Why Is My Sperm Watery And Clear?
In the previous section we discussed about varicocele. Varicoceles are abnormal veins that run through the epididymis or testicles. They form due to improper growth of blood vessels during puberty, which then become enlarged with age. These veins may cause pain and discomfort when passing urine or ejaculating.
Sperm cells have a thick outer layer called the cytoplasm. Their innermost substance is the nucleus, which contains genetic material. When they are released from the seminal vesicle into the urethra, they become liquid and pass out of their bodies through a narrow opening called the vas deferens. If there is no obstruction, these fluids flow down to the bladder where they are collected in a sac called a corpus spongiosum (the sponge).
If the veins in the epididymis are blocked, however, the fluid cannot leave the body. The result is that your sperms become cloudy and lose their normal yellow color. They become milky white and look like they’ve been left out on a hot day too long. Sometimes it’s hard to tell if they’re still alive because of all this milky appearance.
A few times, doctors have had to remove them surgically.
What Causes Varicocele?
The veins in the testicles become enlarged with age, especially in people between their late teens and thirties. These are not normal blood vessels that you can find anywhere else in your body. They are usually located on the left side of the scrotum and are always near the surface of the skin. They become more visible when you are at rest or your legs are cold.
If the veins on one side are blocked, however, the blood cannot drain out of the testicle properly. The epididymis becomes engorged with blood instead and eventually causes a painful condition called a hydrocele. This is similar to varicocele, but it usually only affects one side (asymmetrical). You may see a bulge of fluid around that testicle, which is a telltale sign.
What Are The Symptoms Of Varicocele?
The following are the most common symptoms of a varicocele:
Blood-filled veins in the scrotum are visible and change color, especially after hot baths or during cold weather.
Swelling or aching in one testicle lasting more than six months. This should be checked by a doctor immediately because it may be a symptom of a more serious condition.
Pain or discomfort in the epididymis (vas deferens) while you are trying to pass urine. You may even notice a decrease in the amount of your ejaculate.
A decrease in sexual desire, difficulty or inability to achieve an erection, decreased volume of ejaculate and fewer numbers of sperms.
How Is Varicocele Diagnosed?
A doctor will first ask you questions about your medical history and give you a physical examination. He will then suggest the following tests to diagnose the condition:
Blood Tests – A few tests are usually required to rule out other medical conditions that may have similar symptoms like liver or kidney damage.
Semen Analysis – This is to check the quality and quantity of your sperms. A sudden decrease in either of these factors is a clear indication of a varicocele.
Sources & references used in this article:
Cryopreservation of yellow perch semen by A Ciereszko, L Ramseyer… – The Progressive Fish …, 1993 – Wiley Online Library
Substituting Bengal rose for metachrome yellow staining solution in the evaluation of sperm morphology in thawed semen by FO Papa, SD Bicudo, MA Alvarenga… – Arquivo Brasileiro de …, 1990 – cabdirect.org
The so-called” yellow semen” in the bull. by G Corneo – Fecondazione artificiale degli animali domestici, 1940 – cabdirect.org
Development of cryopreservation for maintaining yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco sperm by J Pan, S Ding, J Ge, W Yan, C Hao, J Chen, Y Huang – Aquaculture, 2008 – Elsevier
An Eosin-Fast Green-Naphthol Yellow Mixture for Differential Staining of Cytologic Components in Mammalian Permatozoa by JHD Bryan – Stain Technology, 1970 – Taylor & Francis
A naphthol yellow S and erythrosin B staining procedure for use in studies of the acrosome reaction of rabbit spermatozoa by JHD Bryan, SR Akruk – Stain Technology, 1977 – Taylor & Francis
The yellow emperor’s classic of internal medicine by I Veith – 2015 – books.google.com
Effects of hormonal treatment on induced spermiation and ovulation in the yellow perch (Perca flavescens) by T Birkhead – 2010 – A&C Black
