Editor’s note: Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt is a urologist and robotic surgeon at Orlando Health and past president of the Florida Urological Association.
CNN —
Like urine and stool, semen provides important clues about a man’s health. Changes in semen color, texture, smell, and quantity can indicate underlying health conditions. Understanding these signs can help men maintain their overall health and address potential problems early.
What are normal semen levels?
Some variation in semen color, texture, and smell is normal. Also, the quality of semen may vary from day to day and even from ejaculation to ejaculation; no two semen are exactly alike. Semen is a mixture of fluids from the prostate, seminal vesicles, and testicles.
According to the World Health Organization, normal semen parameters include a sperm concentration of at least 15 million per milliliter, at least 40% of sperm exhibiting motility, and 4% exhibiting normal morphology or appearance. Semen is usually slightly viscous and has a gel-like consistency. It has a faint bleach-like odor due to its alkaline pH. Ejaculate volume is usually 1.5 to 5 milliliters per ejaculation. Within minutes of leaving the body, semen liquefies, changing from a thick gel to a smooth liquid that aids sperm movement.
Simply put, ejaculated sperm contain millions of sperm. Not all of the sperm have to be gold medalists, and not all of them have to look normal. Also, it is important to note that being an abnormal swimmer or looking does not mean you are at higher risk for genetic abnormalities or birth defects.
Color change
Semen is normally a whitish-gray color. It can change color when it mixes with urine, blood, or other bodily fluids in your urinary tract or reproductive tract. Your semen color may change if you start taking B vitamins or medications. Just as your urine color can change when you start taking supplements or medications, the same can happen with your semen.
Diseases such as liver failure and jaundice can also change the color of semen, causing the whole body to turn yellowish. Smoking also alters semen parameters, not only changing the color but also reducing fertility. Yellow or green semen can indicate infections such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), urinary tract infections, and prostatitis (prostatitis). Red or brown semen is called hematospermia and can be a cause for concern, but is often benign and is often caused by inflammation, prostate enlargement infections, or long periods of cycling.
Texture and Consistency
Normal semen is somewhat viscous and gelatinous, so thick, clumpy semen may be a sign of dehydration or infection. Men who suffer from chronic dehydration often have altered semen parameters, which may lead to altered semen quality and reduced fertility. Watery semen, on the other hand, may indicate low sperm count or frequent ejaculations, which may temporarily reduce sperm quality.
odor
Semen typically has a slightly alkaline pH, which means it smells like bleach or ammonia. A strong or foul odor can be a warning sign of infections such as bacterial prostatitis or sexually transmitted diseases. A sweet odor can indicate abnormal blood sugar levels, which may be a sign of diabetes.
volume
The average volume of ejaculate is 1.5-5 milliliters (1/3-1.5 teaspoons), about the size of a ketchup packet. A small volume of ejaculate may be due to frequent ejaculation, low testosterone levels, or a blockage in the reproductive tract. A large volume of semen may be due to abstinence for a long period of time, or rarely, infection or inflammation.
Frequency of ejaculation
While regular ejaculation is generally healthy, very frequent ejaculation can affect semen quality. It is well known that men who ejaculate multiple times a day may experience a temporary decrease in sperm count and motility, but this usually normalizes when they reduce the frequency of ejaculation.
Pain during ejaculation
Painful ejaculation can be a symptom of prostatitis, urethritis, Peyronie’s disease (abnormal penile curvature) or post-vasectomy pain syndrome. A recent guideline review found that 15% to 55% of men with chronic prostatitis may experience sexual dysfunction and painful ejaculation, which can have a significant impact on quality of life and virucidal tendencies.
Lifestyle factors
Diet, hydration and overall health play a big role in semen quality. An unhealthy diet, lack of exercise and smoking can negatively impact semen health, while a healthy lifestyle will improve semen health.
Medicines and supplements
Certain medications and supplements can change the appearance or quality of semen. For example, testosterone replacement therapy can reduce sperm production, while supplements such as zinc and folic acid can improve semen quality.
When to see a doctor
If you notice occasional changes in your semen, it’s usually nothing to worry about. However, persistent changes should be evaluated by a medical professional. Regular checkups and open communication with your doctor are essential to maintaining your sexual health and resolving any problems early. It’s important to tell your doctor about any medications or over-the-counter supplements you’re taking.
Sperm provides valuable information about a man’s health. By paying attention to the color, texture, smell and amount of semen, men can detect potential health problems early. If they notice any persistent changes, consulting a health care professional can help them keep their sexual health in tip-top condition.
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