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What Factors Affect Semen Regeneration?

Kaiser Castro
Kaiser Castro

Several factors can affect semen regeneration. Physical and mental health has a direct impact on the reproduction of semen. Vitamin deficiencies are also noted to not only affect semen reproduction, but also the health of the sperm. Physical aggressors, like tight clothing and excessive heat, and can lower regeneration rates as well.

Sperm is the male reproductive cell that is produced 24 hours a day in the seminal vesicle, a pair of glands located behind the bladder. Generally, a man will have about 20 million sperm per milliliter of semen, about 50% of which will be active. The other half of the sperm will usually be dormant or have an irregular shape to them that disables them from effectively traveling up the female reproductive system.

Higher temperatures may lower sperm production.
Higher temperatures may lower sperm production.

Physical, mental, and emotional well-being has a direct impact on semen regeneration. A balanced diet with ample water consumption will help create the optimal environment for semen production. Physical or emotional stress of any kind has been known to adversely affect the hormone that produces semen, resulting in low production. Relationship dynamics in a marriage or partnership can also affect semen regeneration, with enriching, satisfying relationships being known to improve the rigor of semen and sperm production.

Drinking plenty of water will help create the optimal environment for semen production.
Drinking plenty of water will help create the optimal environment for semen production.

Mineral and vitamin deficiencies can affect semen production as well, with deficiencies in vitamin C, zinc, and folic acid imposing a particular risk. Normal consumption of these nutrients can not only help improve semen production, but it can also improve sperm motility and morphology. Sperm motility is defined as the wiggling, forward motion of the cell, which is key for it to reach and fertilize the egg. The size and shape of the cell is defined as sperm morphology, with certain minerals like zinc being known to help stabilize cellular structure in the sperm.

Relationship dynamics may affect semen regeneration.
Relationship dynamics may affect semen regeneration.

Some experts believe that the immediate area around the testicles has a direct impact on semen regeneration. Higher temperatures can lower sperm production and quality. The cremaster muscle is a fiber in the scrotum that contracts the testicles to be closer or farther away from the body, helping to regulate their temperature. Tight, constrictive trousers, like some jean styles, tend to force the testicles to be closer to the body, raising their temperature and inadvertently rendering the function of the cremaster muscle useless. Excessive sauna and hot tub sessions can also affect semen regeneration.

Discussion Comments

SarahGen

Tobacco and alcohol use, and some medications have a huge impact on semen health and regeneration. My husband had low semen volume, and sperm with low motility. Ever since he quit smoking and drinking, his semen volume, sperm count and motility has increased.

If anyone is having fertility issues, please stop your bad habits. It's not enough for the woman to be taking care of herself. It goes both ways. Both the man and the woman need to have a healthy reproductive system for fertility. And that only happens with a healthy lifestyle and healthy diet.

ddljohn

@fBoyle-- Sperm and semen are not the same thing but it takes sperm 74 days to regenerate, so that sounds right. The body constantly develops sperm but they're not all ready to be ejaculated at any given time. Some are waiting in the epididymis ready to go while others are still developing. From beginning to finish, it takes more than two months for sperm and semen to be ready for ejaculation.

fBoyle

I've read that it takes three months for semen to regenerate. Is this wrong?

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    • Higher temperatures may lower sperm production.
      By: drubig-photo
      Higher temperatures may lower sperm production.
    • Drinking plenty of water will help create the optimal environment for semen production.
      By: mallivan
      Drinking plenty of water will help create the optimal environment for semen production.
    • Relationship dynamics may affect semen regeneration.
      By: Boggy
      Relationship dynamics may affect semen regeneration.
    • Vitamin levels and mental health can both affect sperm count.
      By: fotoliaxrender
      Vitamin levels and mental health can both affect sperm count.
    • Semen is produced in the testes, which are contained in the scrotum.
      By: kocakayaali
      Semen is produced in the testes, which are contained in the scrotum.