What does semen say about your health?

 Like urine and feces, semen can provide important clues about a person's health. Variations in its color, texture, odor, and volume may indicate underlying health conditions.

Understanding these signs can help men maintain their overall health and address potential problems early.

What is normal for semen?

It is normal to have a general change in the color, texture or smell of semen. The quality can also vary from day to day or ejaculation to ejaculation - no two are exactly the same. Semen, or seminal fluid, is a mixture of fluids from the prostate, seminal vesicles, and testicles.

According to the World Health Organization, normal semen standards have a concentration of at least 1.5 million sperm per milliliter. In which at least 40% of sperm show motility and 4% show normal shape or form. It usually has a slightly thick and gel-like consistency. Due to its alkaline pH, it has a faint, bleach-like odor.

Ejaculate volume is usually 1.5 to 5 milliliters per ejaculation. Semen liquefies within minutes of leaving the body, changing from a thick gel to a smooth liquid that supports sperm movement.

Simply put, each ejaculate contains millions of sperm; They don't all have to be gold medal ready swimmers, and they don't all have to look ordinary. Also, it is important to note that the presence of abnormal swimming sperm is not always a risk of abnormal genetics.

Semen is usually white-brown in color. Mixing urine, blood, or other fluids in the reproductive tract can cause color changes. Starting B vitamins or medications can cause semen to change color. Just as starting supplements and medications can cause changes in urine color, the same can happen with semen.

Health conditions such as liver failure or jaundice, where the whole body looks yellow, can also cause semen to look pale. Smoking, on the other hand, not only changes the quality of semen, but can also reduce fertility.

Yellow or green semen can indicate an infection such as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), urinary tract infection or inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis).

Red or brown semen, known as hematospermia, can be alarming. Sometimes it can be caused by general swelling, enlarged prostate infection or prolonged cycling.

In general, semen has a slight bleach or ammonia-like odor because of its slightly alkaline pH. Hard or smelly semen can be a red flag for infections such as bacterial prostatitis or an STI. A sweet smell can indicate abnormal glucose levels for diabetes.

Ejaculation averages only 1.5 to 5 milliliters—about 1/3 to 1.5 teaspoons—or about the size of a small packet of ketchup. Low levels can result in frequent ejaculation, low testosterone levels or obstruction in the reproductive tract. High semen volume can be caused by prolonged abstinence or, in rare cases, by an infection or inflammation.

Frequency of ejaculation

While regular ejaculation is generally healthy, too frequent ejaculation can affect semen quality. Men who ejaculate several times a day may experience a temporary decrease in sperm count and motility. However, this is normal with less frequent ejaculation.

Painful ejaculation can be a symptom of conditions such as prostatitis, urethritis and Peyronie's disease or post-vasectomy pain syndrome. 15% to 55% of men with chronic prostatitis may experience erectile dysfunction and/or pain during ejaculation.

Diet, hydration and overall health profoundly affect semen quality. Poor diet, lack of exercise and smoking can negatively affect sperm health. While a healthy lifestyle can improve it.

Some medications and supplements can change the appearance and quality of semen. For example, testosterone replacement therapy can reduce sperm production. While supplements like zinc and folic acid can improve semen quality.

When will you see the doctor?

Occasional changes in semen are usually not a cause for concern. However, if persistent changes occur, expert consultation should be sought. Regular check-ups and open communication with your doctor are important for maintaining sexual health and addressing any problems early. It is important to remind your doctor of any medications or over-the-counter supplements you are taking.

Semen can provide valuable insight into men's health. By paying attention to its color, texture, smell and quantity, men can detect potential health problems early.

If you notice constant changes, consult a specialist to get your sexual health under control