Refer a Friend and Earn Offers! - Beli Prenatals are HSA/FSA eligible!

Why Do Men Produce So Much Sperm?

why-do-men-produce-so-much-sperm-beli-baby

Ever wondered why men produce so much darn sperm, especially if only one of them will ultimately fertilize the egg? Well, it’s not because they don’t ask for directions (ha!). The real answer is short and simple: There are millions of sperm in normal ejaculate because it increases the likelihood that one will reach the egg and seal the deal. It begs the question, what exactly happens on the journey to the egg? Let’s review.

Key Takeaways

  • Normal sperm densities are between 15 and 200 million of sperm per milliliter of semen, but not all sperm boast optimal quality.
  • Researchers estimate that of the millions of sperm released in the vagina, just 250 make it to the egg and only 10% of these are capable of fertilization.
  • In addition to leading a healthy lifestyle, specific nutrients can help support sperm quality.

What is Healthy Sperm Production?

According to the Mayo Clinic, normal sperm densities are between 15 million to over 200 million sperm in a milliliter of semen (1), which means the average ejaculate has some 200 to 600 million sperm swimming around. It’s likely evolution based—the more sperm there are, the more likely a man can successfully fertilize a female. The high numbers also account for any abnormal sperm, which can have multiple issues that impede their ability to reach the egg.

How is sperm quality measured?

Sperm quality has several key parameters beyond sperm count:

  • Sperm motility. Motility describes sperm movement patterns. Some sperm swim in straight lines or big circles, some swim in all directions but forward, and some don’t move at all. A man is considered fertile if 40% of his sperm are motile (2).
  • Sperm morphology. This is the structure of the sperm. With their oval heads and long tails,  normal sperm resemble tadpoles. Abnormal sperm are associated with lower fertility rates and can often be traced to poor lifestyle habits (3).

In 2012, a study found that just one man in four had optimal sperm quality, and the situation likely hasn’t improved in the decade since (4). In fact, more recent research continues to sound the alarm over dwindling sperm count (5). That’s concerning for multiple reasons, not least of which is the risk that poor sperm quality poses to the health of the pregnancy and the baby. 

How many sperm will reach the egg?

But in terms of conception alone, it means that many millions of the sperms that make it out of the gate lack the necessary structure and ability to make it through the vaginal canal, let alone into the cervix. In fact, researchers estimate that just 250 sperm actually make it to the egg and just 10% of these are actually capable of fertilization (6). Then there’s the fact that evidence suggests the egg actually chooses the sperm it deems most acceptable, which is likely to be the healthiest with the most genetically compatible DNA (7). Clearly, healthy sperm—and lots of them—are really important. Just look at the perilous journey they have to navigate!

Upon release, sperm move from the vaginal canal and into the cervix, facing multiple obstacles along the way, before facing a major decision. Which way? Some sperm will travel to one fallopian tube, and the rest will swim to the other—but only one has the fertile egg. Those who choose correctly still have a chance at fertilization, but they remain in fierce competition with one another until one sperm is able to successfully penetrate the tough outer member, known as the zona pellucida, and fuse with the egg. At that point, the egg becomes impenetrable to other sperm, which will eventually die. The more sperm a man has, and the healthier the sperm is, the better the chances of a healthy conception. It’s as simple as that.

How Can Men Improve Sperm Count and Quality?

Low sperm count can be directly affected by multiple factors, including:

  • Age
  • Previous or existing medical conditions
  • Environmental factors
  • Lifestyle habits, including poor nutrition, smoking, recreational drug use (yes, including CBD), alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, excessive exercise, too much caffeine, high stress and poor sleep

While you can’t do much about your age, managing your health is certainly doable to a certain degree. In addition to embracing healthy lifestyle habits, men benefit from specific nutrients that support their fertility health. Beli Vitality™ for Men includes L-Carnitine, which can help improve low sperm concentration. According to research, low carnitine levels are associated with both decreased sperm count and poor sperm motility (8). Research also shows that vitamins D, C, E and CoQ10 have an enormous impact on sperm health, and a prenatal supplement like Beli makes it easy to access these key nutrients.

