The Male Scrotum and Sperm Temperature Control
Human males have testes that produce sperm and make hormones. Testicles are located outside of the body within a pouch called the scrotum. This pouch hangs from the groin between the legs, behind the penis. It is an organ designed to keep the testicles at a cool temperature for optimizing their function.
Testosterone is produced in the testicles. Testosterone production increases during puberty when boys become men. At this time, they also begin to develop male characteristics like facial hair, muscle mass, and sex drive. The testicles can be damaged by excessive heat or trauma. This could lead to infertility or reduced fertility.
Sperm cells must stay healthy before being expelled through the penis into the vagina to fertilize an egg cell. They live inside the semen fluid released during ejaculation. Semen contains various proteins as well as other substances needed for proper development of the fetus if pregnancy occurs. Sperm can survive up to 5 days in the female reproductive tract before becoming too weak to contribute to conception. They must remain at optimal temperatures until then.
When the male is aroused, blood flow to his genitals increases. The scrotal skin becomes pale. Sperm are stored in the epididymis, which is close to the testicles. During sexual activity, these sperm move into the vas deferens and mix with fluids secreted by glands along the way. Together, they create semen that travels through the urethra and out through the penis.
The body has mechanisms to keep the testes warm enough for proper sperm production while keeping them cool enough not to overheat. It does this by alternating between contraction and relaxation of the muscles around the scrotum. Muscles on either side of the scrotum contract and bring it closer to the body. When the testes get too cold, they will withdraw from their current position. Muscles on the bottom of the scrotum then relax and allow it to hang lower, exposing more surface area to heat. This helps maintain a constant temperature for optimal sperm growth.
Therefore, males have control over their sperm count and quality when engaging in sexual behavior. Their bodies will regulate the temperature of the testicles so they can produce healthy sperm cells even in extreme conditions. If you want to understand how men's bodies work during sex or need help conceiving a child, research this topic further!