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Current Sexual Health Reports

Erschienen in:

14.09.2022 | Male Sexual Dysfunction and Disorders (K Mishra, Section Editor)

Ejaculation: the Process and Characteristics From Start to Finish

verfasst von: Matthew M. Mason, Kyle Schuppe, Alexander Weber, Aaron Gurayah, Akhil Muthigi, Ranjith Ramasamy

Erschienen in: Current Sexual Health Reports | Ausgabe 1/2023

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Semen analysis serves as the initial step in the evaluation of male infertility. However, given the difficulty in interpreting abnormal findings, physicians and patients often struggle with understanding the results. In this review, we aim to review the normal physiology of ejaculation and create an accessible resource for interpreting abnormal semen volume, viscosity, liquefaction, pH, appearance, and color.

Recent Findings

Emerging evidence has revealed that men with genitourinary tract infections have a greater number of seminal leukocytes, which may result in clumping of motile sperm and altered morphology. Hence, these patients may have abnormal sperm parameters secondary to their health status. Recent findings have further characterized the semen liquefaction process, suggesting that increased levels of semenogelin and decreased levels of proteases and plasminogen activators (e.g., urokinase and chymotrypsin) may be associated with the failure of semen to convert to a watery consistency.

Summary

This article creates a resource which may be referenced when abnormalities in semen analysis are encountered. We offer a comprehensive overview of normal ejaculation physiology and abnormal variants in male ejaculate volume—including aspermia, anejaculation, retrograde ejaculation, and hypo- and hyperspermia—and their potential etiologies. Additionally, we discuss several processes (infection, inflammation, and dysfunction of male sex glands) which may affect semen viscosity, liquefaction, and pH. Finally, our discussion of the potential colors of male ejaculate is meant to reduce the anxiety of both patient and provider. Through a better understanding of the process and varying characteristics of ejaculation, physicians may adequately counsel their patients on abnormal findings and concerns regarding infertility.

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Titel: Ejaculation: the Process and Characteristics From Start to Finish
verfasst von: Matthew M. Mason
Kyle Schuppe
Alexander Weber
Aaron Gurayah
Akhil Muthigi
Ranjith Ramasamy
Publikationsdatum: 14.09.2022
Verlag: Springer US
Erschienen in: Current Sexual Health Reports / Ausgabe 1/2023
Print ISSN: 1548-3584
Elektronische ISSN: 1548-3592
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-022-00340-z

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Ejaculation: the Process and Characteristics From Start to Finish