Sperm vs. Semen: Is There a Difference?
Medically reviewed by Steffini Stalos, DOMedically reviewed by Steffini Stalos, DOThe terms "sperm" and "semen" are often used interchangeably, but they are different things.Spermatozoa (sperm) are microscopic sex cells that carry genetic material. About 20 million to 600 million sperm are released with each ejaculation.Semen, also called ejaculate, is the bodily fluid released during ejaculation. An average of about 2 to 5 milliliters of semen is released with each ejaculation. About 1% to 5% of semen is made up of sperm cells. Semen also contains components such as water, salts, nutrients, waste products of metabolism, and cellular debris.
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A Note on Gendered LanguageThis article uses "male" to refer to the reproductive tract that produces semen and sperm, and "female" to refer to the reproductive tract that produces ova (eggs) and carries a pregnancy.Verywell Health recognizes that gender and sex are not binary and that these labels do not apply to every individual.
Sperm vs. Semen CharacteristicsComposition and Quantity Up to 500 million sperm can be released with each ejaculation.The volume of semen and the number of sperm with each ejaculation varies. Some common values considered normal by semen analysis tests include:1.5 to 5 milliliters (ml) of semen per ejaculation20 to 150 million sperm per milliliterAt least 60% of the sperm having a normal shape and showing normal motility (forward movement)Composition of SpermSperm are very tiny cells that can only be seen under a microscope. The head of the sperm is mainly a cell nucleus, containing chromosomes (genetic substances responsible for transmitting specific characteristics of an individual).The sperm head is covered by a cap called the acrosome. This cap contains enzymes that help the sperm enter the ovum (egg).The mitochondria, which generates energy for the cell, is located in a small middle portion of the sperm.The flagellum (the tail of the sperm) is a hairlike bundle of filaments. It gives movement to the sperm cell to help it reach and fertilize the ovum.Composition of SemenSemen has many components in its fluids and secretions (called seminal plasma), which are added to the sperm cells as they travel through the reproductive tract. These include:Acid phosphataseAmino acidsCalciumCitric acidDegenerated cells sloughed off the tubules and ducts through which the semen has passedErgothioneine (a substance that removes oxygen from chemical compounds)Fibrinolysin (an enzyme that reduces blood and tissue fibers)Fructose (a sugar that nourishes the sperm)Glycerylphosphorylcholine (an energy source for sperm)MagnesiumMucus (thick, clear, lubricating protein)OxygenPhosphorusPotassiumProstaglandins (hormones)Protein-splitting enzymesSodiumSulfate chemicalsZincFunctionSperm fertilizes (unites with) an ovum and creates a zygote. The zygote matures into an embryo, and the embryo develops into a fetus.While human body cells have 46 chromosomes, sperm cells have 23 chromosomes. When sperm cells unite with the ovum, which also contains 23 chromosomes, the total reaches 46. The ovum carries an X chromosome, while sperm cells can carry either an X or a Y chromosome. If a sperm cell carrying an X chromosome fertilizes the ovum, the fetus will be genetically female. If a sperm cell carrying a Y chromosome fertilizes the ovum, the fetus will be genetically male.Semen helps transport and protect sperm through the male and then female reproductive tracts on its journey to meet the ovum.Appearance and TextureSperm are extremely small, each about 0.05 millimeters (mm), or one-600th of an inch.Sperm cells are made of these three sections:Head: Flattened, almond/oval-shapedMiddle: ShortTail: Slender, hairlike bundle of filaments, about 50 micrometers (mcm) longSemen can vary (between people and between ejaculations from the same person) in texture, color, odor, and taste.Generally, semen is a thick and cloudy fluid that's either white or grayish.After ejaculation, semen forms a gel. This helps protect sperm from the acidic environment of the vagina. Within 20 to 30 minutes, enzymes from the prostate gland in the semen liquefy the gelled semen to free the sperm for transportation. Seminal plasma remains in the vagina as the sperm travel through the cervix, towards the ovum.
What Is a Refractory Period?The four phases in the sexual response cycle are:Initial excitement phaseGrowing plateau phaseHighest sexual (orgasmic) phaseLast resolution phaseAfter orgasm, there is a refractory period in which the body returns to its normal state and "recovers." During this period, the penis becomes flaccid (not firm or stiff).The amount of time it takes before an erection, sexual function, and ejaculation become possible again varies from a few minutes to a few days. This time depends on the individual and factors such as age.
Sperm and Semen Production and DevelopmentThe male reproductive system has parts outside and inside the body.The external male reproductive body parts include:Penis: Inserts into the vagina during intercourse and is the exit point of the body for semen and urine that includes shaft, glans (tip), and foreskinTesticles (testes): Two oval-shaped organs that hang below the penis that produce sperm and hormones such as testosteroneScrotum: Skin sac that holds the testicles and tightens or loosens to keep them at the right temperatureEpididymis: Tube next to each testicle that stores spermThe internal male reproductive body parts are:Urethra: Tube that carries semen and urine through the penis and out of the bodyVas deferens: Two thin, muscular tubes that move sperm from the epididymis to the urethraProstate gland: Walnut-sized gland that surrounds part of the urethra and makes some of the fluid in semenSeminal vesicles: Two pouches at the base of the bladder that make fluid to nourish sperm and help it move alongThe Process of Sperm and Semen Development and EjaculationThe process from sperm production to ejaculation involves:Sperm is produced in coiled seminiferous tubules (coiled structures) within the testes.Sperm mature and are stored in the epididymis.The penis fills with blood and becomes erect.Stimulation of the penis causes the ejaculation process to start.Mature sperm are propelled forward with smooth muscle contractions.Sperm travel from the epididymis to the vas deferens.In the ampulla (enlarged portions at the end of each vas deferens that act as a reservoir), secretions from the seminal vesicles are added.Seminal fluid is propelled through the ejaculatory ducts toward the urethra.Milky fluid is added from the prostate gland to make semen.Semen is ejected through the urethra and out of the penis.
Does Ejaculation Before Puberty Contain Sperm?Before puberty, the seminiferous tubules that produce sperm contain simple, round cells. During puberty, hormones such as testosterone transform these cells into sperm cells.Reproduction is not possible before the sexual maturity that comes with puberty.
How Female Sexual Fluids Differ Fluids associated with female sexual and reproductive function are:Arousal fluid is produced by the Bartholin's glands (near the vaginal opening) with sexual stimulation or arousal, lubricating the vagina for intercourse. Arousal also increases blood flow to the vagina, which pushes fluid through the vaginal wall to lubricate the entire vaginal canal.Cervical discharge is produced by the cervix and is regulated by estrogen and progesterone hormones. It changes through the menstrual cycle, and is usually produced in a higher quantity approaching ovulation. It may be cloudy or white, slippery or sticky.Female ejaculation fluid is a clear, milky, or whitish fluid secreted by the Skene's glands (also called the female prostate) on either side of the urethral opening during or right before orgasm."Squirting" occurs during orgasm, when a substantial amount of clear fluid is ejected from the urethra.
Summary"Sperm" and "semen" are terms that are often used interchangeably, but they mean different things. Sperm are microscopic cells that carry genetic material and unite with an ovum to form a pregnancy. Semen is a thick, whitish fluid that contains sperm and many other components. It helps transport and protect sperm. Sperm is produced in the testicles. Fluids are added by parts of the male reproductive tract during ejaculation to make semen.Female sexual fluids include arousal fluid, cervical discharge, female ejaculation fluid, and "squirting." Read the original article on Verywell Health.
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