Patient's question:
Detailed medical condition and consultation purpose: Doctor: Hello, my test report shows:Liquefaction time: Non-liquefiable
Volume: 2
Color: Greyish-white
pH: 7.5
Sperm density: 80
Motility rate: 75
Grade B: 40
Grade C: 35
Grade D: 25
Please ask what kind of disease this belongs to. How should it be treated?
Doctor's answer:
Hello, normal semen is in a liquid state when expelled but immediately solidifies into a gel-like or clotted state. It liquefies into a watery liquid within about 10 to 20 minutes. This process is called 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 known as semen non-liquefaction.The initial liquid state of semen facilitates ejaculation, while its subsequent transformation into a gel-like state allows it to remain in the female vagina without easily flowing out. Later, liquefaction ensures that sperm in the semen can move freely, enabling them to swim along the female reproductive tract toward the fallopian tubes, which aids in fertilization.
The gel-like consistency of semen is caused by coagulating proteins secreted by the seminal vesicles. In contrast, proteolytic enzymes and fibrinolysin secreted by the prostate can break down these coagulating proteins, promoting semen liquefaction. Therefore, semen non-liquefaction is caused by an excess of coagulating proteins or a deficiency of proteolytic enzymes and fibrinolysin. During semen analysis, if the semen appears non-coagulated, it may be due to defects in the ejaculatory ducts or congenital absence of the seminal vesicles.
Non-liquefied semen, under microscopic examination, shows sperm clumped together, unable to move or only slowly twitching. Such semen severely hinders sperm movement within the female reproductive tract, preventing them from ascending into the cervical canal, uterine cavity, or fallopian tubes to encounter an egg. As a result, it cannot lead to fertilization in the female.
Common causes of semen non-liquefaction include seminal vesiculitis and prostatitis, which reduce the production of proteolytic enzymes.