Why doesn't my semen liquefy? What causes a high number of abnormal sperm?

Why doesn't semen liquefy?

**Dr. Cao:**

I've been married for a year and haven't been able to conceive. After a hospital checkup, the doctor said I have semen liquefaction problems. What causes this condition? Is it curable?

Gui ××

Mr. Gui:

After ejaculation, human semen is grayish-white and viscous. It coagulates within 5 minutes of leaving the body, concentrating into a gel-like state, before rapidly diluting and liquefying into a watery consistency within about 20 minutes. Only through this process can the semen release the sperm, allowing them to move freely and swim through the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes to meet the egg and complete fertilization. If the semen neither coagulates nor liquefies after ejaculation, and the sperm cannot be released, this is clinically known as male infertility due to semen non-liquefaction, or simply semen non-liquefaction syndrome.

Why does semen sometimes fail to liquefy? The liquefaction process of human semen is a very complex biochemical process. The brief coagulation of semen is mainly due to the protective effect of seminal fibrin, followed by the hydrolysis of this fibrin by an enzyme system centered around proteolytic enzymes, thus liquefying the semen. The prostate gland contains a rich variety of enzymes, primarily proteolytic enzymes. If diseases of the spermatic cord or prostate gland occur, the secretion of these enzymes decreases, affecting semen liquefaction. Furthermore, semen liquefaction is also significantly influenced by estrogen and testosterone; some men with hypogonadism may also experience semen non-liquefaction.

Traditional Chinese medicine does not use the term "semen non-liquefaction," but through TCM diagnostic analysis, it is believed that semen non-liquefaction can be caused by four types of pathologies: kidney yin deficiency, kidney yang deficiency, liver stagnation transforming into fire, and damp-heat descending to the lower body. Based on the patient's constitution and symptoms, using traditional Chinese medicine to treat infertility caused by semen non-liquefaction can achieve the desired results.

**Cao Kaiyong**

What causes a high number of abnormal sperm?

**Dr. Cao:**

I've been married for two years and haven't been able to conceive. Semen analysis showed an excessive number of abnormal sperm. Why are my sperm abnormal? Is this condition treatable?

Zeng XX

Mr. Zeng:

Abnormal sperm count (abnormal sperm morphology) refers to a condition where more than 20% of sperm are abnormal during semen analysis. Normal sperm have an oval head from the front, a flattened shape from the side, and a long, curved tail, resembling a tadpole. Abnormal sperm may have large heads, small heads, or two heads; or a large, wedge-shaped, or triangular body; or a forked, thickened, or double tail. These morphologically abnormal sperm cannot fertilize an egg, thus contributing to infertility.

There are many causes of excessive abnormal sperm, such as sperm poisoning, malnutrition, infection and inflammation, radiation exposure, and testicular diseases. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the kidneys possess yin and yang, and are associated with water and fire. Kidney yin nourishes the five internal organs and the entire body, and is called true yin. True yin plays a crucial role in the production and development of semen and sperm. Kidney yin deficiency is a significant obstacle to sperm production and a major cause of sperm abnormalities. Furthermore, damp-heat descending and obstructing the meridians can also lead to malnourishment of sperm, resulting in excessive abnormal sperm. This condition often occurs concurrently with prostatitis and seminal vesiculitis.

Traditional Chinese medicine treats excessive abnormal sperm by nourishing yin and reducing fire, tonifying the kidneys and replenishing essence. This approach can improve sperm quality, reduce abnormal sperm, and also strengthen the body. It has achieved significant therapeutic effects in clinical applications.