Sweet Semen
In the average ejaculate, there are 300,000,000 to 500,000,000 sperm. The ejaculate of the gorilla contains a mere 50,000,000. The aggressive chimpanzee again tops the list with a total of 600,000,000.
The fluids upon ejaculation are squirted behind the sperm as it passes. So the first part of an ejaculate is richer in sperm than the last. Once the fluids combine with sperm, the mixture is semen.
Semen is a rich sugary fluid made of complex substances, not all of which are understood. The sugar is fructose, and the fluid has a nutritional value of 6 carbohydrates. It might provide energy for the sperm on their travels, but this is not proven. Semen is alkaline and vaginal fluids are more acid. It is thought the alkaline coats and protects the sperm inside the vagina. The prostate fluid also contains a powerful anti-bacterial agent.
Semen is ejaculated as a liquid. This quickly turns into a stringy glutinous gel. It re-liquifies 20 minutes later. This may help sperm survive in the vagina. Average ejaculate volume is 3 to 5 cc after abstaining from orgasm for three days. This varies greatly with age, fluid intake, state of health and so on. Therefore do not be surprised if your semen does not seem the same as previously remembered.
A partner may be allergic to semen. The reaction is a skin rash (hives) or a persistent genital itch. This is very unusual. Rule out more usual infections first. As always, consult a doctor or professional health care personnel if you are unsure. There is no need to be embarrassed.
The Exit Line
The urethra runs from the base of the bladder, through the penis to the meatus, the opening of the glans. At orgasm, semen spurts into the urethra just behind the bladder opening. The urethra is a shared passageway for urine and semen. But urine is acid-based, and acid would damage the more alkaline sperm. So urine and semen are not able to travel down the urethra at the same time.
To control this, there are two sphincters (rings of muscle) at the base of the bladder. When semen arrives, one sphincter opens to let semen into the urethra. The other clamps tightly shut so urine cannot get out. It also stops semen from accidentally backing up into the bladder. The two sphincters operate by reflex. The exit line can be used for one function only at a time.
Tags: ejaculation, sperm