Q: “Dr. C, I’ve always [believed that my] ejaculation and my semen volume has always seemed small. I’m wondering if. . . . there is anything that I can do. Thank you for the information.”
A: Thanks for your great question. I have to ask – To what are you comparing your amount of ejaculate? What makes it seem as though it’s not very much? If you are comparing yourself to what you see in porn, you better stop right there and think again. Too many people compare themselves to porn and somehow it doesn’t sink in that IT’S A MOVIE and some aspects of it are FAKE. A mixture of cornstarch and water to simulate semen can even be used to heighten the effect, especially for shots to the face. And remember, that in a movie, a shot can be edited anyway you like – made to look like it’s lasting longer or whatever.
How much semen is in an ejaculation?
Most people have difficulty judging the exact volume of their ejaculate, especially when it’s spread out or partly soaked up in a napkin or tissue. On average, guys ejaculate about 1 teaspoon-worth of semen in one ejaculation – about 5 mL – which is not a large amount. The amount (volume) of ejaculate will be a little more if it’s been awhile since you ejaculated and less if you ejaculated recently.
How does arousal affect the amount of ejaculation?
A man’s body is constantly producing sperm and storing it up for ejaculation. This gets mixed with fluid produced by the seminal vesicles and prostate. Apart from frequency of ejaculation, the amount of time spent in sexual activity and the amount of arousal can also affect the volume of ejaculate. The longer the build-up, arousal, and direct stimulation prior to ejaculation, the more volume of fluid can be produced to mix with sperm for ejaculation. Some men also have noticed that this increase in ejaculate volume with longer stimulation also produces a waterier semen because of the increased fluid to sperm ratio.
You can improve your ejaculation.
So it stands to reason that if you are dehydrated, your volume will probably be less. Other factors that affect it are getting proper amounts of zinc in your diet, getting good sleep, stress levels and your frequency of ejaculation. Genetic factors and age also play a part, but those are not under your control. Strengthening your PC muscles can produce stronger contractions on orgasm and help push out more fluid. I explain how to strengthen your PC muscles by doing Kegel exercises in this article. You can also check out my eBook, A Man’s Guide to Male Sexual Issues.
I have a very similar question but based upon a comment by a urologist I had seen years ago. When my wife and I were going thru fertility studies which concluded I am sterile, a urologist I had seen at the Cleveland Clinic asked me if I could provide him with a specimen in his office. Embarassingly, I did but with the assistance of my wife. We still sometimes laugh about that “test”. Anyway, the doctor asked me if my ejaculate was always that low amount. It has always been about that amount and it well less than a teaspoon. I guess I have a further question about semen amounts. Although my semen has a value equivalent similar to mucus from a sneeze, is there something that women find desirable with larger amounts of semen? In other words ( pardon for being graphic) do they like large loads? Does it mean that a man is more virile or sexy? Just a question.
Great question! I have never known women to care about the amount of semen, especially if men are ejaculating into a condom. There may be anxiety regarding ejaculate volume if getting pregnant is on the agenda, but again sperm count is more important than ejaculate volume, although more helps. If a person (man or woman) has ascribed a particular meaning to ejaculate, then they may be more attentive to how much comes out with ejaculation and have their own particular expectations. Since there are all kinds of likes and dislikes in this world, you will find women who adore ejaculate, and you can also find women who are disgusted by it and wish that their partner never had any, and a whole spectrum in between. As I mentioned, it may be genetic, may be related to testosterone levels, or level of stimulation vs. level of anxiety. There is so much more that goes into being sexy! Most people would rank amount of ejaculate pretty low on the “what makes a man sexy” list.
May I get a bit more graphic with my questions? Oral sex and swallowing semen. From what I have read in numerous articles, it varies from couple to couple. Based on your experience in your practice, do women that swallow say they do it for their own satisfaction or that of their man? In other words, do they do it out of a sense of obligation or because they really want to and like the taste and texture. Pardon me for be pointed and graphic. This is a concern of mine since in 34 years of marriage I have never done it although my wife has told me it is okay to do it. I always stop right before orgasm. In essence, I am afraid to let go. I know it sounds weird.
I caution against making blanket statements. People decide to participate in a particular sexual practice for many different reasons, and it varies from individual to individual. My recommendation is to give your partner the benefit of the doubt that they are telling you the truth.
