With all the strange practices in our society, it should be no surprise that the average guy might have questions about seminal fluid. And while it’s easy to laugh at the thought of semen being anything more than a byproduct of male orgasm, it actually serves several important functions.

The average man produces about one teaspoon of seminal fluid per ejaculation, which is composed primarily of sperm cells (between 20 million and 500 million) and other nutrients that help sustain them. Here we will not only answer the question of seminal fluid’s role in men’s health but also go into detail about how long it takes to produce seminal fluid and explain which factors affect the volume of ejaculate produced.

What is Semen Fluid?

The fluid produced by the male reproductive tract is mostly water, with small amounts of proteins and sugar. This mixture is called seminal fluid, and it helps carry sperm cells from the testes through the urethra to your penis during ejaculation. Semen also contains various vitamins and minerals that help keep sperm healthy for as long as possible before they reach their destination: an egg cell.

During male ejaculation, the average amount of semen released is 1.5 to 5 milliliters—about one teaspoon’s worth. But sperm cells are surprisingly tough—a single milliliter of semen can contain between 20 million and 150 million. The volume of semen produced can vary greatly, though. There are many factors that can affect how much fluid is ejaculated during sex, including:

• Age
• Diet
• Lifestyle
• Supplements
• Abstinence
• Overall Health

Semen Production Process

In men who have reached sexual maturity, the testes produce sperm cells. These are stored in the epididymis, a long tube that runs from each testicle to the vas deferens. The epididymis filters, matures and stores sperm cells. During sex, fluid from the seminal vesicles and the prostate gland is added to this mixture of sperm and fluids from other glands, creating semen.

The fluid comprising the seminal emission comes from three different glands:

Cowper’s Gland

The Cowper’s gland, also known as the bulbourethral gland, is a pea-sized organ that secretes fluids that function as a lubricant and helps neutralize acids to keep sperm cells alive. The Cowper’s gland is located beneath the prostate at the beginning of the internal part of the penis. It excretes clear, thick fluids that may also serve to make semen less watery.

Prostate Gland

The prostate gland, which is about the size of a walnut, is located between the bladder and the penis. It secretes fluids into semen to keep it liquid and to provide nutrients and enzymes to nourish sperm cells. The prostate gland secretes enzymes that attach themselves to sperm during ejaculation. The prostate also surrounds the urethra, facilitating the passage of both urine and sperm through this organ.

Seminal Vesicles

The seminal vesicles are two bulb-shaped glands located within the pelvis that secrete fluids containing fructose (to help fuel sperm cells) and prostaglandins (which trigger the contraction of vaginal muscles to propel semen up the female reproductive tract).

How Does Semen Reflect a Man’s Health?

Changes in semen can be an indication of a man’s overall health. Healthy semen is typically whitish, grayish, or yellow; mildly alkaline to the nose and tongue—like chlorine or bleach—and slightly sweet. It will also have a jelly-like texture that turns watery within 30 minutes of ejaculation. Remember that what counts as “normal” varies from person to person. If you meet most of these standards, there’s no need for alarm about the consistency of your semen.

If semen smells bad or has changed color, it could signify an infection or infertility. Other symptoms include low volume and high volume. The appearance of semen that’s brownish or red indicates a burst of blood vessels, and it is not dangerous. Improvements may be seen in as little as one day—but if the problem continues, you should consult a doctor. The natural color of semen is off-white, but a strong yellow hue may suggest the presence of an infection, such as an STD. The same holds true for men with green sperm.

The quality of a man’s semen is affected by various factors, including poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and obesity. Smoking and drinking too much alcohol also have adverse effects on sperm count. It’s never too late to enhance your seminal fluids’ quality and support fertility by adopting a healthier lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle can help you maintain a balanced pH level in your seminal fluids and keep your reproductive glands functioning properly.

Is Sperm Count Important?

A man’s sperm count is the total number of sperm cells that were collected from his ejaculate. Every day, a healthy man’s testicles will generate millions of sperm, but the actual number will vary widely from man to man. When trying to have a baby naturally, having enough healthy sperm in your partner’s vagina during sex can increase chances for success.

A man’s sperm count can indicate his overall health, even if he is not trying to become a parent. Men with low sperm counts were more likely to have high blood pressure and body fat and a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome—and therefore were at risk for diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Although there are some causes of low sperm volume and count that you cannot control, you can make many lifestyle changes to prevent or treat subfertility. Such as:

• Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
• Avoiding smoking and drinking too much alcohol.
• Reducing stress levels and getting enough sleep.
• Taking clinically-tested male enhancement supplements.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing and cotton underwear.

When considering medications, always consult with a doctor before taking them.

Conclusion

This article explored the topic of seminal fluid and the variables that can alter it. Note that the quality of your semen depends largely on how you live—and what kind of lifestyle choices you make can have an effect not only on your general health but also on whether or not you will be able to conceive a child in the future.

When it comes to the quality of your seminal fluid, the key is to get back to basics—which means eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Get plenty of rest and learn to control your stress levels. You can also consider taking supplements that are designed to improve semen quality.

Jane