Semen that looks like white gelatin usually does not indicate a health problem.
Sometimes the semen comes out as a white gelatin, or looks thick and lumpy. Other times it is more watery or transparent. This can be a cause for concern for some men.
While it is true that this liquid, made up of sperm and seminal fluid, is usually viscous, its consistency may vary due to various factorsranging from food to possible pathologies.
Here we tell you what are the causes for which the sperm comes out in the form of white gelatin. Find out if this is normal or should be cause for concern.
What is sperm?
Semen is a viscous substance that the man expels through the penis at the time of ejaculation. Its function is to serve as a vehicle for sperm to reach the egg and produce fertilization.
Several organs of the male reproductive system are involved in its production. Each performs a specific function:
- Testicles : Sperm are formed in the seminiferous tubules of the testicles.
- Seminal vesicles : They provide most of the liquid or liquid. They produce semenogelin, the substance that gives semen that thick consistency.
- Prostate : It produces what is called specific prostate antigen (PSA); this enzyme breaks down semenogelin, making sperm less dense.
Regarding the characteristics of sperm, qualitatively and quantitatively speaking, we can highlight the following:
- Its volume can vary from 1.5 milliliters to almost 7.
- It is composed of 10% spermatozoa, 15 to 30% antigen and the rest corresponds to the secretion of the vesicles.
- The number of spermatozoa per ejaculation is also variable, from 15 to 200 million.
- It is whitish in color, although it can be yellow, almost transparent or even gray.
- Its consistency is dense, so it is not easily expelled from the vagina.
- It is very acidic.
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What can change the appearance of sperm?
The amount and appearance of semen can vary. Just like its smell, texture and taste. Different factors can influence its characteristics:
- Active sex life
- Fluid intake and diet
- Ambient and body temperature
- Physical activity
- Alcohol or drug use.
- Hormonal changes.
A change in the appearance of semen does not mean that a medical condition exists.
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Causes of semen that looks like white gelatin
In addition to the factors mentioned above, there are some reasons why semen may appear as a white gelatin or have a lumpy texture. However, it should be clarified that this texture does not necessarily affect its composition.
Moreover, this feature is not of concern in the vast majority of cases. Sometimes she doesn’t even bother.
Insufficient hydration
Semen is mostly made up of water. And when the body needs fluids, it can take it from different places.
Thus, in situations of dehydration, it is not uncommon for the texture of the sperm to be affected: it becomes thicker. So remember to stay hydrated.
Feed
Certain dietary changes can also affect semen viscosity, as well as its color, smell, and taste. Certain foods improve the quality of sperm.
Low testosterone levels
Other symptoms that indicate low testosterone are low libido, fatigue, irritability, erectile dysfunction, muscle wasting, and alopecia.
Infection
Certain infections, such as sexually transmitted diseases, can affect the epididymis. It is a spiral-shaped tube that stores sperm.
In turn, epididymitis leads to a low survival rate of sperm, which changes the density and volume of sperm. Ejaculation can even be painful.
High sperm concentration
The amount or volume of semen per milliliter varies, as we have already mentioned. But the more time passes without ejaculation, the more the concentration increases. And when there is a lot of sperm, it comes out in the form of white gelatin.
Protein clotting
Another possibility related to not having ejaculated for a while is that proteins that help with clotting and liquefaction are starting to build up in the testicles. The result will be sperm that comes out as white gelatin.
Agglutination
Sperm agglutination is a less common cause. In this case, there is an excess of antibodies in the semenbecause the immune system recognizes sperm as a foreign substance.
In addition to the lumpy appearance, the action of antibodies that fight sperm can lead to male infertility, as evidenced by research.
Should I be worried if the sperm comes out as white gelatin?
Sperm in the form of white gelatin almost never indicates pathology and does not require treatment, especially if no other signs are observed. So you don’t have to worry. Maybe you just need to hydrate more…
It can even be positive. More viscous sperm will tend to adhere better to the vaginal walls.
However, it is recommended to notify the doctor if, in addition to a change in density or viscosity, other symptoms appear, such as fever, pain during ejaculation, strong odor in ejaculations, blood in the urine or a swollen scrotum. In such cases, do not postpone the consultation.
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