In the male reproductive system, sperms are produced on regular basis. The sperm is a vital male reproductive cell necessary for the fertilization process post intercourse.

Sperms are generally very tiny and can not be seen virtually with the human eyes. When viewed under a microscope, a single sperm has a head, tail and neck. The head consists of the nucleus loaded with chromosomes. The neck connects the tail with the head. The tail usually moves in a whipping motion to direct the sperm towards an egg during the process of fertilization.

Sperm Production: Hormones Contributing to it

Sperms undergo a process of production. There are four interwoven hormones that are responsible for sperm production. Here let us understand them:

Gonadotropin (GnRH): Gonadotropin is one of the vital hormones necessary for sperm production. It’s released in the Hypothalamus present in the human brain and it’s usually responsible for the release of the Luteinizing Hormone and the Follicle Stimulating Hormone from the anterior pituitary gland. It plays a vital role in the production of the human sperm since it coordinates the activities of the other hormones that are also involved in the production of sperm.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH): This is another hormone that is responsible for sperm production. It’s secreted and synthesized by the Gonadotropin (GnRH) in the anterior pituitary gland. The hormone actually regulates the puberty age and also plays a vital role in the production of sperm. It also stimulates the maturation of germ cells in both males and females.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH): This is also known as “Lutropin”. It’s one of the hormones secreted by Gonadotropin in the anterior pituitary gland. The hormone is very necessary for the production of sperm in the male body. It works hand-in-hand with the Follicle Stimulating Hormone.

Testosterone: This is another vital hormone needed for sperm production. The hormone is very important for the development of the male reproduction tissues like prostate and testes. It’s also necessary for promoting sexual characteristics in men. In sperm production, Testosterone is very important as it activates genes in the Sertoli cells which lead to normal sperm production.

How the Hormones Work in Sperm Production

The four hormones work in a synergy when it comes to sperm production. The Gonadotropin which is released in the hypothalamus initiates the production of the Luteinizing hormone (LH) and the Follicle Stimulating hormone (FHS). The Luteinizing Hormone (LH) now becomes responsible for beginning the process of sperm production.

Then the Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) maintains and stimulates the process of sperm production. Testosterone which is produced in the Leydig cells of the testicles becomes responsible for the maturation of the sperm while the production goes on.

How the Hormones Control Sperm Production

• The whole process of sperm control begins with the pituitary gland which is a very tiny gland at the base section of the brain. When Gonadotropin initiates the release of the Luteinizing Hormone and the Follicle Stimulating Hormone there in the anterior pituitary gland, both of them are then released into the bloodstream where they turn on the male testes for the control and production of sperm.

• During puberty stage, the level of the LH and the FSH rise very well thereby leading to the maturity and growth of the testes. With the help of testosterone, the growth of the genitals is enhanced. Pubic hairs and other male characteristics also begin to showcase in the body of the adult male. Together with the FSH and LH, testosterone assists in the production and stimulation of sperm.

In all, the process of sperm production is continuous. It’s known as “Spermatogenesis”. It usually takes up to 74 days for a full fledged male germ cell to convert into a live sperm. In most cases, millions of sperm are usually produced on daily basis. The process of sperm production continues all through the active days of the individual involved. However, as age dawns on, the sperm production retards. This is usually the case with the elderly males. Their reproductive systems tend to dwindle as a result of the decrease in the production of the hormones responsible for sperm production.

In most cases, the production of sperm by the hormones is usually at its peak during the puberty years and the early and late adulthood stages.