askvity

What is the difference between male and female sperm?

Published in Reproductive Biology 1 min read

The primary difference between male and female sperm lies in their chromosomes. Male sperm carries a Y chromosome, while female sperm carries an X chromosome. This difference in genetic makeup determines the sex of the offspring.

Beyond this, there are other theoretical distinctions proposed by Dr. Shettles, although these are not universally accepted by the scientific community:

  • Size and Shape: Dr. Shettles theorized that male (Y) sperm are lighter, smaller, and have round heads, while female (X) sperm are heavier, larger, and have oval-shaped heads.
  • Swimming Speed: Some studies suggest that male sperm might swim faster due to their smaller size.

Important Note: While the Shettles method has gained some popularity, it is not considered a reliable method for sex selection.

Related Articles