Using Andro-switch can help you get to know your spermatogenesis better, and enable you to detect any changes. This information can be invaluable if you need to talk to a healthcare professional about your contraception. Improving your knowledge of spermatogenesis and of the male thermal contraception (MTC) protocol will improve compliance with the protocol and therefore reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancies resulting from incorrect use and/or understanding of the method.
Keep in mind that spermatogenesis (sperm production) is one of the most complex processes in the human body. It begins at puberty and continues throughout a man's life.
Spermatogenesis is the process of sperm formation, which takes place in the seminiferous tubules of the testicles. It comprises three main phases: the proliferative phase (mitosis), the meiotic phase (meiosis), and the spermiogenesis phase. Here are the detailed stages:
Proliferative phase (Mitosis) - about 16 days :
- Spermatogonia: Stem germ cells located in the wall of the seminiferous tubules divide by mitosis.
- Primary spermatocytes: Spermatogonia give rise to diploid (2n) primary spermatocytes, containing 46 chromosomes.
Meiotic phase (meiosis) - about 24 days :
- Meiosis I: Primary spermatocytes undergo the first meiotic division to form haploid (n) secondary spermatocytes, each containing 23 chromosomes.
- Meiosis II: Secondary spermatocytes undergo a second meiotic division to produce haploid spermatids (n), which also have 23 chromosomes.
In these first two stages, the method causes aneuploidy and chromatin alterations. These are reversible, similar to the alterations that can be found in the sperm of a person with testicles after an episode of fever. Mitosis and meiosis are the times of constitution of the transported genetic capital.
Spermiogenesis phase - about 24 days :
- Spermatid differentiation : Spermatids transform into mature spermatozoa through several structural changes:
- Head formation: The nucleus condenses and the acrosome, an enzyme-containing vesicle, forms above the nucleus.
- Flagellum development: A tail (flagellum) develops, enabling sperm motility.
- Loss of cytoplasm: Spermatids lose most of their cytoplasm to become slender spermatozoa.
Here, the method simply prevents the spermatid from becoming a spermatozoon. This is the effect we're most interested in, as it reduces the number of sperm produced.
Maturation phase - about 15 days :
All the secondary characteristics described above develop to reach maturity. This takes place in the reservoir or epididymis.
Here, the method greatly disrupts all these developments. There is no mobility, the heads show significant abnormalities, and vitality plummets. As a result, the few produced during the 9 hours of non-wearing are completely altered and lose their fertility capacity. In other words, they have little or no capacity to approach the oocyte, to survive and even less to be welcomed inside.
Summary of durations :
- Mitosis (proliferative phase): about 16 days.
- Meiosis (meiotic phase): about 24 days.
- Spermiogenesis (differentiation): around 24 days.
- Maturation: about 15 days
Total: Spermatogenesis takes about 64 days, followed by 15 days of maturation, after which they are either ejaculated or recycled on site.
Complete spermatogenesis therefore takes around 80 days, hence the 3 months needed to set up the method.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this FAQ is based on user testimonials and is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or professional treatment. We are not medical doctors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized and appropriate medical advice. We accept no responsibility for any consequences arising from the use of the information provided in this FAQ. Send us an e-mail.
