Semen is a white or grey liquid, emitted from the urethra (tube in the penis) on ejaculation. During the process of ejaculation, sperm passes through the ejaculatory ducts and mixes with fluids from the seminal vesicles, the prostate, and the bulbourethral glands to form the semen. The seminal vesicles produce a yellowish viscous fluid rich in fructose and other substances that makes up about 70% of human semen. The prostatic secretion, influenced by dihydrotestosterone, is a whitish (sometimes clear), thin fluid containing proteolytic enzymes, citric acid, acid phosphatase and lipids. The bulbourethral glands secrete a clear secretion into the lumen of the urethra to lubricate it.
Where semen is made
Testicles and epididymes (5 per cent)
Seminal vesicles (46 to 80 per cent)
Prostate gland (13 to 33 per cent)
Bulbourethral and urethral glands (2 to 5 per cent)
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.
Thick or Lumpy Semen
The viscosity of semen can vary for a number of different reasons. 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.
Red or Brown Colored Semen
If your semen is stained with a red or brown colored fluid it may be caused by blood. Sometimes a small blood vessel may burst when you ejaculate. Blood in semen may be present for many different reasons, such as infection, trauma and sometimes, but rarely, cancer.
Yellowish or Green Colored Semen
Where semen is uncharacteristically yellow or greenish in color it is a sign of infection, often due to a sexually transmitted disease called gonorrhea. Go to your local STD clinic.
Foul Smelling Semen
Foul smelling semen is nearly always a sign of infection. Go and see your doctor.
