If you’ve watched one too many Pornhub vids in your day, at some point you might have felt inadequate and wondered whether your load was really “enough.” But don’t worry, porn often skews reality. If it’s of any comfort to you, know that many cum shots are doctored — fake penises, fake semen, and a contraption used to squirt it.
You certainly don’t need to have the ejaculate of a blue whale (560 pints), but we get it, you’d still like to know what’s considered “normal,” right? And if you have even the slightest doubts that you measure up, it’s a good idea to arm yourself with knowledge. Because if your semen volume is indeed on the low side, that could be a sign of some real health problems.
So, let’s get serious for a moment…
The Facts
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) says that normal semen volume ranges from 1.5ml to 5ml. And even if you don’t quite reach the 1.5-ml cut-off, you could still have an entirely healthy ejaculate and sex life. Still, it might be a good idea to have a chat with your doctor, for peace of mind.
As you get older, the volume of semen you produce naturally declines. So, if your semen volume has decreased gradually over time, it may just be age taking its toll. But if the difference is suddenly large, there might be an underlying issue that needs your attention ASAP.
What Causes Low Semen Volume?
- Hypogonadism. This condition diminishes your testicular function. Your nuts are where you create sex hormones (mostly testosterone), and when production is insufficient, you’ll have difficulty getting hard, and your semen volume will decrease. Shrunken testicles is a tell-tale sign, but don’t start using the internet to judge the size of your gonads — go talk to a doctor.
- Diabetes. Over time, this can damage your nerves and blood vessels, leading to erectile dysfunction and ejaculation problems. It’s also more likely for diabetics to suffer from a condition called retrograde ejaculation, which causes semen to squirt backward into the bladder instead of out of your urethra (your pee hole).
- High blood pressure. By itself, this doesn’t cause low semen volume, but medication used to treat it can. If this side effect bothers you, consult your doctor.
- Antidepressants. These meds can also cause both erectile dysfunction and low semen volume.
What to Do?
If you feel you aren’t producing enough semen, it’s simple: Go talk with a doctor, even if only to put your mind at rest. Battling with worry about your health is just as damaging as a real condition. Get yourself checked, and secure that peace of mind.
Medical consultation aside, there are some other options to keep your nuts in tip-top shape:
- Make sure you’re getting enough quality sleep. Better sleep means fewer stress hormones — which can wreak havoc to your hormonal balance.
- Keep them cool. So, it’s a bad idea to work with your laptop on your lap!
- Avoid putting your phone in your pockets. Several studies have shown that phone radiation can decrease the count and quality of those little swimmers.
- Shine a light. Red light therapy directly to the gonads has been proven to increase the production of Leydig cells, which produce testosterone! Just make sure you use an LED red light with an 850-nanometer wavelength, which is good for your nuts.
So, in short, get checked, rule out anything serious, and if necessary, begin treatment right away. The balls are in your court.
Disclaimer: This information isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should never rely upon this article for specific medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to your doctor.
