What is male fertility?

Male fertility is a man's ability to father a biological child, depending on healthy sperm production, proper hormone levels, and the physical delivery of sperm to an egg.

What are the three pillars of sperm health?

The three pillars are Quantity (at least 15 million sperm per ml), Movement (at least 40% motility), and Shape (oval heads and long tails).

Understanding Male Fertility: Production, Quality & Health Pillars

In simple terms, male fertility is a man's ability to father a biological child. It depends on a complex, coordinated process involving the production of healthy sperm, the presence of specific hormones, and the physical ability to deliver that sperm to an egg.

Primary Functions

The male reproductive system serves three main roles to ensure fertility:

Production: The testicles create sperm (reproductive cells) and testosterone (the primary male sex hormone).
Transport & Storage: Sperm matures, is stored, and moves through a series of tubes, including the epididymis and vas deferens.
Delivery: Sperm mixes with fluids from the prostate and seminal vesicles to create semen, which is then ejaculated through the penis during intercourse.

The Three Pillars of Sperm Health

Fertility is typically measured by the quality of a man's sperm across three key areas:

1. Quantity (Count)

A healthy sample usually contains at least 15 million sperm per millilitre of semen.

2. Movement (Motility)

Sperm must be able to "swim" effectively through the female reproductive tract. Generally, at least 40% should be moving for optimal fertility.

3. Shape (Morphology)

Healthy sperm have oval heads and long tails. Proper shape helps them penetrate the egg's surface.