How sperm penetrates the egg and why choosing the right underwear matters: intriguing facts about sperm.

Sperm is a fluid released during male ejaculation. Initially, pre-ejaculate is released, and when a person reaches orgasm, semen is "shot" out. The composition and quality of sperm directly affect a woman's ability to conceive and the health of the future child.

Sperm itself is made up of two parts, and there are no secrets here. The first part consists of spermatozoa (the smallest cells in our body), one of which became you. Roughly speaking, these "tadpoles" consist of a head containing 23 chromosomes, a neck, and a tail that helps them move. An interesting fact about sperm: over 80% of spermatozoa have defects. Among others, there are natural chubby ones, some have two tails or none at all, while others may have two heads. Naturally, such sperm have no chance of meeting an egg. However, they have the opportunity to become models: a group of Austrian biologists held a real exhibition of defective sperm in 2002.

The second component of sperm is seminal fluid. It provides chemical protection for spermatozoa against the local immune response of the vagina and serves as a source of nutrients. Sperm contains 85-97% water and 3-15% dry matter. The dry residue consists of 90% proteins and lipids. Biologically active substances are widely represented in sperm: enzymes, anti-aggregation agents, prostaglandins, hormones, and about 1% ash in dry matter. The ash content includes phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, chlorine, zinc, iron, copper, and several other elements.

For fertilization, about 10 million spermatozoa are sufficient, although several times more are released. An interesting fact about spermatozoa: if you line up all the spermatozoa from one ejaculation, the line would stretch an average of 10 kilometers. This includes both quality and "defective" spermatozoa. In 2014, Stanford researchers found a correlation between sperm quality and nationality. Indeed, Scots have the most active spermatozoa, followed by Turks and Finns, with French and Danes trailing behind.

Sometimes men face the issue of how to increase their sperm volume. First of all, it’s important to note that the quantity of sperm is not related to its quality. Secondly, to have more sperm, one must "store it up." Try to refrain from ejaculation for a few days. Your sperm volume is also influenced by stress levels. Are you having work troubles? A heavy schedule? You urgently need to rest.

Now, regarding the smell. The composition of sperm is not just spermatozoa. It also includes additional substances like zinc, fructose, and citric acid. The concentration of these substances in sperm affects its smell. If fructose levels are high, the smell will be somewhat sweet. This sweet smell is often found in diabetics. However, if the smell is disgusting and unbearable, it’s best to consult a doctor. Such a misunderstanding might be caused by an inflammatory process or infection.

The taste of sperm, like its smell, depends on its composition. Sperm can have a sweet, sour, or bitter taste—essentially, a whole spectrum of flavors. However, if this quality of your semen concerns you, you can easily change it.

If you are more concerned about the quality of your spermatozoa rather than the taste, and you want to conceive a child, it is better to avoid these medications to not reduce the number of active "tadpoles":

Such medications can make sperm of poor quality. Moreover, if you are also concerned about the unpleasant taste of sperm, these drugs might be the cause as well.

Sperm is one of the substances excreted by the body. Just like sweat, breast milk, and vaginal secretions, the composition of semen depends on your body's "makeup." What should sperm be like? Firstly, the color of normal semen is milky-white. If the ejaculate has unhealthy shades (brown, for instance)—this is a sign of inflammatory processes. The substance should be homogeneous and viscous. The smell of sperm usually resembles chestnut flowers. If the norm is violated, there are several reasons for this.

Of course, one wants sex to be purely pleasurable. But often an evening can be unpleasantly marked by a "bitter finale." Sperm is an indicator of what products a man consumes. For example, cabbage, onions, garlic, asparagus, cheese, broccoli, and coffee can make sperm bitter. But that doesn’t mean you should stop eating all of these. Everything should be in moderation. Fried and spicy foods also worsen the taste of sperm. So, if you are a fan of spicy wings, you will have to choose between them and your partner’s comfort after sex. Antibiotics make sperm very bitter. Smoking and alcohol are the main enemies of the taste of ejaculate.

What to do if sperm is tasteless? One thing you definitely shouldn’t do is resort to supplements. Some sex shops sell special substances that, according to manufacturers, will improve the taste of sperm. A rather dubious substance for a high price—does it even worth it? There is a simple way to improve the taste of sperm: you need to change your lifestyle. Eat more vegetables and fruits, engage in physical activity—this will improve the taste quality of your semen. If you are not a chain smoker and are also into sports, consult a doctor. Perhaps bitter sperm is a "warning sign" that something is wrong with your body.

Fructose is what makes ejaculate pleasant. Eat more of these foods to make your sperm taste sweet: