Sperm Regeneration: How To Replenish Sperm?

Your body naturally regenerates sperm on a regular basis. The process of sperm regeneration is called spermatogenesis, which takes about 74 days to complete [1].

The body produces millions of sperm daily on a daily basis to make fresh sperm available for healthy ejaculation.

In this article, we will dive deep into the process of sperm formation in the human body. This article also includes tips to support sperm regeneration in the body.

What Is Sperm Regeneration?

The process of sperm regeneration is called spermatogenesis. This process begins at the time of puberty and continues throughout men’s life.

Spermatogenesis is not a one-day process but it is an approximately 74-day cycle that occurs in the testes. Sperm production is a vital part of male reproductive health and it is a deciding factor if a man is fertile or infertile.

Sperm Regeneration Cycle

The sperm regeneration cycle is a long step that takes 64 days to 74 days to complete. However, here are three simpler steps for a better understanding of the regeneration cycle. The steps include:

• Spermatocytogenesis: It is the very first stage of the cell regeneration cycle where new cells divide and transform into early-stage sperm cells [2]. At this stage of the cycle, the body has millions of cells ready to develop into mature sperm cells.
• Meiosis: It is that phase of the sperm cycle where the sperm cells get a single copy of DNA or genetic material [3]. If fertilization happens, this single copy combines with a single copy of DNA in the egg and makes the genetic makeup for the child.
• Spermiogenesis: It is the final stage of sperm regeneration where sperm cells stay in the testes for maturation. This stage involves the formation of a proper head, neck, and tail of the sperm cell [4].

Testosterone is the primary hormone for regulating this cycle [5]. The availability of nutrients also supports the process of sperm formation.

How Much Sperm Is Produced in 24 Hours?

The cycle of sperm regeneration takes 24 hours to complete, but that doesn’t mean your body has no sperm for 74 days after ejaculation. The cycle is a continuous process and a healthy male makes millions of sperm every day.

If you ejaculate frequently, you experience a temporary decrease in sperm count or semen quantity. However, it is just a temporary effect and your body is never “out of sperm.”

How To Replinsh Sperm?

Sperm regeneration or replenishing sperm is not in your conscious control. It is happening inside your testes all the time throughout your life.

However, this doesn’t mean you can not influence this process or support this cycle. Here are some effective ways to improve sperm regeneration and boost male fertility:

• Eat a balanced diet: Scientific evidence shows that a healthy supply of nutrients can boost sperm regeneration [6]. You can include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and foods rich in zinc and antioxidants in your daily diet to support sperm production.
• Exercise regularly: Study shows that the body weight of a male is strongly associated with his fertility status [7]. Regular exercise helps in weight management and apparently benefits the sperm regeneration cycle.

Moderate physical activity is also important for hormonal balance, which can assist in sperm regeneration [8].

• Stay hydrated: Water is a major component of sperm cells and dehydration can negatively impact the sperm regeneration process. Drink enough water to support all the body's functioning, including sperm production.
• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol: There are many scientific studies that explain the harms of alcohol and smoking on the sperm regeneration cycle [9]. Avoid smoking, alcohol, and every other recreational drug to promote healthy sperm formation and improve sperm health.
• Manage stress: A 2022 study shows that high stress can negatively impact testosterone levels, which can disturb the sperm production cycle [10]. Practice stress management techniques to boost your fertility and replenish sperm count.

Conclusion

Your body constantly makes new sperm cells to maintain a healthy sperm count. Sperm regeneration is a complex process that occurs in the testes and provides healthy sperm cells for fertilization.

Sperm regeneration starts at the age of puberty and a male body continues to make sperm all life. Different factors can influence this process both positively and negatively. For example, a balanced diet can support the sperm regeneration cycle but an unhealthy lifestyle can negatively impact it.

If you are trying to conceive and your sperm count is low, we recommend you book a consultation with a professional for expert advice on your reproductive health.

FAQs

1. How long does it take to refill sperm?

Since sperm regeneration is a continuous process, your body is never out of sperm. It doesn’t take time to refill the sperm as they are always available.

2. What happens with old sperm in the body?

If you don’t ejaculate for some time, you don't know what kills sperm and absorbs the old sperm cells.

3. How long does it take to replenish sperm?

It takes between 64 and 74 days for the formation of sperm cells from scratch to complete maturation. This period includes all stages from initial cell division to mature sperm ready for ejaculation.

Resources Used

1. Cannarella, R., Condorelli, R. A., Mongioì, L. M., Vignera, S. L., & Calogero, A. E. (2020). Molecular Biology of Spermatogenesis: Novel Targets of Apparently Idiopathic Male Infertility. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(5). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21051728
2. Staub, C., & Johnson, L. (2017). Review: Spermatogenesis in the bull. Animal, 12, s27-s35. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1751731118000435
3. Gilbert, S. F. (2000). Developmental biology (6th ed.). Sinauer Associates. Spermatogenesis. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK10095/ 
4. (2014). Mechanisms of spermiogenesis and spermiation and how they are disturbed. Spermatogenesis, 4(2). https://doi.org/10.4161/21565562.2014.979623 
5. Smith, L. B., & Walker, W. H. (2014). The Regulation of Spermatogenesis by Androgens. Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology, 2. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.semcdb.2014.02.012 
6. What Vitamins Should A Man Take When Trying To Conceive. Conceive Plus®. https://conceiveplus.com/blogs/blog/what-vitamins-should-a-man-take-when-trying-to-conceive 
7. Palmer, N. O., Bakos, H. W., Fullston, T., & Lane, M. (2012). Impact of obesity on male fertility, sperm function and molecular composition. Spermatogenesis, 2(4), 253-263. https://doi.org/10.4161/spmg.21362 
8. Yeo, J. K., Cho, S. I., Park, S. G., Jo, S., Ha, J. K., Lee, J. W., Cho, S. Y., & Park, M. G. (2018). Which Exercise Is Better for Increasing Serum Testosterone Levels in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction? The World Journal of Men's Health, 36(2), 147-152. https://doi.org/10.5534/wjmh.17030
9. Aboulmaouahib, S., Madkour, A., Kaarouch, I., Sefrioui, O., Saadani, B., Copin, H., Benkhalifa, M., Louanjli, N., & Cadi, R. (2018). Impact of alcohol and cigarette smoking consumption in male fertility potential: Looks at lipid peroxidation, enzymatic antioxidant activities and sperm DNA damage. Andrologia, 50(3), e12926. https://doi.org/10.1111/and.12926 
10. Xiong, X., Wu, Q., Zhang, L., Gao, S., Li, R., Han, L., Fan, M., Wang, M., Liu, L., Wang, X., Zhang, C., Xin, Y., Li, Z., Huang, C., & Yang, J. (2021). Chronic stress inhibits testosterone synthesis in Leydig cells through mitochondrial damage via Atp5a1. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, 26(2), 354-363. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcmm.17085