Factors determining the volume and quality of semen

For many men, especially those actively considering becoming fathers, questions related to the quantity and quality of sperm are extremely important. In this article, we will analyze in detail the factors influencing the volume of seminal fluid, the conclusions that can be drawn from its variations, and the link between ejaculate volume and overall fertility.

The key role of sperm motility

Activity of spermatozoa, also known as motility, is one of the most significant indicators of male fertility. Often, this parameter proves to be more important than the total volume of seminal fluid. For successful fertilization, sperm must undertake a long and challenging journey through the female reproductive system to reach the egg, then successfully cross its protective barriers. Sperm with low motility or immobile sperm are physically unable to accomplish this mission, regardless of the volume of ejaculate they are in, whether low or high. In the vast majority of cases, factors influencing motility are closely linked to those determining the total volume of seminal fluid.

Main factors influencing sperm quality

During a laboratory examination (semen analysis), sperm quality is evaluated based on several fundamental parameters. These include sperm concentration (their number per 1 ml), mobility (ability to move actively), morphology (assessment of structural regularity), and the total volume of obtained ejaculate.

These indicators are influenced by a wide range of internal and external factors. Age plays a key role: in men over 40, there is a gradual decrease in sperm motility, as well as an increase in the percentage of cells with structural anomalies.

The factors negatively impacting sperm quality include:

• Smoking and alcohol consumption: toxins have a direct effect on spermatogenesis.
• Overweight: excess fat deposits disrupt hormonal balance.
• Overheating of the genital organs: frequent visits to baths, saunas, wearing too tight underwear, or using a laptop on the lap can be harmful.
• Use of certain medications: some drugs may have side effects affecting fertility.
• Hormonal disorders: dysfunctions of the endocrine system have a direct impact on sperm production.

Considering the factors influencing sperm quality, men planning to conceive should pay particular attention to the following aspects:

• A balanced diet: diet should be rich in vegetables, fruits, antioxidants, and essential nutrients.
• Regular physical activity: moderate exercise helps increase testosterone levels and improves blood circulation in pelvic organs.
• Maintaining a healthy weight: weight normalization helps restore hormonal balance.
• Giving up bad habits: quitting smoking and alcohol consumption is essential.
• Having a regular sexual life: helps renew sperm and maintain prostate health.
• Mental well-being: chronic stress negatively affects the entire body, including the reproductive system.

Many are also interested in what directly determines the volume of semen. The main factors are age, frequency of sexual activity (ejaculations), presence or absence of diseases (e.g., prostatitis), as well as adequate hydration level (water intake). A low amount of seminal fluid can be temporary, caused by daily ejaculations, significant stress, or lack of sleep, or signal problems such as prostate diseases or negative effects of alcohol.

How can summer vacations affect fertility?

Summer is associated with dreams of hot southern countries, abundant sunshine, and seaside. After a cold winter, holidays in warm countries seem like the perfect way to get back in shape. However, men planning to conceive in the near future should weigh the pros and cons before traveling.

Factors that may deteriorate sperm quality during vacations:

Sudden climate change. Planning to become a father soon? In this case, you should be aware that the environment has a significant impact on sperm production. Adaptation (acclimatization) to radically new living conditions is, in itself, a major stressor for the body.

Overheating. Abundant sunshine and high temperatures will inevitably cause constant overheating of the body. This will automatically lead to a decrease in sperm quantity and motility, as all the body's resources are devoted to fighting abnormal heat. While such a "shock" might go unnoticed under normal circumstances, during rapid conception attempts, this can have unpleasant consequences: your "tired" sperm from the heat may simply fail to reach the egg, preventing fertilization.

Dietary changes. This factor also significantly affects conception preparation. All your body's systems are adapted to process and absorb nutrients in the usual combination. Suddenly, a radical change occurs! Your diet suddenly consists mostly of fruits, you drink more water, but consume very little protein because heat effectively suppresses appetite.

Weight gain. Additionally, during holidays, temptations to indulge in various "treats" and exotic dishes are strong. This can often result in an imperceptible accumulation of fat in different parts of the body. It has long been known that excess adipose tissue is the main enemy of hormonal balance in men. Instead of testosterone, fat cells begin actively producing the female hormone estrogen. This means that both the quantity and quality of ejaculate start to decline and deteriorate rapidly. It's quite likely that, at the most crucial moment, sperm will be insufficient for conception.

"Chemistry". The next set of factors negatively affecting male sexual health is what is called "chemistry," which includes tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. Hookah can also be added to this category. The body can be exposed to these stressors to a much greater extent during relaxing "leisure" moments.

Logical conclusion: Men planning to have a child should carefully weigh the pros and cons before organizing their summer vacation. If you and your partner are considering fertility treatments or simply preparing for pregnancy in the near future, pay close attention to your lifestyle and bad habits. It may be necessary to abstain from certain things or even exclude some.

Methods of determining sperm quality

It is impossible to determine sperm quality "by sight" or based on personal sensations. The only reliable method is to perform a specialized laboratory analysis called a semen analysis.

The main indicators evaluated during the analysis and their norms are as follows:

• Ejaculate volume: 2 to 5 ml is considered normal.
• Sperm concentration: at least 15 million per ml.
• Motility: the total number of mobile sperm should be above 40%.
• Morphology: the number of sperm with normal structure should be at least 4% (according to strict Kruger criteria).
• Acidity (pH): the standard is 7.2 to 8.0.
• Liquefaction time: ejaculate should become liquid within 60 minutes.

It is advisable to consult andrologist-urologists to prescribe a semen analysis when planning pregnancy (even in the absence of complaints), in case of visible changes in the appearance of seminal fluid (color, consistency, odor), as well as in case of pain or discomfort during ejaculation. A specialist consultation is also necessary if a man wonders why he does not produce semen (asephemia) or suspects decreased sperm motility (asthenozoospermia). In our blog, we addressed the question of asthenozoospermia: causes, symptoms, and treatment methods. Furthermore, if you are considering IVF (in vitro fertilization), IVF with egg donation or IVF with double donation, the specialists at Natuvitro Clinic are ready to assist you with qualified help and conduct all necessary examinations.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: What is more important: the quantity of sperm or sperm motility? A: According to the article, sperm motility (activity) is often a more decisive factor for conception than the total volume of semen. Slow or immobile sperm will not reach the egg, regardless of their quantity.

Q: Which daily habits most harm sperm quality? A: The main negative factors are smoking, alcohol consumption, overweight, frequent overheating of genital organs (e.g., in a sauna or because of tight underwear), hormonal imbalances, and the use of certain medications.

Q: Can holidays in a hot country negatively influence conception plans? A: Yes, it’s possible. Sudden climate change, constant body overheating, stress related to adaptation, radical dietary changes (especially a decrease in proteins), and weight gain during holidays can temporarily, but significantly, reduce sperm quality and motility.

Q: How can sperm quality be reliably determined? A: It cannot be done at home. The only reliable method is to perform a specialized test, a semen analysis, in a laboratory. The analysis will reveal the volume, concentration, motility, morphology of sperm, and other important parameters.

Q: Does ejaculation frequency impact the volume of semen? A: Yes, it does. The article states that daily ejaculations can be one cause of a low volume of semen.