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Sperm Abnormalities 

imagesWhat Are Sperm Abnormalities?

[dropcap]S[/dropcap]perm abnormalities are the result of gonadal dysfunction (testicles) characterized by inability to either produce sperm or to produce viable sperm or mobile sperm which results in prohibiting fertilization of the female ovum.

Q: How are sperm normally produced?

A: There are two testicles, or testes, that are oblong, egg shapes about 2 inches long and an inch wide and enclosed in a protective sac called the scrotum which hangs outside the body. The testes have these functions:

  • Produce and store millions of sperm cells called spermatozoa.
  • Produce hormones, including testosterone which stimulate the production of sperm.

What Are Sperm Abnormalities In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?

Infertility In Males

P6080044-False-colour_SEM_of_human_seminiferous_tubules-SPLWhat Is Infertility in Males?

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]nfertility in males is characterized by inability to either produce sperm or to produce viable sperm or mobile sperm resulting in prohibiting fertilization of the female ovum (egg).

To the left is a false-colour scanning electron micrograph of seminiferous tubules in the human testis (cross section), the site of production and maturation of sperm.

Round undifferentiated cells lining the tubule wall (brown, pink) become sperm by halving their chromosome number, and transforming in a process which takes about two months. During this time the cells move toward the centre of the tubule and develop tails (orange). Mature sperm migrate up the cavity of the tubule and are stored in the epididymis. 200-300 million sperm are released in an average ejaculation. Courtesy of Professor P. Motta, Dept.of Anatomy, University of Rome Science Photo Library.

Male androgen hormones control the development and maintenance of male sex organs and masculine secondary sex characteristics and are required for health, especially bone health.

Testosterone is the major andogen hormone. While most of this steroid is produced by the testes, some is also produced by the adrenal glands.

What Is Infertility In Males In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?