Semen is an organic fluid, also known as ''seminal fluid'', that usually contains spermatozoa. It is secreted by the gonads (sexual glands) and other sexual organs of male or hermaphroditic animals and can fertilize female ova.
In humans, seminal fluid contains several components besides spermatozoa: proteolytic and other enzymes as well as fructose are elements of seminal fluid which promote the survival of spermatozoa and provide a medium through which they can move or "swim."
The process that results in the discharge of semen is called ''ejaculation''.
Most semen is white, but grey or even yellowish semen can be normal
as well. Blood in the semen can cause a pink or reddish colour, known
as ''hematospermia'', and may indicate a medical problem which should
be evaluated by a doctor if it does not readily disappear.
After ejaculation, semen first goes through a clotting process and
then becomes more liquid. It is postulated that the initial clotting
helps keep the semen in the vagina, but liquefaction frees the sperm to
make their long journey to the ova. Immediately after ejaculation semen
is typically a sticky, jelly-like liquid often forming globules. Within
5 to 40 minutes it will become more watery and liquid before finally
drying.
Semen quality is a measure of the ability of semen to accomplish
fertilization. Thus, it is a measure of fertility in a man. It is the
sperm in the semen that is the fertile component, and therefore semen
quality involves both sperm quantity and sperm quality.
Further Reading
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