Hello, I read all over the Internet of guys saying they have lots of semen and girls saying their boyfriends can shoot tablespoons of semen. And their are some books that say a normal amount is a tablespoon. Every time I read that I just get depressed. I can only shoot between a half to 1 teaspoon. And even if I didn’t ejaculate for awhile the most I can do is a teaspoon.
Mike – that is precisely why I wrote this article, because much of the information out there is false. The amount that a man ejaculates is really not that large and it tends to decrease with age. What I don’t understand is why you find this depressing? Is that how you define your sexiness or your self-worth?
hey my question is why semen coming out in a large amount??
?
Thank you so much Dr. Castellanos for writing this great article and replying back. Your so right I should not let this define my self worth.
Hi, I ejaculate 1-2 times a day and each time i do i expel about 4-5 teaspoons worth of semen is this normal, for such a frequent thing
Dan, there are definitely individual variations in volume of semen produced, and I would think that 4-5 times the average is rare. Trouble is that people have a tendency to overestimate the volume of fluids when they are spilled as opposed to measured in a cup, beaker, etc. For example, if someone is bleeding from a good size cut, they almost always feel that it is a lot of blood unless they could capture all of it to see that it is barely a few milliliters if even 1mL. Such is the case with ejaculate. I would say to think less about volume of ejaculate and more about pleasure. That’s where the real money is.
ok, yeah my gf measured it and wanted me to ask :P, but no worries, she loves it anyway 🙂 thank you for your help
Me personally I seem to cum more when I with a woman or even if they are watching either over video call or web cam. Never measured it and am looking to do that next time, but I had to say I shoot really big loads. Just came all over my dresser and took about 4-5 paper towels to clean, and another two with soap to make sure it doesn’t stain. Is there anything to be said about a guy who can shoot a lot of cum like this? I’m not bragging but every woman I’ve been with is shocked by how much I cum. Was just told by the last one that in all of her 18 years of having sex, she has never seen a guy shoot as much as I did and to her amazement I actually came previously three times in the last 24 prior to being with her. I am currently 32 years old and wonder if I can keep up these big sized loads for a long time. Anything I can do to make sure my loads stay heavy? Also can supply a picture of one of my cum shots on the dresser to prove of the quantity. Thank you for your time
Javier – Actually, bragging is exactly what you are doing – apparently with a need to stroke your ego. No, there is no need for pictures of your load. It’s just so interesting to me how people feel the need to identify themselves with such things, but apparently having women watch you or bragging online is part of your erotic picture. It’s sounds like your biggest problem right now might be just cleaning the house. I bet that having to clean up so quickly to avoid a permanent, sticky mess must interfere with the mood. Good luck with that.
Was really looking for a reason why and I know it sounded like bragging and I feel like an idiot coming across that way, but was just wondering personally. I’m sorry if this seemed like some erotic tale for my to “get my jollys” but my search brought me to this site so id figure I can ask. Again I apologize for being a weirdo but it was just a personal question I was looking an answer for. As to the pic, yeah I’m an idiot but you alway hear people talking up their claims and id figure if someone questioned mine I could prove it. Pretty dumb tho like penis pics. Sorry if you feel I wasted your time.
I am a psychiatrist so comments are not a waste of time, but the reasons behind them are sometimes very interesting. Thank you for being part of the conversation!
Thank you for taking the time. I know this is sexmd but would it be ok to ask you other questions as well. Appreciate any insight on why or what are the things I think about or bother me
Javier – you are free to ask whatever you like. Understand, of course, that this is a public forum and everyone can see your questions and my answers.
Hi
Im in my late 30s n im wondering why my amount of semen has increase compare to my 20s, my wife also asking me the same question when I ejaculate, it should be decreasing instead of increasing,. The amt is huge white n sticky, is there anything wrong with me?
Well, I don’t really have a good answer for you except to say that with increased time aroused, men often find that their volume of semen with ejaculation increases. Maybe you are not ejaculating as frequently as you did when you were younger? I don’t think that it’s anything to be worried about.
My fiancé and I are trying to conceive and I’ve noticed that my amount of cum is usually large. Sometimes it is rather runny other times it’s thick, but there always seems to be more than a tablespoon. Does the amount factor in conception? Also does texture matter? How can I tell when it’s going to be right texture? What other advice do you have for this matter?
