Exploring Semen: Production, Composition, Physiology, and Characteristics
Semen is an important aspect of a healthy reproductive life that consists of secretions from the seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral gland with sperm.
It is crucial for the nourishment and motility of the sperm and improves male fertility.
During ejaculation, approximately 1-2 ml of semen is released into the female reproductive tract, or it may vary, which carries around 15 million sperm per ejaculate.
This article elaborates on semen, its composition, physiology, and characteristics properties.
We will also uncover some hidden facts about this fluid and debunk various myths associated with its function.
So, let’s delve into the topic and explore it in detail.
What is semen
Semen is a white or greyish-colored jelly-like fluid released from the male penis during sexual intercourse, orgasm, or masturbation.
It is also known as ejaculate or commonly referred to as “cum.”
It is crucial for male fertility, as it carries sperm in it.
It consists of seminal fluid that provides nourishment to the sperm in the female reproductive tract.
Generally, it remains alive for several days in the female reproductive tract, and fertilization can happen up to five days after ejaculation.
Moreover, male semen can be frozen and preserved for decades.
How and where semen is produced
The production of semen can be well understood after learning the basics of the male reproductive system.
The male reproductive system consists of:
- A pair of testis
- Ducts, such as epididymis and vas deferens
- Accessory glands, including seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral gland
- Male reproductive organ, the penis
Sperm are produced in the testis in men after puberty at the age of 9 to 15.
The matured sperm are transferred from the testis to the epididymis, followed by the sperm duct or vas deferens.
The epididymis and accessory glands, seminal vesicles, and prostate gland release their secretions and form seminal fluid.
When a man is sexually aroused, the seminal fluid mixes with the transferred mature sperm and forms semen.
What is semen made of
The semen consists of spermatozoa and a fluid medium called seminal fluid or plasma.
Seminal plasma is a complex fluid that acts as a vehicle for transporting ejaculated sperm from their origin testis to the target oocyte (egg).
However, seminal fluid not only transports sperm.
Rather, it plays a crucial role in the protection and nourishment of the sperm during their onward movement to the female reproductive tract.
Seminal fluid is composed of the following components:
- Around 2000 unique proteins
- Glucose or fructose
- Salts
- Immune and glandular cells
- Nucleic acid
- Cholesterol
- Lipids
- Metabolites
- Intracellular and antioxidant enzymes
- Minerals
Normal semen analysis
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the normal limits of the semen analysis are as follows:
| Sperm analysis | Parameter measured |
|---|---|
| Volume | Greater than 1.2 ml |
| pH | Greater than 7.2 |
| Total sperm number | Approximately 39 million sperm per ejaculate |
| Vitality | Greater than 58% of live sperm |
| Progressive motility | Greater than 32% |
| Total motility (progressive and non-progressive) | Greater than 40% |
| Seminal fructose | Greater than 13 micromoles (mmol) per ejaculate |
| Seminal Zinc | Greater than 2.4 mmol per ejaculate |
| Seminal neutral Glucosidase | Less than 20 milliunits per ejaculate |
The normal semen volume may range between 1.5 to 5 ml per ejaculated volume.
It has a sperm count and may vary from 15 or 20 to 150 million per milliliter, where approximately 60% of sperm should have normal shape and motility.
Semen color
The natural color of your semen usually appears in a whitish or greyish shade. It is unlikely to show more deviation from its natural tint.
However, a great variation in its appearance may indicate the presence of a medical condition.
Thus, it is necessary to gain an understanding of this less-explored aspect of cum and the underlying reasons associated with it.
Your cum may show color variation in the following ways:
Yellow or greenish appearance
This color pattern can be an indication of an infectious condition, Jaundice, or the presence of vitamins or medication in the cum.
Sexually Transmitted Conditions, such as Gonorrhea, can change your cum color to a yellowish or greenish color.
Further, a yellow cum can also be caused due to Leucocytospermia.
Red or pink tint
Your cum may turn red or pinkish due to a condition called Hematospermia, which causes the presence of blood in the semen.
You will get a complete understanding of it in the following sections.
Brownish-colored cum
The appearance of brown-colored cum can indicate a result of trauma or injury to the genitals or vigorous sexual activity.
It can also be caused by some medical conditions affecting your prostate gland and seminal vesicles.
The darker the patch is, the older the blood is, and it may point to an older injury or trauma.
Watery semen
In addition to cum color, there can also be a slight change in the consistency of the cum.
A whitish, watery cum can be caused due to the following reasons:
- Low sperm count
- Zinc deficiency
- Frequent ejaculations in a day
- Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking
- Psychological reasons, such as stress and anxiety
- Consuming sugary drinks
Thick semen
Your cum may appear thick or clumpy due to the following reasons:
- Less intake of water content that results in less seminal fluid production
- Less frequent ejaculation can cause increased sperm concentration and make cum thick
- The presence of an infectious condition can also change your cum consistency
- Older age can alter seminal fluid characteristics
- Low Testosterone levels in the body
Smell of semen
The smell of male ejaculate can be subjective and depends from person to person.
The smell can resemble a bleach-like or Chlorine odor.
The basic amines in semen responsible for its smell are Putrescine, Spermidine, and Cadaerine.
