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The Secret Composition of Semen: Why is it so important for fertility?
When it comes to semen, many people may only think of it as a biological fluid in the male body, but in fact, semen is a complex fluid that carries key components of fertility. Semen is more than just sperm; its composition and function are essential to the fertility process. In this article, we explore the composition of semen, its impact on fertility, and its sociocultural significance.
Composition of semen
Semen is composed of sperm and a variety of liquid components, which come from the male's accessory glands, mainly including the seminal vesicles, prostate and bulbar glands. The main components of semen include:
Spermatin is the liquid portion of semen that provides protection and nutrition, helping sperm survive and move through the female reproductive tract.
The pH of semen is more neutral (about 7.2 to 8.0), which helps offset the acidic environment of the female reproductive tract. Semen also provides a nutrient medium containing fructose, which not only provides energy to sperm but also aids their movement through the reproductive tract.
The process of childbirth
Successful fertilization depends on the quality and quantity of sperm. Healthy semen should have adequate sperm concentration and good motility. According to the World Health Organization, normal semen characteristics include:
The volume of normal human semen should be greater than 2 ml, the sperm concentration should be greater than 20 million per ml, and the sperm motility should be greater than 50%.
In addition to energy, semen components are also thought to have antiviral and antibacterial properties in the food chain. For example, certain components of semen protect against the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which is important for reproductive health in both men and women.
The role of semen in health and culture
Semen not only plays a role in biology, but it also attracts great attention in society and culture. In traditional Chinese culture, semen is regarded as the embodiment of "essence" and represents the essence of life. Practitioners believe that the loss of semen leads to a reduction in life energy and even regard it as a consumption of energy.
In some cultures, semen is viewed as a sacred substance, carrying mysterious powers and meaning.
Collection and preservation of semen
Semen collection and storage play an important role in many animal reproduction and genetic resource conservation. Modern technology allows the cryopreservation of semen to extend its storage time, thus providing the opportunity for possible fertilization in the future. One study showed that certain extenders could extend the shelf life of semen beyond seven days, while cryopreservation has been successful for up to 21 years.
Disease Spread and Health Risks
However, semen also has the potential to pose health risks. Semen can transmit a variety of sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV and other pathogens. In some cases, blood may be present in the semen, known as hematospermia, which may be related to inflammation or infection and requires medical evaluation.
The view of semen in society and culture
The social and cultural significance of semen cannot be ignored. In the traditions and customs of many cultural backgrounds, semen is given various special symbolic meanings. For example, in some Aboriginal cultures, semen is viewed as a medium that can transmit life and power, emphasizing its value in the social structure.
ConclusionIn short, semen, as a liquid rich in life potential, has a wide-ranging impact on the understanding of fertility, physiological health, and cultural significance. The composition of semen and its important role in fertilization make it shrouded in mystery. In the face of all this, we can't help but ask: How should we view this sophisticated and mysterious biological fluid in modern society?
