Semen Volume, Health and Longevity

It’s time we talked about semen

Semen is the zenith of male sexual health. From a reproductive point of view it is the ultimate point of sexual intercourse.

An adequate semen volume of ejaculate fluid is required to transport sperm into the female reproductive tract and allow for fertilization of the oocyte. Thus, seminal fluid volume is an important part of the semen analysis done to investigate male infertility.

But semen can tell us so much more than just a man’s level of fertility.

Semen volume is linked to men's health through factors like age, lifestyle, and underlying conditions. It is influenced by unhealthy lifestyle factors like alcohol intake, smoking, processed foods and obesity, but can also be affected by excessive exercise, stress, and lack of sleep. A low semen volume is also a marker of a sedentary lifestyle.

Why does Semen Volume Matter?

Recent research indicates that reduced semen volume may foreshadow increased risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) later in life. A low semen volume is also a marker or both Hypothyroidism and hypogonadism (low testosterone). 

Observational studies link low semen volume to elevated cardiovascular disease risk and even the risk of developing some forms of cancer.

Furthermore, in a study of more than 14,000 men it was discovered that having hypertension (high blood pressure) was significantly linked to having a low semen volume.

In other words, semen is a general measure of vitality and wellness, and any decreases in semen volume should be taken seriously.

What else can cause low semen volume?

Aging, bodyweight, diet and lifestyle factors are the main culprits, but there are other, less obvious ways that a man’s semen volume can be reduced.

According to the Department of Environmental Health at the University of Washington, lead exposure can decrease semen volume. You can be exposed to lead in drinking water, and foods like dark chocolate. Many protein powders are also high in lead as are some herbs and spices like some forms of cinnamon. 

Research shows that people who used their laptops for 2 to 5 hours daily were approximately 16 times more likely to be diagnosed with low semen volume.

Even dehydration can reduce semen volume. Drinking enough water and fluids can help increase semen production

Other lifestyle factors that can lower semen volume include a high coffee consumption and regular marijuana use.

Sign of a healthy Diet

Data from 9 observational studies showed a positive association between the adherence to Mediterranean Diet and total semen volume.

Processed red meat intake (defined as the sum of hamburger, hot dog, bacon, and other processed red meats (e.g. salami)) but not Unprocessed red meat intake (beef, pork, and ham) is associated with a decrease in semen volume.

Essential nutrients like zinc and selenium are also associated with semen volume. Blood Iron levels are associated with Semen volume with Low iron being a risk factor in low semen volume, while Improving iron levels through diet or supplementation improves semen volume.

Forty studies were selected from databases examining the effect of alcohol consumption on male reproductive health in 23,258 people on five continents of the world. The meta-analysis revealed that chronic alcohol intake reduced semen volume in a dose dependent manner.

A link to depression

Research suggests a link between depression and decreased ejaculate volume, indicating that men experiencing depression may have a lower semen volume compared to those without depression; with the severity of depression often correlating to a greater reduction in ejaculate volume. 

Compared with men without depression, those with severe depression had a 25.26% lower semen volume, and men with moderate depression had a 12.28% lower semen volume.

A clue to a man’s Longevity

Finally, Researchers from Denmark analyzed semen samples from nearly 80,000 men and tracked their mortality rates for up to 50 years and found a direct, linear relationship between lifespan and semen volume, even after correcting for multiple confounding variables.

Compared to a semen volume of 5 mL, each mL decline represented a large jump in all cause mortality, with 3 mL and under representing an almost 125% increase risk of death during the study time period.

Conclusions

The bottom line is that the results from decades of research show that not only is a man’s semen volume highly influenced by day to day lifestyle, exercise and nutritional habits, but also acts as a clear marker of overall health and longevity.

As Choy and Eisenberg stated in their 2018 paper  Male infertility as a window to health “Semen quality and male infertility may be fundamental biomarkers of overall health and could serve as harbingers for the development of comorbidity and mortality.”

So despite the fact that semen can often be associated with sex, sexual arousal and even a kink or form of fetish, this doesn’t mean it can’t also be a valuable tool in assessing a man’s overall health. 

For optimal health and longevity a man should aim to keep his semen volume as high as possible for as long as possible.

To improve your semen volume is to take many of the lifestyle approaches that are already considered healthy. Limit alcohol, caffeine and marijuana intake. Avoid lead and other heavy metal contaminants. Limit processed foods and stay hydrated.

Essential minerals like zinc and selenium can help as may ‘semen boosting’ supplements like Baker's.

Finally, do your best to avoid stress and get a good night’s sleep.

In summary, semen volume is a stigmatized yet highly useful measure that offers a practical, non-invasive insight into men's health.

References

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