move by beating its tail. The spermatid eventually develops into a mature spermatozoan. The fluid produced by the testicles contains several chemicals, but is particularly rich in testosterone The process of spermatozoa formation is under hormonal control including Testosterone ,Leuteinizing hormone LH , and Follicle- stimulating hormone FSH.

Percentage of whole ejaculate % Contributing gland Percentage of whole ejaculate % Testicles and epididymes 5 Seminal vesicles 46 to 80 Prostate gland 13 to 33 Bulbourethral and urethral glands 2 to 5

Normal sperm count The concentration of spermatozoa should be at least 20 million per ml. the total volume of semen should be at least 2ml. the total number of spermatozoa in the ejaculate should be at least 40 million. at least 75 percent of the spermatozoa should be alive (it is normal for up to 25 per cent to be dead). at least 30 percent of the spermatozoa should be of normal shape and form. at least 25 percent of the spermatozoa should be swimming with rapid forward movement.

Normal Semen Analysis Range Normal Values ; Volume ; 2.0 – 5.0 ml. pH ; 7.2- 7.8. Color ; White , grayish white. Viscosity; Viscous. Liquefaction ; after 30 min. Sperm concentration ; 20 – 250 million / ml. Motility ; > 60% progressively motile. Penetration; > 30 mm. Normal Morphology ; > 70%. Immature forms ; < 2%. Leukocytes ; None – Occasional.

Normal Semen Analysis Range Red Blood Cells ; None. Epithelial Cells ; None – few. Bacteria ; None. Fructose ; ( 300mg /dl)

Morphology Normal Morphology Abnormal Morphology

Semen analysis

Semen volume Liquefaction time Sperm count Normal: Abnormal: Abnormal 1.0–6.5 milliliters (mL) per ejaculation Abnormal: An abnormally low or high semen volume is present, which may sometimes cause fertility problems. Liquefaction time Less than 60 minutes An abnormally long liquefaction time is present, which may indicate an infection. Sperm count 20–150 million sperm per milliliter (mL) Abnormal Oligospermia: sperm count less than 20 million / ml. Azospermia; complete absence of sperm. - Low count can be due to chromosomal disorders, ductal obstruction , drugs , radiation.

Sperm shape (morphology) Normal: At least 70% of the sperm have normal shape and structure. A normal sperm has a flattened oval head and elongated tailpiece. Abnormal: Sperm can be abnormal in several ways, such as having two heads or two tails, a short tail, a tiny head (pinhead), or a round (rather than oval) head. Abnormal sperm may be unable to move normally or to penetrate an egg. Some abnormal sperm are usually found in every normal semen sample. However, a high percentage of abnormal sperm may make it more difficult for a man to father a child.

Sperm movement (motility) Normal: At least 60% of the sperm show normal forward movement. At least 8 million sperm per milliliter (mL) show normal forward movement. Abnormal: Sperm must be able to move forward (or "swim") through cervical mucus to reach an egg. A high percentage of sperm that cannot swim properly may impair a man's ability to father a child. Semen pH Semen pH of 7.1–8.0 An abnormally high or low semen pH can kill sperm or affect their ability to move or to penetrate an egg.

White blood cells Fructose level Normal: No white blood cells or bacteria are detected. Abnormal: Bacteria or a large number of white blood cells are present, which may indicate an infection. Fructose level 300 milligrams (mg) of fructose per 100 milliliters (mL) of ejaculate The absence of fructose in the semen may indicate that the man was born without seminal vesicles or has blockage of the seminal vesicles.