Here’s everything you need to know about semen health
Semen health is an important aspect of male fertility and plays a key role in the ability to conceive a healthy pregnancy.
If you’re trying to fall pregnant, it’s important to understand what constitutes healthy semen and how to improve semen health, so you can maximise your chances of conceiving a child.
What is semen?
Semen (or seminal fluid) is the thick, whitish fluid that is released from the penis during male ejaculation. Semen and sperm are not the same thing. Sperm are the male reproductive cells which fertilise a female egg. Semen is the fluid through which sperm travel.
Semen is made up of sperm and seminal fluid. Seminal fluid is produced from fluid from the seminal vesicles, prostate gland and bulbourethral glands , and contains essential nutrients and sugars to keep sperm healthy and give them energy to ‘swim’ towards an egg.
What do we mean by ‘healthy semen’?
There are several key characteristics to healthy semen including:
- appropriate sperm count
- motility – the ability of sperm to move efficiently
- morphology – the shape and structure of sperm.
Abnormalities in the motility and morphology of sperm can make it difficult to conceive.
In addition, healthy semen should have a suitable pH level and volume, ensuring that sperm are well-supported once they leave the penis.
Why is semen volume important
Semen volume is important for conception as it influences how well sperm can travel towards an egg.
Adequate semen volume ensures that a sufficient number of sperm are carried through the female reproductive tract. Semen is alkaline in nature. This contributes to the ability of sperm to survive by neutralising the effects the acidic vaginal environment, which would otherwise impact sperm’s ability to survive.
Semen volume is an essential marker for evaluating male reproductive health. Low volume may indicate potential infertility issues or indicate other health concerns that could impact fertility.
Normal semen volume is different for everyone, but on average between 1-4 mls of semen are released during ejaculation.
What causes low semen volume
Several factors can affect semen volume, ranging from lifestyle choices to underlying health conditions, including:
- retrograde ejaculation (when semen travels backwards and enters the bladder during orgasm)
- dehydration
- nerve damage
- genetic abnormalities
- low testosterone
- delayed, infrequent or absent orgasms
- problems with the prostate
- absence of seminal vesicles
- ageing
- obstruction, infection or damage to the reproductive tract
- some medications
- health conditions such as diabetes
- lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption and excessive heat exposure to the testicles.
How to increase semen volume
There are several things you can do to help increase semen volume.
Lifestyle measures
Stay hydrated - Semen is primarily composed of water so drinking plenty of fluid may help.
Maintain a balanced diet – A nutrient-rich diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is beneficial. Also include foods rich in zinc, such as shellfish and other seafood, meat, poultry, legumes, eggs and dairy products.
Exercise regularly - Moderate exercise may increase semen volume. Take care not to overdo it as excessive exercise may negatively impact semen volume, sperm count and overall semen quality.
Avoid heat stress – Increased testicular heat negatively impacts sperm production and may lead to lower semen volume. Avoid hot tubs and saunas for prolonged periods of time and sitting with a laptop on your lap.
Delay ejaculation – Waiting a couple of days between ejaculations will probably increase semen volume in the next ejaculation.
Strengthen the pelvic floor – Strong pelvic floor muscles can help with ejaculation.
Manage diabetes – Diabetes can cause lower semen volume, so managing this condition is important.
Check your medications – Talk to your doctor about whether your medications may be contributing to lower semen volume. Do not stop taking medication unless advised by your doctor.
Avoiding smoking and alcohol – As well as supporting overall health, these measures may help improve semen quality and volume.
When to seek medical advice for low semen volume
While some factors affecting semen health can be managed with lifestyle changes, there are some situations where it’s wise to seek medical advice. If you experience any of the following, talk to your doctor:
- blood in your semen
- testicular pain or swelling
- trouble ejaculating
- low volume of semen
- reduced sex drive
- signs of a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
- unusual discharge from the penis or anus
- burning or pain during urination or ejaculation
- rash, sores or blisters on the genitals, rectum, buttocks or in the mouth
There are several tests, including semen analysis, which can identify any underlying issues that may be making it difficult to fall pregnant.
While semen health is a vital component of fertility it’s not the only factor in successful conception and pregnancy.
It’s also recommended you see a fertility specialist if:
- you’re under 35 and have been trying to conceive for 12 months or more
- you’re over 35 and have been trying to conceive for 6 months
- you or your partner has known fertility issues
- you have a family history of fertility.
A fertility specialist can diagnose any fertility issues, recommend a personalised treatment plan, and help navigate the complexities of reproductive health with care and empathy.