Your Semen and You

“People of all backgrounds deserve access to accurate, comprehensive, and age-appropriate sexual health education and care.”- Nicole Sheitz. Most men do not usually think about the health of their sperm until they are ready for fatherhood. Most of us tend to be reserved and sheepish regarding any discussion about sexuality in general and bodily fluids in particular. Men in particular are not fond of going to the doctor. The duality concerning how we are socialized and the skewed perception surrounding the construction of masculinity and manhood are largely to be blamed for how men view visiting their doctor. Additionally, the prevailing narrative, in some quarters, that men must be void of emotions has led to some men avoiding the doctor at all costs. The medicalization of the human anatomy serves as another barrier that some men must overcome in order to seek medical help at the earliest possible time. Unfortunately, popular and the counter cultures also operate in a space that discourages men from seeking medical attention. Some men will prefer to ask their brethren for advice than to seek the assistance of a professional. The truth is, safer spaces for males are required in order to facilitate and encourage males becoming more comfortable to discuss matters pertaining to men’s health. The society has failed in this regard. Additionally, we live in a society where sex and sexual health are tabooed subjects. Just like specimens of urine and stool samples, semen can provide important clues about a man’s health. For example, the variations in its color, texture, smell and volume can signal underlying health conditions. Understanding these signs can help men maintain their overall well-being and address potential issues early on. The old adage prevention is better than cure still holds true . What is Normal for Semen?. Sperm count has dropped globally over the past years. There are ways to tell how healthy your sperm is but looking at it is not one of them. “A semen analysis is one of the best ways to determine if you have healthy sperm,” says reproductive endocrinologist Asima Ahmad, M.D., chief medical officer and co-founder of Carrot Fertility. According to Dr. Ahmad, there are several factors that can affect your sperm quantity and quality, including age, medications, health conditions, diet, exercise levels, and testosterone levels. It is important to know the difference between semen and sperm. Semen is the thick, white substance released when you ejaculate (cum). Semen contains sperm, which are the cells that include genetic material needed to reproduce. According to Dr. Silverberg, when your doctor checks the health of your sperm, they're primarily looking at three factors: Sperm count: the number of sperm in a volume of semen. Sperm motility: the percentage of sperm that are alive and swimming and Sperm morphology: the percentage of sperm with a healthy size and shape. It is normal for semen to have minor changes in color, texture or smell. The quality may also vary from day to day or ejaculate to ejaculate, no two are exactly the same. Semen, or seminal fluid, is a mixture of fluid from the prostate, seminal vesicles and testicles. According to the World Health Organization normal semen parameters include a sperm concentration of at least 15 million sperm per milliliter, with at least 40% of the sperm showing motility and 4% having normal morphology or appearance. It typically has a slightly thick, gel-like consistency. It has a faint, bleach-like smell due to its alkaline pH. The volume of ejaculate typically ranges from 1.5 to 5 milliliters per ejaculation. Semen liquefies within minutes after exiting the body, going from thick gel to smooth liquid to support the movement of sperm. Each ejaculate has millions of sperm; not all of them have to be gold medal swimmers, and not all of them have to look normal. Also, it’s important to note that abnormal swimmers or appearance does not equal abnormal genetics or higher risk of congenital anomalies. Semen is usually whitish-gray in colour. The colour may change as it mixes with urine, blood or other fluids in the urinary or reproductive tracts. Semen can change colour. Just like there may be changes in the color of your urine when starting supplements and medications, the same can happen with the semen.Yellow or green semen might suggest an infection, such as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), urinary tract infection or prostate inflammation (prostatitis). Red or brown semen, known as hematospermia, can be alarming but is often benign, typically caused by inflammation, enlarged prostate infection or even riding a bike for too long. Men who get their blood pumping with moderate to vigorous exercise have a higher sperm concentration than guys who don't work out at that intensity. Research also shows that a larger male waist circumference has been linked to lower sperm counts. Carrying too much weight in your midsection could interfere with the release of sex hormones, as well as the production and development of sperm. Research in 2018 found that men who wore boxer shorts instead of tight-fitting underwear had 25 percent higher sperm concentrations and 17 percent higher sperm counts than those who wore briefs. Loose-fitting underwear may lower the temperature of your scrotum, where the testicles are located, and improve semen quality.

Texture and Consistency. Normal semen is slightly thick and gelatinous, so thick and clumpy semen might be a sign of dehydration or infection. Men with chronic dehydration often have altered semen parameters, which include texture, which can lead to a decrease in fertility. Watery semen, on the other hand, can indicate a low sperm count or frequent ejaculation, which may temporarily reduce sperm quality. Smell. Typically, semen has a light bleach or ammonia-like smell due to its slightly alkaline pH. A strong or foul odor can be a red flag for infections such as bacterial prostatitis or STIs. A sweet smell may signal abnormal glucose levels, which is a concern for those with diabetes. Pain During Ejaculation Painful ejaculation can be a symptom of prostatitis, urethritis and conditions like Peyronie’s disease (abnormal penile curvature) or post-vasectomy pain syndrome. A recent guideline review found that 15% to 55% of men with chronic prostatitis may experience sexual dysfunction and/or pain during ejaculation, which can significantly impact their quality of life and virility. When to see a doctor. Occasional changes in semen are usually not cause for concern. However, persistent changes should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Regular check-ups and open communication with your doctor are crucial for maintaining sexual health and addressing any issues early. It’s important to remind your doctor of any medication or over-the-counter supplements you’re taking. Semen can provide valuable insights into a man’s health. For many men their wives or partners are the ones who normally insist that they visit the doctor. As a result, wives also have a vested interest in the overall sexual health of their partners. Importantly, by paying attention to variations of colour, texture, smell and volume of semen, men can detect potential health issues early. Consequently, if you notice persistent changes, consult with a healthcare provider who can help ensure your sexual health remains in top shape. In the words of Benjamin Spock, sex education, including its spiritual aspects, should be part of a broad health and moral education from kindergarten through grade twelve, ideally carried out harmoniously by parents and teachers. Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo © #sexualhealt #semen