I have been dating a 48 year old man. He has a very small penis and large testicles. During sex, he ejaculated what seemed to be an excessive amount of clear fluid. I have never seen or heard of this before. What causes the excessive amount of fluid?
It’s not clear if he has the clear fluid before ejaculation or with ejaculation? If you see clear fluid before ejaculation, that is called pre-ejaculatory fluid and is equivalent to a woman’s lubrication. It happens after a while of being excited because of the blood flow to his erectile tissues, which causes the prostate to ooze lubricating fluid. It also gets mixed into semen. If you see the semen separating after ejaculation into some whitish fluid and some clear fluid, that is perfectly normal too.
Hi, I want to conceive my second child but feel like the last two times I’ve ejaculated my husband his ejaculate amount seems a little less. I guess it’s still between a tsp and tbsp. would this indicate that his sperm count is low? We didn’t have any problem conceiving before (twice–the first time ended in miscarriage). It’s been about two years since I conceived our child. He’s 35 and is pretty fit, though he likes to eat sugary and some processed foods, and wears compression shorts a few times a week to play sports and his cell phone in his pocket when he’s out and about–which I sometimes worry will overheat his sperm. He seems to be in about the same health as he was two years ago. Would there be any reason to think his sperm count and motility has changed? I just find myself worrying about this issue (I’m OCD).
Genie – men’s volume of ejaculate does decrease a little with age, but I think that you are probably worrying more than you have to. The best would be if you could put those thoughts aside and instead just focus on the pleasure of each sexual encounter with him. The buildup of arousal is good for both of you in trying to conceive. Make it about the journey rather than the destination, and that actually increases your chances. By worrying, you are just introducing stress and anxiety into it that has no place there. Enjoy each other!
Hi madam,I am little worried about the production of my sperm.I have a dought that the amount of sperm is less than normally it wants.I am a 22year old boy.I have noticed that one of my testis is not functioning properly,one is seems to be larger than another.I have a dought that one of my testis is in a broken stage.Would this be a problem to the production count of sperm that is the sperm production is same or different when one of our testis is functioning instead of two
Dennis – Chances are that it’s not “broken.” There is always one bigger than the other and one that hangs lower than the other. If you have noticed a change, however, you should definitely have an urologist examine you. I didn’t really understand what you are trying to say about your sperm (semen) quantity. This varies quite a bit with activity, hydration, arousal, so it’s not always easy to tell if there is a change. Please have an urologist examine you if you have any doubts about the health of your testicles.
Started reading this thread because I D feeling a little self conscious about how much I cum (probably from comparing myself to porn) Reading this has helped me realize it’s not a big deal. Sometimes I shoot, sometimes it dribbles. I never had a girl who seemed to care, so why do I? . As long as my girl got off, I’m happy. My orgasm feel just as amazing whether there is a little or a lot!
I’ve always been jealous of girls who can cum, and not make a mess lol
Thanks for the open discussion Doc!
Thanks Carl!
On average how long should it take for a second ejaculate to produce similar volume to the first? For arguments sake can we say about 4-5 ml?
I’m concerned that I noticed a markedly decreased volume of ejaculate from my partner and wondering if it could have something to do with intercourse earlier in the day (4-9 hour between first and second interaction) or a health issue?
It’s normal for there to be a decrease. It varies from person to person. It’s not something to worry about.
So I saw something about an exercise, called a keegal? What is it and what does it do.
Matthew – check out this article on Kegels that I wrote.
hi
I must say you are doing a good job.
am 25 and just been confirmed diabetic
please I would like to know if this would have any effect on my sperm production and quality
thank you
Kelvin – Diabetes certainly affects all processes in the body, and that includes sperm production. It does affect the shape of the sperm, and the longer you have diabetes, the worse it becomes. Of course, diabetes can cause lots of sexual dysfunction besides sperm effects. Without tight control of your blood sugar, your arteries and nerves are eventually affected, which can affect your erection as well as sensation in your genitals. The reality is that it’s not the diabetes that hurts the body, it’s the elevated blood sugar each time it’s high which slowly damages the tissues of the body.
