Does he produce enough sperm?

Good quality sperm is equally important as the quality of the oocytes. The male factor contributes 24% to fertility problems in couples.. With the sperm it is alll about number, shape, motility and the power to penetrate the oocyte. A spermcell is a smart transportation system for the genetical material of the male. Sperm quality is investigated under the microscope. The number of spermcells, the speed at which they move and the shape are judged. However the genetic material can not be determined during this diagnosis.

For a picture of a testicle (in which the sperm cells are produced) click here.

Click here for more information on how to affect your sperm quality (in Dutch)

The head of the spermcell contains the genetic material of the male. The "battery"part gives energy for the motility. The motility is caused by the tail. In the head enzymes are present that are necessary for penetration of the eggshell. Immediately after the penetration of one spermcell the eggshell seals to avoid access of other spermcells.