The Bottom Line

There's a reason most men have an army of sperm. These little tadpoles face a daunting journey, and only the healthiest prove successful. For fathers to be, the best scenario is sperm that nails every health parameter—and the right nutrients can help. In addition to a balanced diet, men benefit from a prenatal vitamin designed to support their fertility health, and we happen to have an excellent recommendation.


Article Resources

1. Low Sperm Count. (2022). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-sperm-count/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374591#

2. Healthy sperm: Improving your fertility. (2022). https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/fertility/art-20047584

3. Durairajanayagam, D. (2018). Lifestyle causes of male infertility. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5922227/

4. Jørgensen, N et al. (2012). Human semen quality in the new millennium: a prospective cross-sectional population-based study of 4867 men. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22761286/

5. The decline in sperm count has become steeper since 2000. (2022). https://www.focusonreproduction.eu/article/ESHRE-News-Sperm-count-decline

6. Molecular biology of the cell. Fourth Edition. (n.d.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK26843/

7. Fitzpatrick, J et al. (2020). Chemical signals from eggs facilitate cryptic female choice in humans. https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2020.0805

8. Ahmed, S et al. (2011). Role of L-carnitine in male infertility. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22355991/

Additional Resources

Fall is not just a time for pumpkin spice lattes and cooler weather; it’s also an opportunity to optimize fertility, particularly for men. Cooler temperatures naturally benefit sperm health, while Beli for Men provides the essential nutrients needed to take those benefits even further. 

Read More

Egg quantity and quality are critical aspect of our reproductive well-being. By understanding the ideal number of eggs at various ages, why egg quality and quantity matter, and how to nurture and improve egg health, we can make informed decisions about our fertility and overall health.

Read More

Miscarriage is a complex issue, and while sperm health is just one factor, it's a crucial one. By understanding the statistics and research surrounding miscarriage and sperm health, couples can take proactive steps to improve fertility outcomes. Beli Vitality for Men offers a comprehensive fertility supplement solution, supported by industry research and designed to improve sperm health. By combining Beli Vitality with healthy lifestyle choices, couples can optimize their fertility journey and increase their chances of a successful pregnancy.

Read More

While it’s true that popular hair loss meds work minor miracles on that receding hairline and back-of-the-head bald patch, it’s also true that it can come with side effects—some of them sexual. So, what does that mean in terms of male fertility? Here’s what couples should understand about the effects of popular hair-loss medications on sperm health.

Read More

The long, lazy days of summer aren’t just prime vacation days. Summer could actually be an especially fertile season, which may be of interest to couples who are interested in starting a family. If you’re angling for parenthood this summer, here’s what to know about the season of fertility.

Read More

The summer heat really can have a temporary effect on male fertility, so doing what you can to keep cool, especially if the goal is becoming a dad, is really important. Here are tips to keep you and the boys cool this summer.

Read More

If you’re no stranger to the telltale signs of seasonal allergies—sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, irritated eyes, the works—you’re likely familiar with antihistamines. When you’re actively trying to conceive, there’s more to understand about histamines, seasonal allergies and how it affects your fertility.

Read More

When the plan is a baby, but you’re having a hard time conceiving, it’s normal to start wondering why. While there can be a number of issues in play, one tends to be overlooked: sleep quality. Specifically, men who have the sleep disorder sleep apnea could be at greater risk of fertility issues. Now, new research is drawing a more definitive link between sleep apnea and male fertility. Let’s review.

Read More

Fact: You can’t look at a guy—or eyeball his semen sample, for that matter—and determine his fertility. It just doesn’t work that way. The only way to truly assess sperm health is with a semen analysis. But there are a few lifestyle choices and truths that may indicate whether a man’s sperm is healthy and happy. 

Read More

While PCOS can be a challenging condition to manage, natural supplements like inositol that are included in Beli Preconception Boost offer a beacon of hope. Inositol's ability to improve insulin sensitivity, hormone balance, and ovulatory function makes it a valuable tool in the PCOS management toolkit. 

