Sperm Junkie

Sperm Junkie
What Your Semen Says About Your Health

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How the Male Reproductive System Works

How to Tell If Swollen Testicles Are Serious

The Anatomy and Function of the Penis

Medical and Sexual Applications of Prostate Massage

The Most Interesting Facts About Ejaculation

Is a Vasectomy Reversible? Roe v. Wade News Prompts Questions

The Anatomy of the Seminal Vesicles

Knowing When It's Time to See a Urologist

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Jerry Kennard, PhD, is a psychologist and associate fellow of the British Psychological Society.
Jamin Brahmbhatt, MD, is a board-certified urologist and Chief of Surgery at Orlando Health South Lake Hospital.

Semen is the cloudy, white fluid that is released from the penis during ejaculation . It consists of sperm cells (called spermatozoa ) and a nutrient-rich liquid called seminal fluid. The purpose of seminal fluid is to transport sperm cells and enable their survival for up to five days so that fertilization is possible. 1

This article answers some of the common questions about semen. It also explores what the color, consistency, and smell of semen say about your health.

Semen is composed of seminal fluid populated with sperm cells. With every ejaculation, about 100 million sperm cells are released from the penis. 2

Sperm cells are produced in the testicles . From there, the cells enter a coiled tube called the epididymis where they are stored and mature under the influence of hormones from the testicles and pituitary gland . 2

Thereafter, the sperm cells migrate to a long, muscular tube called the vas deferens where they combine with seminal fluid secreted by two ejaculatory ducts. The end product is semen. 3

The seminal fluid itself is composed of fluids from three organs:

During ejaculation, powerful contractions of muscles (called bulbospongiosus and pubococcygeus muscles) propel semen out of the penis through a long tube called the urethra .

The volume of semen that is released during ejaculation can vary. A 2012 review of studies published in the Journal of Andrology suggests the average volume is 3.4 milliliters (mL). 1 This is roughly two-thirds of a teaspoon.

Semen volume may impact male fertility . Research suggests having a higher-than-normal semen volume corresponds with a low lower sperm count. This is due to the dilution of sperm cells. 6

On the other hand, a lower-than-normal semen volume (less than 1.5 mL) also corresponds to a lower likelihood of fertility. 7 Consistently low semen volumes may be due to a condition such as retrograde ejaculation in which semen flows back to the bladder rather than out of the body.

Low semen volumes may also be a sign of other medical conditions. A 2014 study in Fertility and Sterility evaluated over 9,000 males with an average age of 38. They found that people with low semen volumes were nearly two times more likely to have high blood pressure or heart disease than those with normal semen volumes. 8

Low semen volumes are not always a sign of infertility or illness. They can also be a sign of dehydration or recent ejaculation.

If semen volumes are consistently abnormal and you've been unable to conceive, you may want to consult with a fertility specialist.

Semen often smells like chlorine or ammonia and tastes slightly sweet due to its high fructose content. That being said, the taste and smell of semen can vary from one person to the next.

Certain foods can alter the taste and smell of semen, making it more bitter, pungent, or musky. These may include foods like:

Other foods are said to make semen smell or taste milder or sweeter, including celery, parsley, and pineapple.

Smoking tobacco can also alter the taste or smell of semen. In addition, cigarettes can reduce the quality, count, and motility of sperm and make it harder for your to conceive. 9

Another factor that can influence the smell or taste of semen is an infection. These include urinary tract infections (UTIs) and sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia , gonorrhea , and trichomoniasis . 10

If your semen has a foul or "rotten" smell, it may be the first sign of a genital or urinary tract infection. Speak with a healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Normal semen is generally an off-white or slightly yellow color. The consistency should be similar to that of an egg-white or be slightly jelly-like. There may sometimes be jelly-like globules in the semen, which is normal if you are dehydrated or have not ejaculated in a long time. 10

Changes in semen color are often of little concern, but certain colors may suggest a health problem.

