Sex Education

Menstruation and Sperm Production Explained

Menstruation, often called a period, is when a woman’s body sheds the lining of her uterus every month if she isn’t pregnant.

What is Menstruation?

Menstruation, often called a period, is when a woman’s body sheds the lining of her uterus every month if she isn’t pregnant. This happens through the vagina as blood and tissue. It’s a normal part of growing up for girls, starting around ages 10-15 (puberty) and continuing until about ages 45-55 (menopause).

How Does It Work?

The body prepares for pregnancy each month by building up the uterus lining.
Hormones like estrogen and progesterone control this process.
About midway through the cycle (around day 14 of a 28-day cycle), an egg is released from the ovary. This is called ovulation.
If the egg isn’t fertilized by sperm, the uterus lining breaks down and comes out as a period, lasting about 3-7 days.
The cycle then starts again.
Periods may cause cramps, bloating, or mood changes due to hormone shifts.
Some women use pads, tampons, or menstrual cups to manage blood flow.
Irregular periods can happen due to stress, diet, exercise, or health conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

What is Sperm Production?

Sperm production, or spermatogenesis, is how a man’s body makes sperm, the cells needed to fertilize an egg for pregnancy. This happens in the testes (testicles) and starts at puberty, continuing for life.

How Does It Work?

Sperm are made in tiny tubes inside the testes.
Hormones like testosterone help control the process.
Special cells divide and change into sperm with a head (carrying DNA), a middle part (for energy), and a tail (to swim).
It takes about 2-3 months to make sperm, and millions are made every day!
Sperm are stored in a tube called the epididymis until they’re ready to leave the body.
Healthy sperm need a cool temperature, which is why testes are outside the body.
Diet, exercise, and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol can improve sperm quality.
Only a few sperm out of millions reach an egg during fertilization.

Why Are These Important?

Menstruation prepares a woman’s body for pregnancy, while sperm production provides the cells needed to start a pregnancy. Both are key parts of how humans create new life. Understanding these processes helps people make informed choices about their health and reproduction.