Volume of ejaculated sperm: how is it analyzed? Can it be increased?

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One of the first parameters studied in the semengram is the volume of ejaculated semen. Although this value does not make direct reference to the amount of sperm present in the ejaculate, it is important to verify that the quantity of ejaculated sperm is enough for some to reach the uterus and, therefore, it is possible to achieve fertilization and pregnancy in a manner natural.

Below you have an index with all the points that we will discuss in this article.

Index

Volume of ejaculated sperm: How is it analyzed? Can it be increased?

How is it analyzed?

The volume of ejaculated sperm is measured in milliliters with a laboratory pipette. The average amount of semen per ejaculate in man is between 2 and 4 ml, although it is a value that can vary depending on different aspects, such as sexual abstinence, stress, etc.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a volume of normal ejaculate from 1.5 ml is considered. The results above the reference value do not indicate alterations that affect fertility. However, a volume of ejaculate semen smaller than this value gives rise to the pathology known as hypospermia.

Study of the ejaculated volume

Alterations in male fertility

As we will see below, there are some alterations related to the volume of ejaculation that can compromise the reproductive capacity of man.

Hypospermia

Hypospermia or a small amount of semen produces male infertility, because if less than 1.5 ml of ejaculate volume is expelled, it is difficult for the sperm to travel all the way to the area of ??the ampulla, in the fallopian tubes, where the ovule is found

Through the use of assisted reproduction techniques, such as ICSI, where few sperm are needed, men who have hypospermia are likely to be parents, since although the volume of ejaculate is less than 1.5 ml, it is required that a very low amount of sperm to perform this technique.

If you want more information about this pathology, you can find it in this article: Hypospermia.

It should be noted that before diagnosing a hypospermia, it is advisable to ensure that the sample has been obtained correctly and the entire ejaculate has been collected. For this, the patient will be asked specifically if he has provided the whole sample or only partially. In the event that only one part was delivered, the diagnosis could be wrong. The days of abstinence referred by the patient should also be taken into account.

Aspermia

Another complication related to the volume and that presents more seriousness is the aspermia, where the man is not able to expel any fluid in the ejaculation. In this case, you should find the cause of this alteration and check if there is sperm production in the testicles.

Its main causes are two:

  • Retrograde ejaculation: the ejaculate is not expelled to the outside, but flows into the bladder.
  • Obstruction or absence of any of the ejaculatory ducts.
Causes of aspermia

Hyperespermia

Finally, a quantity of semen greater than the normal amount of ejaculate can be produced for a man. This is what is known as hyperspermia. Contrary to what happens with the low amount of semen, a high seminal volume is not associated with any pathology or impaired fertility.

We consider that a man presents hyperspermia when the amount of ejaculated seminal fluid is greater than 6 ml. As we have said, it is not a cause of infertility but it is usually related to a large size of the seminal vesicles, since these formations are responsible for more than 70% of the volume of ejaculate.

It can also be due to an excess of days of abstinence or inflammation of these organs.

How to increase the volume of ejaculation?

The expulsion of a small amount of ejaculate can be the result of different aspects, both hormonal and anatomical. Obstruction of the ejaculatory ducts or androgen insufficiency are some of the main causes.

Depending on the reason of hypospermia, one way or another will be used to find the solution and achieve an increase in the volume of ejaculate. Therefore, there is no definitive or unique treatment.

If you want to know more about how seminal quality can be increased, we recommend that you access the following article: How is sperm quality analyzed and what can we do to improve it?

There are medications that can help, but it is generally recommended to avoid the abuse of toxins, such as tobacco or alcohol, and to eat a healthy and balanced diet. Drinking lots of water and natural juices is recommended, as well as consuming fresh fruits and vegetables, due to its high content of vitamin C and antioxidants.

Zinc is also a highly recommended mineral due to its antioxidant properties, so it must be present in the diet. Some of the foods rich in zinc that can help increase the amount of ejaculate are oysters, beans, beef or nuts.

It should be noted that these healthy habits can help in some men, but will hardly have an effect in the most severe cases. It is advisable to go to a clinic specialized in assisted reproduction if after a year of unprotected sexual intercourse pregnancy is not achieved.

Questions from users

Is it serious if there is a decrease in the volume of ejaculation and restoration of normal values ??after prolonged abstinence is not achieved?

In cases where the descent is very drastic, it is best to go to the specialist to rule out any alteration in the ejaculatory ducts.

It will be necessary to evaluate if all the glands that participate in the seminal production are well or if on the contrary simply the seminal characteristics have changed without implying alterations.

Is the volume of an ejaculation always the same?

No. Although it is of an approximately equal volume, it varies between different men and even in the same man. For example, factors such as days of abstinence can cause changes in seminal volume.

The fact that a punctual day the ejaculate is of low volume should not be cause for concern.

Recommended reading

As we have seen, seminal volume is analyzed by the semengram. If you want to know more about this test, we recommend that you read the following article: What is a basic semengram and how is it done step by step?

If you want to know how to interpret the results correctly, you will find more information here: How to interpret the seminogram results and their normal values.

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