It's probably one of the last things on your mind during ejaculation, but your semen can be a good indicator of your fertility and overall health. If you're thinking about how strong your swimmers are, or want to know what a normal sperm count is, then look no further. We break down everything you need to know about semen, sperm count and male fertility:

What is semen?

Semen is a white or grey liquid, emitted from the urethra (tube in the penis) on ejaculation. Usually, each millilitre of semen contains millions of spermatozoa (sperm), but the majority of the volume consists of secretions of the glands in the male reproductive organs.

The purpose of semen is purely for reproduction, as a vehicle to carry the spermatozoa into the female reproductive tract. Although ejaculation of semen accompanies orgasm and sexual pleasure, erection and orgasm are controlled by separate mechanisms and semen emission is not essential for enjoyable sex in most people.



Semen consists of the secretions of several glands but only 5 per cent comes from the testicles.



Is my semen normal?

Semen is usually white or grey, but can occasionally appear yellowish. Pink or red semen suggests that blood is present. Although this is only rarely due to a serious health problem, men with semen that seems bloodstained should seek advice from their family doctor.

Semen clots almost immediately after ejaculation, forming a sticky, jelly-like liquid. It will liquefy again in 5 to 40 minutes. It is quite normal for semen to form jelly-like globules and this does not indicate any health or fertility problem. Failure of clotting and subsequent liquefaction can cause fertility problems.

Semen clots almost immediately after ejaculation, forming a sticky liquid.

The average volume of semen produced at ejaculation is 2 to 5ml. Volumes consistently less than 1.5ml (hypospermia) or more than 5.5ml (hyperspermia) are probably abnormal. Lower volumes may occur after very frequent ejaculation and higher volumes are seen after prolonged abstinence.

What's a normal sperm count?

The World Health Organisation provides a definition of a 'normal' sperm count:

The concentration of spermatozoa should be at least 20 million per ml.

The total volume of semen should be at least 2ml.

The total number of spermatozoa in the ejaculate should be at least 40 million.

At least 75 per cent of the spermatozoa should be alive (it is normal for up to 25 per cent to be dead).

At least 30 per cent of the spermatozoa should be of normal shape and form.

At least 25 per cent of the spermatozoa should be swimming with rapid forward movement.

At least 50 per cent of the spermatozoa should be swimming forward, even if only sluggishly.

It's quite surprising how many dead and abnormal sperm can be present in a 'normal' sample. Measuring sperm count is a very technical business and results can be affected by many factors, including the length of time between ejaculation and semen sample analysis, and how the sample is kept when being transported to the lab.

More is not necessarily better, as too high a sperm count can also result in fertility problems.

There can be enormous variation in sperm count in an individual, even over a few days. It is important that at least two, preferably three or more, samples are analysed, each at least two to three weeks apart. A single sample is inadequate to assess semen quality.

Sperm count is only an indication of fertilising capacity and a normal count does not guarantee success. In addition, more is not necessarily better, as too high a sperm count can also result in fertility problems.

What affects male fertility and sperm count?

Many more environmental factors that can affect male fertility exist today than 50 years ago. The factors include:

Toxic pollutants

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Zinc deficiency

Alcoholism

Smoking

Anabolic steroid use

The causes of stress in modern life are legion and concerns over fertility or failure to conceive are very important causes of stress. If you are concerned that you have a fertility problem, it is sensible to seek advice from your family doctor.

The chance of conception in a healthy, young couple is about 20 per cent per month, so a delay of three to six months before conceiving is not unusual. It's reasonable to request an initial assessment after six months of regular unprotected intercourse without conception.

Can I preserve my fertility and sperm count?



There are a few ways in which you can preserve male fertility and sperm count. Follow these top tips:

✔️ Adopt a healthy lifestyle, with a balanced diet and regular exercise.

✔️ Don't smoke or use recreational drugs.

✔️ Don't drink alcohol, or keep alcohol consumption within recommended limits.

✔️ Try to avoid exposure to industrial and occupational hazards by following safety procedures and wearing protective clothing when provided. Your employer has a legal responsibility to provide information on occupational health risks and to ensure employees have a safe and healthy working environment.

✔️ Avoid exposure to STIs by adopting safer sexual practices, such as using condoms.



Chris Dawson (MS FRCS LLDip) Consultant Urologist Surgeon Mr Chris Dawson is a Consultant Urological Surgeon/Urologist, employed by North West Anglia Foundation Trust, and also sees Private Patients at the Fitzwilliam Hospital , Peterborough. He trained at University College, London and qualified in 1986 having taken an intercalated BSc in Immunology.Mr Dawson's cliical interestes include Kidney or Ureteric stones, Kidney (Renal) Cancer, Renal Mass on ultrasound, Blood in the Urine (Haematuria), Cystitis, Urinary Tract Infection, Haematuria (Blood in the urine), Bladder Cancer, Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms, BPH, Prostate Cancer, Epididymal Cyst, Hydrocele, Tight Foreskin and Vasectomy / Vasectomy Reversal.

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