Patient's question:
The book says that most sperm are killed by the acidic environment outside the vagina. Does semen play a protective role? So if sperm lose their semen, or for example, if the semen has already dried up and exits the vagina, would they be killed by the acidic environment? Is semen also essential for successful conception?Doctor's answer:
A healthy vaginal environment is predominantly weakly acidic, which can inhibit the cultivation of most anaerobic bacteria that thrive under alkaline conditions. A weakly acidic vaginal environment protects sperm from being absorbed by other pathogenic bacteria within the vagina. Sperm cannot escape the semen, and when the semen dries up, it loses its fertilization function. Cases of dead sperm often recur, requiring long-term medication for management. Additionally, for male patients, it is crucial to seek professional and reputable medical treatment immediately. Treatment should be considered based on the results of thorough examinations.