[custom_adv] Most of the time, pre-ejaculate - the semen-like fluid that sometimes comes out of a penis before ejaculation - is just a lubricating substance produced by the prostate. However, there is a small chance that it might contain enough viable sperm to result in a pregnancy. [custom_adv] "It has a lot of fructose, which nourishes sperm. But don't count on getting full of energy after swallowing anyone's load. Our stomach acid will effectively burn up the relatively tiny nutritional value of the ejaculate," said Dr. Sendler. [custom_adv] Sperm can't normally live on clothing, skin, and other surfaces for longer than a few moments. When semen dries or is exposed to extreme temperatures, the ability for the sperm in that semen to fertilize an egg diminishes significantly. [custom_adv] It's true that people with male reproductive organs can usually keep having children as long as they are able to produce sperm. However, that doesn't mean that the quality of that sperm won't change over the years. [custom_adv] Maintaining a healthy diet is great for your overall health, but eating well may also help keep your sperm in good shape. [custom_adv] There's a common misconception that when someone produces a small amount of semen after ejaculating, they didn't find the sex very pleasurable. Similarly, some people think that witnessing their partner produce a large amount of semen means that the sex was amazing. [custom_adv] The prime directive of a sperm cell is to speed its way towards an egg as fast as it can, but sperm doesn't actually swim in a straight line. Instead, they usually take a more roundabout route to the finish line. [custom_adv] The consistency of semen doesn't necessarily indicate anything about the fertility of the person producing it. Though some people may be concerned about having thinner or more watery semen, the thickness of ejaculate doesn't usually say anything about someone's ability to have children. [custom_adv] "All that matters is the quality and concentration of sperm…the bulk of liquid simply protects the sperm, but the sperm cells will get to swim where they need to be, regardless of the quantity of fluid they arrived in," Dr. Sendler stated. [custom_adv] Tight garments do actually have a measurable effect on fertility. As Dr. Sendler explained, sperm cells require a precise temperature balance to remain viable. Clothing or underwear that constricts the testicles and holds them close to the body actually raises their internal temperature, decreasing the quality and number of the sperm within. [custom_adv] A person's sperm is as individual as they are. Besides carrying unique genetic information, sperm can actually act differently from person to person.