If your semen has a red or brown color, it may be a sign of blood. While this may seem alarming, the condition (called hematospermia ) is usually not serious. 11

The good news is that most cases of hematospermia clear on their own without incident. Rarely is blood in semen a sign of cancer. 11

Semen with a pronounced yellow or green color may be the sign of an infection. There are other possible causes as well.

Some of the common and uncommon causes of yellow or green semen include:

Contact your healthcare provider if abnormally colored semen is accompanied by signs of infection (including pain, swelling, or fever) or if the symptom persists, worsens, or recurs.

Semen, composed primarily of seminal fluid and sperm cells (spermatozoa), is typically off-white or slightly yellowish with a consistency similar to egg whites. It often has a slightly ammonia-ish scent and can vary in flavor from sweet to salty to bitter.

Semen quality varies from person to person. With that said, certain issues may be a sign of an infection or infertility. These include foul-smelling semen, abnormally colored semen, or high or low volumes of semen after ejaculation. Abnormalities like these should be investigated, particularly if the symptoms are persistent or worsening.

Talking about semen with your healthcare provider may be uncomfortable, but don't let discomfort get in the way of your good health. If needed, ask for a referral to a urologist who specializes in diseases of the genital and urinary tract.

A urologist can walk you through what is needed to investigate the abnormality. This may involve a procedure known as a semen analysis if there are concerns about fertility. Other lab or imaging tests may be ordered depending on your symptoms and the suspected cause.

Diet can impact sperm quality and fertility. Studies show that diets high in processed meats, trans fat, soy, and high-fat dairy cab affect the shape, quantity, and motility of sperm. On the other hand, diets high in fish, fruits, vegetables, and walnuts are shown to increase sperm quality. 14
The average life span of sperm is 74 days. After the testicles make the sperm, it takes time for them to fully mature. This process takes around two and a half to three months. After ejaculation, sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract for up to five days. 2
Franken DR, Oehninger S. Semen analysis and sperm function testing . Asian J Androl . 2012;14(1):6-13. doi:10.1038/aja.2011.58
Griswold MD. Spermatogenesis: the commitment to meiosis . Physiol Rev . 2016;96(1):1–17. doi:10.1152/physrev.00013.2015
Alwaal A, Breyer BN, Lue TF. Normal male sexual function: emphasis on orgasm and ejaculation . Fertil Steril . 2015 Nov;104(5):1051–60. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.08.033
Barrett T, Tanner J, Gill AB, Slough RA, Wason J, Gallagher FA. The longitudinal effect of ejaculation on seminal vesicle fluid volume and whole-prostate ADC as measured on prostate MRI . Eur Radiol. 2017;27(12):5236-43. doi:10.1007/s00330-017-4905-x
McKay AC, Sharma S. Anatomy, abdomen and pelvis: seminal vesicle . In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing; 2022.
Maya WC, Berdugo J, Cadavid AP. Is there a close relation between sperm count and ejaculation volume? J Reprod Contracep. 2011 Mar;22(1):23-8. doi:10.1016/S1001-7844(12)60003-0
Leslie SW, Siref LE, Soon-Sutton TL, Khan MAB. Male infertility . In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island, FL; StatPearls Publishing; 2022.
Eisenberg ML, Li S, Behr B, Pera RR, Cullen MR. Relationship between semen production and medical comorbidity . Fertil Steril . 2015;103(1):66-71. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.10.017
Kovac JR, Khanna A, Lipshultz LI. The effects of cigarette smoking on male fertility . Postgrad Med . 2015;127(3):338-341. doi:10.1080/00325481.2015.1015928
Vasan SS. Semen analysis and sperm function tests: How much to test? Indian J Urol . 2011;27(1):41-48. doi:10.4103/0970-1591.78424
Mathers MJ, Degener S, Sperling H, Roth S. Hematospermia-a symptom with many possible causes . Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2017;114(11):186-91. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2017.0186
Condorelli RA, Russo GI, Calagero AE, Morgia G, La Vignera S. Chronic prostatitis and its detrimental impact on sperm parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis . J Endocrinol Invest . 2017;40(11):1209-18. doi:10.1007/s40618-017-0684-0
Khodamoradi K, Kuchakulla M, Narasimman M, et al. Laboratory and clinical management of leukocytospermia and hematospermia: a review . Ther Adv Reprod Health . 2020;14:2633494120922511. doi:10.1177/2633494120922511
Salas-Huetos A, James ER, Aston KI, Jenkins TG, Carrell DT. Diet and sperm quality: nutrients, foods and dietary patterns . Reprod Biol . 2019;19(3):219-224. doi:10.1016/j.repbio.2019.07.005

