Semen facts
Most of the ejaculate is made up of the fluid that supports the sperm. Besides sperm, semen is made up of fluids; 65% from the seminal vesicles, 30 to 35% from the prostate and 5% from the vasa. Semen contains citric acid, free amino acids, fructose, enzymes, phosphorylcholine, prostaglandin, potassium, and zinc. The amount of ejaculate you produce can vary, from just a few drops to about a teaspoon full (2 to 6 ml).
One amount of ejaculate may contain between 40 million to 600 million sperm depending on the volume and the length of time stored before ejaculating. Yet, the quantity of sperm produced will only cover the head of a pin. Samples used for medical study are obtained by requiring the donor to masturbate, or if a sample cannot managed without intercourse, then non-reactive condoms can be used.
Normal semen
Normal Semen
* The Look: Semen is usually a cloudy white fluid that within 1/2 hour becomes runny and clear.
* The Smell: Chlorine type smell in semen is normal.
* The Taste: Slightly sweet due to fructose. The taste of semen tends to change slightly from person to person.
What might be considered abnormal semen?
Low volume of ejaculate. A decrease in semen or an absence of semen from the seminal vesicle can be due to a blockage, or a lack of the seminal vesicle themselves.
Watery semen. Watery semen is invariably a sign of retrograde ejaculation. This is where the ejaculate goes backwards into the bladder. In itself this is not dangerous but abnormal liquefaction may be caused by prostate abnormalities such as prostatitis.
Thick or lumpy semen. The viscosity of semen can vary for a number of different reasons, even to how hydrated you are at a particular time. Consistently thick semen does have an effect on the ability of the sperm to move about so can also be important if you and your partner are trying for a baby.
Volume may also be low due to low hydration, fluids used up during sex may result in a small amount of ejaculate, or if you repeat the sex act and/or ejaculate in a short period of time this will also effect the amount produced. Volume and sperm production can decline with age, but potency is not necessarily affected. If you are concerned do consult your doctor especially in the case of:
Color in Semen or Foul Smelling Semen
Red or brown color to your semen. If your semen is stained with a red or brown colored fluid it may well be blood. Sometimes a small blood vessel may burst when you ejaculate. Within a day or two the semen should return to its normal state so there should be no need to worry. If it continues then you should see your doctor. Blood in semen may be present for many different reasons, such as infection, trauma and sometimes, but rarely, cancer.
Yellowish or green color to your semen. Normal semen may have an off-white or yellowy hint to the color. Where semen is uncharacteristically yellow or greenish in color it is a sign of infection, often due to the sexually transmitted disease, gonorrhea. Go to your local STD clinic, treatment is simple with antibiotics.
Foul smelling semen.
This is nearly always a sign of infection. Go see your doctor
Can you catch any diseases from semen?
Yes. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV and non gonococcal urethritis can all be transmitted through semen, so use a condom to contain the semen or be sure of your partners sexual health status.
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