However, your cum may show a great variation in its odor, as mentioned below:
- Sugary odor: A sugary smell of cum can be an indication of high sugar levels in the blood, generally seen in patients with Diabetes
- Ammonia-like pungent fishy smell: You may scent an ammoniated or fish-like smell in case of bacterial overgrowth in the genitals or urinary tract
- Rancid odor: The cum may smell foul or rancid in case of an infectious condition
- Metallic odor: A metallic odor can be an indication of the presence of minerals in the cum and is recognized as normal
Taste of semen
The cum can show taste, including sweet, bitter, or metallic.
When sperm are released from the testis and reach the ampulla region, an antioxidant gives them a meaty flavor.
Further, the ampulla releases fructose, a sugar that nourishes sperm and tastes sweet.
Also, seminal vesicles and the prostate gland secrete many compounds that may contribute to the distinct taste of your cum.
Moreover, your diet may also play a crucial role in how your cum may taste and show variations depending on the diet.
pH of semen
The pH of semen is slightly alkaline, between 7.2 to 8.2 range on a pH scale.
The alkaline (basic) nature of the semen is crucial to maintaining an environment for sperm survival.
Several factors can alter the pH of semen, including secretion of the epididymis, seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral gland.
Why do you see blood in semen
Blood in semen is a primary symptom of Hematospermia. It can be noticed during ejaculation in pink, red, or brown color.
Blood in ejaculate can be caused by the following factors:
- Infections of seminal vesicles and prostate gland or other male reproductive organs
- Inflammation in the seminal vesicles or prostate gland
- Surgical procedure, such as vasectomy
- Trauma or injury to the genital region
- Prolonged sexual abstinence or masturbation
- Prostate cancer
- Hypertension
- Tuberculosis
- Testicular cancer
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Fortunately, the condition can be treated effectively with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and Finasteride, depending upon the underlying cause.
Is semen retention healthy
Semen retention is the male practice of abstaining from sex or having orgasms without ejaculation.
Benefits of semen retention
Abstaining from ejaculation may offer some benefits to the male body, such as:
Increased Testosterone
As per a study, one of the benefits of ejaculatory abstinence is an increased level of Testosterone.
It was found that the Testosterone fluctuation was minimal between the 2nd and 5th day of the abstinence period.
However, it increased by 145.7% baseline Testosterone on the 7th day.
Improves mood
Loss of semen due to nocturnal emission, frequent sexual ejaculation, or masturbation can cause anxiety, weakness, and insomnia.
However, it can be assumed that semen retention may decrease anxiety and improve mood.
Improved fertility and sperm motility
As per NCBI, ejaculatory abstinence for a shorter duration can significantly decline semen volume and concentration.
It can increase sperm motility.
Also, abstaining from ejaculation for up to two days is associated with higher pregnancy rates than longer abstinence.
Other benefits
Abstaining from ejaculation may also offer other benefits, such as:
- Improved concentration
- Increased sexual energy
- Boosted stamina
- More motivation
- Ejaculatory control
- An ability to achieve multiple orgasms without ejaculation
- Spiritual benefits, such as deep connections
Side effects of semen retention
With numerous benefits of ejaculatory abstinence, it can also cause some side effects if continued for longer, such as:
Prostate cancer
Frequent ejaculation helps in naturally flushing out the harmful chemicals built into the semen and maintains Prostate health.
Therefore, abstaining from ejaculation may increase the risk of developing Prostate cancer.
According to a study, men who ejaculate 21 times or more in a month have 20% less chance of Prostate cancer than men who ejaculate 4-7 times a month.
Discomfort or pain
Abstaining from ejaculation for a longer time can increase discomfort and pain in men.
Sometimes, you are sexually aroused and ready to ejaculate, but you restrict yourself from ejaculating.
It causes slow drainage of blood from the testis and may cause pain.
Degrades sperm quality
Longer abstinence from ejaculation can negatively affect sperm and degrade its quality.
As per NCBI, longer storage of sperm can reduce its motility and lead to low mating rates as compared to newly formed sperm.
Relationship issues
Abstaining from semen ejaculation can also increase tension between you and your partner and affect the relationship.
It is advised to speak to your partner about semen retention to avoid unnecessary conflicts.
You can also consult a licensed healthcare practitioner for guidance and effective ways to avoid severe complications.
Conclusion
Semen is a white-colored jelly-like fluid released from the male reproductive tract and is an important aspect of a healthy reproductive life.
The male cum consists of sperm, seminal fluid released from the epididymis, and male accessory glands, including seminal vesicles and prostate gland.
The seminal fluid contains proteins, fructose, salts, minerals, lipids, metabolites, and nucleic acids.
Naturally, your cum is white or grey-colored. But it may change to yellow, green, red, or brown color due to an underlying medical condition.
Also, there can be a change in the consistency of cum, making it watery or thicker due to water intake, sperm concentration, or dietary reasons.
The smell of your cum may show great variation and can be sugary, bitter, fish-like, or metallic due to distinct reasons.
Similarly, cum’s taste can be a result of secretions from the various glands, resulting in sweet, bitter, or metallic taste.
You may also notice blood in your cum that can be a result of the presence of a medical condition, such as infection or inflammation.
Some people may also prefer to practice semen retention, and it may have its benefits and consequences depending on the duration of abstinence.
Thus, it is recommended to consult a healthcare practitioner and seek guidance or medical treatment to avoid severe complications.