By Jerry Kennard

Jerry Kennard, PhD, is a psychologist and associate fellow of the British Psychological Society.

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By Fran Sanchez, BSc MSc Reviewed by Herbolab's Medical Team
Sexual Health Published on August 21, 2015
Updated on August 10, 2022

Tongkat Ali For Better Sexual Performance And Powerful Ejaculations

Today’s trends seem to focus on what we see on the internet. From getting a gym bug to trying that new app celebrities use. When it comes to men’s trends, it often revolves around improving their looks, strength, and, as funny as it sounds, penis. Though it remains to be a popular search query on Google, men are also looking to improve on another aspect of their manhood: ejaculation. Specifically how to increase ejaculate volume or how to ejaculate more.
It’s all about the ego, but there’s nothing wrong with having a boost of confidence when it comes to sex. Hey, women like the idea of being great in bed, so us men need to step it up a notch or two higher. Knowing how to increase ejaculate volume is a great first step in making sure your lover is just as happy as you are even though they won’t tell you.
Tongkat ali allows its users to enjoy stronger erections and powerful ejaculation. Studies conducted on the effectiveness of the herb in improving erections found that it is effective in treating erectile dysfunction in men diagnosed with the condition. Tongkat ali is also useful in enhancing strong erection and powerful ejaculation in healthy men. [1] Kotirum, S., Ismail, S.B., & Chaiyakunapruk, N. (2015). Efficacy of Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) on erectile function improvement: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Complementary Therapies in Medicine , 23(5), 693-698. doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2015.07.009
The average male may ejaculate about 2 – 5 mL. That’s around half a teaspoon to a full teaspoon. If you can ejaculate close to 10 mL, you’re definitely a cut above the rest. If you’re one of the men out there who just can’t produce that much OR wants to produce much more volume than your current, then read on. The guide will provide you with all the necessary information when it comes to knowing how to increase your ejaculate volume.
Mostly stemming from the sheer popularity of male porn stars like Peter North, men who can shoot sperm as if they’re hosing down a burning house are regarded as bigger men among big men. But, how do you exactly improve a man’s ejaculate strength? Do you exercise or eat anything? How about pills and supplements? To clarify that, we could tackle exactly the how’s and why’s when it comes to improving the male orgasm.
Before we get to know just how to increase ejaculate volume, let us first go through some of the important reasons as to why we should even bother.
Testosterone is the male hormone that impacts everything about the male body. Testosterone is responsible for maximizing muscle growth, hair growth, and to an extent our metabolism and longevity. Basically, testosterone defines our manliness and being short in testosterone is the last thing you want as a man.
When it comes to being a beast in the bedroom, testosterone determines not just how good you are and how long you last, but also the frequency of being in the mood aka libido or sex drive. Increased sex drive leads to an increase in sexual desire which your partner would very much like.
The amount of sperm you have in your body determines your ability to make a baby with your lover. You can say this is a primal instinct as showing evidence of fertility in the wild is considered a superior feature for the purpose of furthering the species. Needless to say, ancient women likely chose to produce offspring from males of superior fertility, and those who couldn’t get it up were left mateless, killing their line instantly.
A low sperm count raises the odds against you even if your wife is as healthy as she can get. Moving forward, knowing how to increase ejaculate volume and strength not only guarantees an instant ego boost but also represents your reproductive health.
It’s no secret that men want to have more sperm gushing out of their tubes, but how about your lover? Women may tend to shy around these topics, but some might actually prefer it when men do release more. It’s primal in that they see you releasing so much in pleasure because of them and them alone. It’s like a way of telling whether you enjoyed lovemaking as much as they did.