Read More

The concern that hormonal contraception affects future fertility is making the rounds on social media again. But research continues to show that all that worry is for naught. While birth control doesn’t cause long-term fertility issues, it can mask them by creating an artificial cycle—something that’s important to understand.

Read More

While it’s lumped into the “bodily fluid” category, semen is a complex cocktail of compounds designed to support fertility. Like sperm quality, semen health can be influenced by lifestyle factors—an important realization for couples trying to conceive. From color to consistency, here’s what healthy semen looks like.

Read More

There’s a lot of chatter when it comes to male masturbation and what it says about a man’s fertility or whether it’s an issue when a couple is actively trying to conceive. And in the interest of clearing up the confusion, we’re taking a facts-based approach to the topic of men, masturbation and fertility.

Read More

For many of us, our twenties and even thirties are a time when the focus is on pregnancy prevention. And that’s okay! But even when the idea of motherhood is miles away there is tremendous value in understanding your fertility health and what you can do to support it during these young, carefree days.

Read More

Once a month, PMS symptoms make their unpleasant presence known. And while knowing what’s happening won’t make PMS magically disappear, it can help you manage symptoms by balancing hormones and supporting your reproductive health. Let’s review.

Read More

Raise your hand if you already know that you have a biological clock. From age 35 and beyond, there is a natural decline in testosterone and sperm quality. Just as people lose muscle strength, flexibility and endurance with age, sperm also tend to lose their "fitness" over the life cycle. But what does that mean—and does it really matter?

Read More

It’s an easy assumption, but you’re much better off thinking that every prenatal vitamin is wildly different in terms of composition, nutrient quality and, importantly, nutrient amount. Not only is that actually true, it puts you in the smart consumer mindset of understanding what matters in a prenatal vitamin—and why.

Read More

If you have endometriosis, you can already recite its lengthy list of pretty terrible symptoms. And the standard options for managing those symptoms — medications, hormone therapy, hormonal birth control, estrogen blockers, surgery —  aren’t always great. But there is evidence that a so-called “endometriosis diet” can help.

Read More

Men really do benefit from specialized nutrition in the form of a prenatal vitamin that’s formulated to support sperm health. Here’s what that looks like, and how specific nutrients can impact a man’s fertility health before fatherhood.

Read More

Shilajit is finally getting the credit it’s due, and we’re proud to point out that our proprietary formula was the very first to include this powerful Ayurvedic compound. Here’s why shilajit is rapidly becoming the darling of the male fertility world–and what you’re missing if you’re skipping it.

Read More

Optimal nutrition plays a pivotal role in enhancing fertility and supporting a healthy pregnancy. A diet rich in essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats, lays the foundation for reproductive health.

Read More

Is there anything unsexier than scheduled, pressure-ridden, trying-like-hell-to-conceive sex? But good news. We’ve found handy workarounds and tricks of the trade, so forget the basal temperature chart for a second and read on for four ways to keep things hot when you’re TTC.

Read More

Just as women’s bodies need to be prepared for pregnancy, men’s bodies need to be ready to contribute healthy sperm for conception. Nutrients are the foundation that support the normal structure and function of sperm and men's fertility health. Taking Beli’s male prenatal supplement is a proactive way to strategically fuel your body to optimize fertility contributing to your overall chances of conceiving and supporting a healthy pregnancy.  

Read More

Diet has been suggested to have an influence on the quality and function of human sperm. More specifically, the results of a randomised trial have shown that including nuts as a component of a regular diet improved the quality and function of human sperm.

Read More

Fall is not just a time for pumpkin spice lattes and cooler weather; it’s also an opportunity to optimize fertility, particularly for men. Cooler temperatures naturally benefit sperm health, while Beli for Men provides the essential nutrients needed to take those benefits even further. 

