Reproduction in men

Like women men also have GnRh that results in the production of LH to result on the production of testosterone from the Leydig cells and FSH that stimulates sperm production in the semniferous tubules that are nourished by surrounding sertoli cells. The early sperm is called the spermatocytes which are in the tubules which then divide and develop into spermatids (tailless sperm) - these take 72 days to develop and develops a head containing the chromosomes and a middle piece containing nutrients for sperms energy and a tail.  

When the sperm is almost fully mature it leaves the tubules and enters the epididymis which is along coiled structure attached to the back of testicle - it is 6meters in length. It takes several days for the sperm to move along the length of the epididymis during this time it develops the ability have full motility - the sperm then moves into the vas deferens and awaits ejaculation. The sperm is then mixed with the fluid produced by seminal vesicles and prostate gland. Most men ejaculate 60 to 150 million sperm in 3.5 ml of fluid.

The prostate gland is situated at the base of the bladder and is the size of a walnut. Most of the fluid in the ejaculate comes fluid from the prostate. Prostate health is very important in reproduction. Poor prostate function can result in poor sperm production and quality. The composition of semen contains fructose, vitamins B12, c and E, zinc, essential fatty acids and many other minerals and vitamins. Despite high numbers of sperm being ejaculated only a few hundred reach the egg.  

The sex of your baby depends on whether the fertilising sperm contains an X (female) or a Y chromosome. The woman’s egg contains an X (female) chromosome.

Some people believe that as the X sperm are larger, slower and live longer that if people have intercourse a few days prior to ovulation this increases your chance of having a female baby - these facts are not scientifically validated.