Not to mention how some women like it better when the semen tastes good. It tells them how you take care of yourself and more often than not, it makes you all the more attractive. So no, it’s not just a porn thing despite what many claim it to be.
If you’ve dated a lot of girls in the past, you probably had at least a few incidents where you couldn’t really get it all out which either disappointed you, your partner, or both. It goes without saying that us men value quantity as much as we do quality and more ejaculate is always better.
Remember when you were young and you could ejaculate more often and sometimes several times afterward on the same day? As curious young men, we all definitely had our time of exploring our abilities and where they might end.
Knowing how to increase ejaculate volume and actually applying it in your life might just make you get your rhythm back.
The first step in learning how to ejaculate more is to understand what it is and how it is made. First, let’s clear a common misconception: Semen and Sperm are not the same things. If you mistook them as the same thing, don’t feel bad since the porn industry, as well as mainstream media, get this mixed up all the time.
Semen is the fluid that is ejaculated when you orgasm. It’s the medium that carries the sperm, and its sole purpose is to make sure the sperm are able to swim as smoothly as possible. A good amount of semen increases the rate of fertility since it makes traveling to the egg cell that much easier.
Sperm is the actual sperm cell or “swimmers” that fertilize an egg and leads to pregnancy. While the numbers say there are millions of sperm cells per ejaculate, they only really make up less than 5% of total semen volume. Hence, when you are looking to increase ejaculate volume you want to increase your semen volume, and when you want to be more fertile you want to increase your sperm quantity and/or quality.
There is a lot more to ejaculation than sperm. In fact, it contains more than 50 different compounds [2] News Medical Life Sciences Site. (2010, June 2). Swallowing Semen. Retrieved from https://www.news-medical.net/health/Swallowing-Semen.aspx .
It also contains proteins that have an antimicrobial effect which explains why semen smells like chlorine [3] Mårdh, P. A., & Colleen, S. (1975). Antimicrobial activity of human seminal fluid. Scandinavian Journal of Urology , 9(1):17-23. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/814615 .
“Semen of healthy males had a higher antibacterial effect on S. albus than that of patients with symptoms of chronic prostatitis. There was a positive correlation between the antibacterial power of the semen of the patients studied and their content of zinc and magnesium, while no correlation was found with fructose and lysozyme or the number of spermatozoa in any of the groups. A positive correlation was found between the antibacterial capacity and the volume of the ejaculate in the patients but not among the controls. “
Knowing how to increase ejaculate volume is great, but what’s also important is knowing what exactly affects ejaculation volume.
“Cigarette smoking has a deleterious effect on some of the seminal fluid parameters (motility, morphology, and leukocyte count) which may, in turn, result in male subfertility. Therefore, we advise smokers to quit smoking…”
When it comes to ejaculating, the volume is king. The more fluid you can release, the more of a high you and your partner could have. Okay, maybe that last part was a bit exaggerated, but you get it. Anyway, there’s just something about seeing you become her personal sex fountain that makes the sex so much better. More is merrier in this case and fortunately for you, we have a few healthy and natural ways to increase the volume of your ejaculate.
This section below will cover the things you can do right now to help you ejaculate more.
Drink plenty of fluids – As we mentioned earlier, much of our body relies on fluids (mostly water) and our ejaculate is no different. If you’re often shooting dry, then you may simply be dehydrated. Drinking more water or healthy juices may bring about not just a change in volume but in taste too. For the most part, getting properly hydrated already may lets you have more ejaculate volume
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