Read More

Miscarriage is a complex issue, and while sperm health is just one factor, it's a crucial one. By understanding the statistics and research surrounding miscarriage and sperm health, couples can take proactive steps to improve fertility outcomes. Beli Vitality for Men offers a comprehensive fertility supplement solution, supported by industry research and designed to improve sperm health. By combining Beli Vitality with healthy lifestyle choices, couples can optimize their fertility journey and increase their chances of a successful pregnancy.

Read More

While it’s true that popular hair loss meds work minor miracles on that receding hairline and back-of-the-head bald patch, it’s also true that it can come with side effects—some of them sexual. So, what does that mean in terms of male fertility? Here’s what couples should understand about the effects of popular hair-loss medications on sperm health.

Read More

The summer heat really can have a temporary effect on male fertility, so doing what you can to keep cool, especially if the goal is becoming a dad, is really important. Here are tips to keep you and the boys cool this summer.

Read More

If you’re no stranger to the telltale signs of seasonal allergies—sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, irritated eyes, the works—you’re likely familiar with antihistamines. When you’re actively trying to conceive, there’s more to understand about histamines, seasonal allergies and how it affects your fertility.

Read More

When the plan is a baby, but you’re having a hard time conceiving, it’s normal to start wondering why. While there can be a number of issues in play, one tends to be overlooked: sleep quality. Specifically, men who have the sleep disorder sleep apnea could be at greater risk of fertility issues. Now, new research is drawing a more definitive link between sleep apnea and male fertility. Let’s review.

Read More

Fact: You can’t look at a guy—or eyeball his semen sample, for that matter—and determine his fertility. It just doesn’t work that way. The only way to truly assess sperm health is with a semen analysis. But there are a few lifestyle choices and truths that may indicate whether a man’s sperm is healthy and happy. 

Read More

While it’s lumped into the “bodily fluid” category, semen is a complex cocktail of compounds designed to support fertility. Like sperm quality, semen health can be influenced by lifestyle factors—an important realization for couples trying to conceive. From color to consistency, here’s what healthy semen looks like.

Read More

There’s a lot of chatter when it comes to male masturbation and what it says about a man’s fertility or whether it’s an issue when a couple is actively trying to conceive. And in the interest of clearing up the confusion, we’re taking a facts-based approach to the topic of men, masturbation and fertility.

Read More

For many of us, our twenties and even thirties are a time when the focus is on pregnancy prevention. And that’s okay! But even when the idea of motherhood is miles away there is tremendous value in understanding your fertility health and what you can do to support it during these young, carefree days.

Read More

Raise your hand if you already know that you have a biological clock. From age 35 and beyond, there is a natural decline in testosterone and sperm quality. Just as people lose muscle strength, flexibility and endurance with age, sperm also tend to lose their "fitness" over the life cycle. But what does that mean—and does it really matter?

Read More

It’s an easy assumption, but you’re much better off thinking that every prenatal vitamin is wildly different in terms of composition, nutrient quality and, importantly, nutrient amount. Not only is that actually true, it puts you in the smart consumer mindset of understanding what matters in a prenatal vitamin—and why.

Read More

Men really do benefit from specialized nutrition in the form of a prenatal vitamin that’s formulated to support sperm health. Here’s what that looks like, and how specific nutrients can impact a man’s fertility health before fatherhood.

Read More

Shilajit is finally getting the credit it’s due, and we’re proud to point out that our proprietary formula was the very first to include this powerful Ayurvedic compound. Here’s why shilajit is rapidly becoming the darling of the male fertility world–and what you’re missing if you’re skipping it.

Read More

Just as women’s bodies need to be prepared for pregnancy, men’s bodies need to be ready to contribute healthy sperm for conception. Nutrients are the foundation that support the normal structure and function of sperm and men's fertility health. Taking Beli’s male prenatal supplement is a proactive way to strategically fuel your body to optimize fertility contributing to your overall chances of conceiving and supporting a healthy pregnancy.  

Read More

Diet has been suggested to have an influence on the quality and function of human sperm. More specifically, the results of a randomised trial have shown that including nuts as a component of a regular diet improved the quality and function of human sperm.

Read More
×

Change Shipping Country

Cancel