Ejaculation Information and Courses from MediaLab, Inc.

Semen is produced as a combination of secretions from the different regions of the male reproductive tract. Each fraction differs in chemical composition and function. The combination of these fractions during ejaculation results in the optimal environment for transporting sperm to the endocervical mucus in the female. Spermatozoa are produced in the testes. They mature in the epididymis. The testes also produce testosterone and inhibin.Fluid from the seminal vesicles accounts for approximately 70% of semen volume. The seminal vesicles are the source of fructose in semen. Fructose is used by the spermatozoa as an energy source.The prostate gland supplies about 20% of the volume of semen. Its fluids include acid phosphatase and proteolytic enzymes that lead to coagulation and subsequent liquefaction of semen. The prostate also contains most of the IgA found in semen.The bulbourethral gland produces mucoproteins that make up about 5% of the volume of semen.

Immediately following ejaculation, semen is in a gel-like condition.Liquefaction, or resolution of the gel-like consistency, is expected within 15 minutes. If liquefaction does not occur within 60 minutes you should note this on the report sheet.Occasionally a specimen does not liquefy. If this occurs, mechanical mixing or enzyme treatment may be necessary in order for the sperm count, motility analysis and other microscopic aspects of semen analysis to be performed.