Understanding Cooling Sperm
Cellular metabolism is the process of using chemicals to produce energy for the cellular processes. Sperm, like all cells, respond to cooling by a decrease in metabolism and changes in membranes. Metabolism also produces waste products such as lactic acid, CO2 and oxygen free radicals.
Metabolism decreases by 50% for each 10°C decrease in temperature. The metabolic needs of a sperm cell at 5°C is only 10% of the need at body temperature (38-39°C). Since the amount of waste products produced is decreased there is a reduction in the damage to the sperm. Sperm cells can "live" longer at cooler temperatures if the process of cooling does not damage the membranes.
