Patient's question:
How is the standard for nonliquefying semen determined?I tested my semen this morning in the room, and there was quite a bit of it. I noticed that about half liquefied into water within ten minutes, while the rest became slightly less viscous, turning from thick to thin. It had a slightly yellowish tint, and it seemed to contain a few small, transparent, dot-like particles (resembling tiny tadpoles). Does this count as abnormal semen?
Doctor's answer:
Hello: Normal semen is in a liquid state but immediately coagulates into a gel-like consistency. It liquefies into a watery liquid within about 10–20 minutes. This process is known as semen liquefaction and is a normal physiological phenomenon. If semen remains in a gel-like state after being expelled from the body for more than 30 minutes, it is considered a pathological condition called semen non-liquefaction. The gel-like consistency of semen is caused by coagulating proteins secreted by the seminal vesicles. On the other hand, proteolytic enzymes and fibrinolysin secreted by the prostate gland can break down this coagulating protein, promoting semen liquefaction. Therefore, semen non-liquefaction is caused by an increase in coagulating proteins or a decrease in proteolytic enzymes and fibrinolysin. The main cause of semen non-liquefaction is inflammation of the prostate or seminal vesicles. You can check whether you have inflammation of the prostate or seminal vesicles.