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Facts About Semen

What is Abnormal Semen?

From About.com

Updated: January 5, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

What is Considered Abnormal Semen?

  • Low Volume of Ejaculate

  • A decrease in semen, or an absence of semen from the seminal vesicle, can sometimes be due to a blockage.

  • Watery Semen

  • Watery semen is usually a sign of retrograde ejaculationin which the ejaculate goes backwards into the bladder. This is not dangerous, but abnormal liquefaction of semen may also be caused by prostate abnormalities, such as prostatitis.

  • Thick or Lumpy Semen

  • The viscosity of semen can vary for a number of different reasons. Consistently thick semen does restrict the ability of the sperm to move about, so this can 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:

    Next Page: Colored & Foul Smelling Semen

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