Like urine and feces, semen can provide important clues about a man’s health. Variations in the color, texture, smell, and volume of semen can signal underlying health conditions. Understanding these signs can help men maintain overall well-being and address potential problems early.
What is normal for semen?
It is normal for semen to have slight changes in color, texture, or smell. The quality can also vary from day to day or from one ejaculation to the next — no two ejaculations are exactly the same. Semen, or seminal fluid, is a mixture of fluids from the prostate, seminal vesicles, and testicles.
Normal semen standards include a sperm concentration of at least 15 million per milliliter, with at least 40% of the sperm showing motility and 4% having normal morphology or appearance, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Semen is typically slightly thick and gel-like in consistency. It has a slight, bleach-like odor due to its alkaline pH. Ejaculate volume typically ranges from 1.5 to 5 milliliters per ejaculation. Semen liquefies within minutes of leaving the body, changing from a thick gel to a smooth liquid to support sperm movement.
Simply put, each ejaculation contains millions of sperm; not all of them need to be golden swimmers, and not all of them need to look normal. Also, it’s important to note that abnormal sperm or appearance does not mean abnormal genetics or a higher risk of congenital anomalies.
Color changes
Semen is usually grayish-white in color. The color can change when it mixes with urine, blood, or other fluids in the urinary or reproductive tracts. Semen can also change color when you start taking B vitamins or medications. Just as urine color can change when you start taking supplements and medications, the same can happen with semen.
Medical conditions such as liver failure or jaundice, where the entire body appears more yellow, can also discolor semen. Even smoking can alter semen parameters, with changes in color and a decrease in fertility.
Yellow or green semen may suggest an infection, such as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), urinary tract infection, or inflammation of the prostate gland (prostatitis).
Red or brown semen, known as hematospermia, can be alarming, but it is usually benign, often caused by inflammation, infection of an enlarged prostate, or even prolonged cycling.
Texture and consistency
Normal semen is slightly thick and gelatinous, so very thick and lumpy semen may be a sign of dehydration or infection. Men with chronic dehydration often have altered semen parameters, including texture, which may lead to a decrease in fertility.
Watery semen, on the other hand, may indicate a low sperm count or frequent ejaculation, which can temporarily reduce sperm quality.
Smell
Semen typically has a slight bleach or ammonia smell due to its slightly alkaline pH. A strong or unpleasant odor can be a sign of infections, such as bacterial prostatitis or STIs. A sweet smell can indicate abnormal glucose levels, which is a concern for diabetes.
Volume
The average ejaculate volume ranges from 1.5 to 5 milliliters—about 1/3 to 1.5 teaspoons—or about what you’d find in a small packet of ketchup. A low volume can result from frequent ejaculation, low testosterone levels, or obstructions in the reproductive tract. A high semen volume can be due to prolonged abstinence or, in rare cases, an infection or inflammation.
Ejaculation frequency
Although regular ejaculation is generally healthy, very frequent ejaculations can affect semen quality. It is well known that men who ejaculate several times a day can experience temporary reductions in sperm count and motility, although this usually normalizes with less frequent ejaculation.
Pain during ejaculation
Pain during ejaculation can be a symptom of prostatitis, urethritis, and conditions such as Peyronie’s disease (abnormal penile curvature) or post-vasectomy pain syndrome. A recent review of guidelines found that 15% to 55% of men with chronic prostatitis may experience sexual dysfunction and/or pain during ejaculation, which can significantly impact quality of life and virility.
Lifestyle factors
Diet, hydration, and overall health have a profound impact on semen quality. Poor diet, lack of exercise, and smoking can all negatively affect semen health, while a healthy lifestyle can improve it.
Medicines and supplements
Certain medications and supplements can alter the appearance and 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
Occasional changes in semen are usually nothing to worry about. However, persistent changes should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Regular checkups and open communication with your doctor are crucial to maintaining sexual health and addressing any issues early. It’s important to remind your doctor about any over-the-counter medications or supplements you’re taking.
Semen can provide valuable insights into a man’s health. By paying attention to its color, texture, smell, and volume, men can spot potential health issues early. If you notice persistent changes, consulting a healthcare professional can help ensure your sexual health remains in tip-top shape.
*Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt is a urologist and robotic surgeon at Orlando Health and past president of the Florida Urological Society.
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This content was originally published in What can your semen reveal about your health? Expert answers on CNN Brasil.
Source: CNN Brasil
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