The specialist can tell the man to undergo a semen analysis, known as a monogram or stereogram, to analyze the state of the sperm and that the characteristics of the seminal fluids are correct. One of these parameters is the pH, which is slightly alkaline. Its standard value is between 7.2 and 7.8, so a result outside these ranges may reflect a seminal alteration, which could even put male fertility at risk.
Generally, the pH below seven is accompanied by other alterations in the semen, such as the low concentration of certain compounds, the ejaculate volume, and the presence, absence, or mobility of sperm. Determining these characteristics helps better diagnose and define what is causing the low pH. If you are interested in knowing about acid sperm: causes, we invite you to read the following article by FastlyHeal.
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Obstruction of the ejaculatory ducts
The ejaculatory ducts are small tubes that begin with the union of the vas deferens. The sperm travel from the epididymis and the excretory duct of the seminal vesicle, in which 60-70% of the volume of seminal fluid is formed and emptied into the prostatic urethra.
Some alterations in these ducts are congenital or acquired obstructions, whether due to cysts, trauma, stones, inflammatory pathologies, a wrong surgical procedure, or catheter placement in the area. The closure of these ducts prevents the release of seminal fluid with the sperm during ejaculation. Only the prostate fluids with an acidic pH are expelled, and the secretions of the bulbourethral glands, which, although they are alkaline, are released to a lesser extent.
Due to this, a reduced volume of semen can be noticed, and its analysis determines the total absence of sperm and a low amount of fructose, the latter related to the low pH, which makes the sperm acidic.
Absence of vas deferens
Among the causes of acidic semen, whose characteristic is usually accompanied by other alterations such as a low volume of said fluid and a total lack of sperm, the anomaly is known as the congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens stands out, which, as its name indicates, the patient does not have the ducts that generally connect the epididymis with the ejaculatory duct to convey sperm and seminal vesicle fluids, which are incorporated almost last.
During the development of the fetus, there is, due to a genetic mutation, an interruption in the normal process of maintenance of the vas deferens, causing them to produce very thick mucus that obstructs them and causes them to deteriorate before birth; therefore, that it is a disease that is born with and that is transmitted by genetic inheritance.
It affects 1 in every 1,000 men in the world population and is one of the leading causes of male infertility and cystic fibrosis, which can damage the respiratory and digestive systems. Although there is no treatment to correct this abnormality, men who wish to have children can do so with the help of assisted reproductive techniques.
Seminal vesicle malfunction
In the vesicles or seminal glands, a liquid dense with hormones and rich in sugars, especially fructose, is produced, which is the compound that gives semen an alkaline pH. In addition, its presence is necessary for the sperm to obtain better mobility, and it is also used as the main parameter to assess whether these vesicles are functioning correctly.
When a study is done, it is acidic sperm, low in fructose. With spermatozoa with little or no mobility, it may be indicating a problem in the seminal glands, which could be congenital, such as cysts and the absence of vesicles, or acquired, due to, For example, tumors, vesiculitis, poor evolution of surgery on the blisters or any pathology that may obstruct the excretory duct of the seminal glands.
Chronic infectious or inflammatory diseases
Infection in any part of the reproductive and urinary system is the most frequent cause of acidic sperm. The testicles, epididymis, prostate, and urethra are the structures most affected by pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses acquired mainly by transmission. Sexual. The invasion of these microorganisms can alter the quality and pH of the semen, while the inflammation that they trigger can obstruct any level in the seminal tract.
In addition to undergoing a monogram, detecting a seminal infection early may not be easy because most of them do not show significant symptoms. Therefore, it is necessary to pay more attention and go to a medical consultation if you feel, no matter how minimal, burning when urinating, irritation, itching, or pain in the genitals and noticing changes in the color, smell, and consistency of the semen.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Acid Sperm: Causes, we recommend that you enter our Male Reproductive System category.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.