Semen is one of the products of the male reproductive system and holds certain diagnostic value. The morphology, color, and smell of semen can be used to assess a patient's health condition. High-quality semen has greater reproductive and fertility potential, significantly aiding in promoting eugenics and increasing the chances of conception.
From what aspects can male semen health be judged?
1、Semen Volume
Under normal circumstances, the volume of semen ejaculated by a man should fall within a standard range, approximately around two milliliters. Both excess and insufficient volumes can have adverse effects on the body. Excessive ejaculation does not imply stronger reproductive capacity but may indicate excessive prostate fluid secretion, potentially suggesting inflammatory lesions of the prostate. If the proportion of prostate fluid is too high, the man's fertility may be adversely affected. If a man's ejaculation volume is consistently too low, it might affect sperm count and quality, possibly indicating conditions such as varicocele or testicular inflammation. This measurement of ejaculation volume is based on a standard frequency of sexual activity; if a man has overly frequent sexual activity, a slightly lower ejaculation volume can be a normal physiological condition.
3、Semen Morphology
Healthy semen should be a viscous liquid that gradually liquefies over time. Normally, this change within the female vaginal environment can make it easier for the egg and sperm to combine, thus aiding conception. However, if a man's semen does not liquefy, it could indicate reproductive system diseases. Some patients may ejaculate semen that is not entirely liquid but is mixed with solid chunks or clots, necessitating prompt medical examination.
4、Semen Color
Normally, the color of male semen is milky white, though it may appear slightly yellowish if the man has been recently experiencing "internal heat" or inflammation. Significant changes in semen color could suggest possible infections of the urinary system. Abnormal semen colors commonly observed include coppery yellow, greenish-yellow, and dark red.
5、Semen Odor
The odor of semen also holds diagnostic significance. Normally, it has a mildly fishy smell with a faint stench. If there are reproductive system diseases, the odor of semen might change significantly, becoming overly strong with intensified fishy and foul smells, indicating the presence of other purulent secretions possibly related to urethritis, prostatitis, or sexually transmitted diseases.
Advice
If a patient's semen shows the above changes, it mostly indicates underlying health issues. Individuals planning for pregnancy should seek timely medical examination of semen quality and sperm vitality to reduce the risk of birth defects.