The production of mature spermatozoa requires a complex interaction between a small gland at the base of the brain called the pituitary gland and the testicles. Hormones developed n the pituitary act as a message to the testes to produce sperm (FSH) and testosterone (LH). Testosterone is extremely important in the development and maintenance of male sexual characteristics. ***These are the same hormones that are involved in messaging in the female genital/ reproductive system.

The testes (testicles or “balls”) are found in the scrotum (the sac found below the man’s penis). Sperm take quite some time to complete - approximately 72 days from start to finish! The process of development begins in the testes and is partially completed in the“epididymis” (tubular channels that connect the testes to the vas deferens). Maturation in the epididymis requires that sperm acquire motility. Once maturation and motility is achieved, the sperm travel into the vas deferens (the tubes that connect the epididymis to the seminal vesicles). The seminal vesicles found close to the prostate gland collect and store mature sperm.

At the moment of ejaculation, sperm from the seminal vesicles is mixed with fluid that originates in the prostate gland and results in the final product: semen.