Perhaps the most important thing you can do is learn how to keep your blood sugar well controlled by doing regular exercise as well as learn to shape your ideas about food so that you enjoy lots of vegetables, lean healthy proteins, no fried foods, healthy fats like coconut oil, olive oil, and avocado. Also, getting used to keeping your daily carbs below 50, divided throughout the day of course. The whole point of lowering carbs while increasing exercise is to coax the cells of your body to regain their sensitivity to insulin and be able to use its glucose for energy. People who learn to control this early will not have the same damaging effects of diabetes as those who don’t care if their numbers are high.
My husband is 48 yrs old he has been on the blue pill for years like 16 yrs well we got together again after 15 yrs and he doesn’t have issues as much like getting up well he does require more stimuli but only on the head he is not taking pills anymore but he has no sex drive and when he ejaculate it’s a bunch it’s like I wet myself when I sit up I’m not sure whats going on with him is this normal I’m so confused my sex drive is high and it’s hurting our marriage cause I can’t understand why he don’t want me. And I’m not unattractive by no means I’ve always been hit on. So I hope it’s not me?? He has sex just to shut me up and I don’t want that. I want him to want it. Not just to get me to shut up and he touches me all the time aroused me but he is not
Lisa – the desire to want him to want you is completely understood. I can’t really say what might be going on for him, but most men would not need Viagra at such a young age. That said, there are many things that can affect a man’s sex drive, and sometimes it’s a combination of things. Some factors to explore are overall stress level, general health, good diet versus diet that leaves him without nutrients he needs, proper amounts of sleep, alcohol or drug use, snoring at night and possibility of sleep apnea, smoking, genetic defects in processing Vitamin B12 and folate, regular moderate aerobic exercise, anxiety. As you can see, a lot goes into it because a person can get thrown off balance in many ways.
I’m currently 17 years old and my sperm or should I say semen is as clear as water and is less than 1/3 of a table spoon and I masturbate like once in like a month so what’s the problem Doc?
Dave – who’s to say there is a problem? Masturbating once a month is not very much and should not affect your semen at all. If you have doubts about it, you could have your semen sample tested (urologist or a fertility doctor). I would caution you about being so negative before you even know if there is a problem.
“The Volume” of ejaculation has been a concern to me for many years as I had a hydrocele operation as a kid [1 side]. I didn’t think my volume was high quality. I never procreated [that I know of] and not long ago got a urologist to check out that sperm count. It appears there are more than one thing to count in the lab test? At first doc said something like “oh”, then corrected as he read more of the report with something like dude you can make it happen. From reading this chat line I take it the volume comes from more than one area of the groin area. I’m pretty sure much of it comes from the testicle(s) as I have a cyst on the “epy” on the damaged side, and gosh darn it if it hurts/burns after a spray job.
Semen is made up of sperm (from the testicles) as well as fluid produced in the seminal vesicles and prostate. If you have pain after ejaculation (if that’s what you mean) you may have scar tissue attatched to the muscles around the testicle after the hydrocele operation. You may try using some medical grade Castor oil (no hexane, cold pressed) to slowly massage the skin and thin layer of muscle of the scrotum away from each testicle to stretch and detach any scar tissue. This must be done gently, more like a tension. You may also ask your urologist about this.
Hello, my name is john. I have a question regarding sperm and pre cum. My fiance recently asked me if it was normal to have sperm that was thicker or thinner at times. And she also asked me why I had so much pre cum. Every time I get aroused I have to change shorts. Is this a normal thing?
John – the thickness of semen varies with hydration and frequency of ejaculation. Pre-cum is fluid that is made in the prostate and helps lubricate the passageways. It is analogous to women getting lubricated when they are aroused. There is a lot of individual variation in amounts of pre-cum produced. It’s perfectly natural and can be a really good thing for you both when it comes time for intercourse. Enjoy!
I really am concerned with the size of my penis and with my volume of ejaculate. I’m about 5-6″ fully erect and only ejaculate 1 or 2 small squirts of fluid. When my penis is soft, it’s ridiculously small. It hurts my self-esteem. I have avoided sexual contact for the last few years in fear of a woman seeing my flaccid penis and laughing or getting freaked out. I also take Effexor, which has drastically affected my masturbation. I have a difficult time maintaining my erection and orgasm is very, very difficult to achieve. Any advice you can give would be great. I am a 49 year-old and am overweight.
Sean – I cannot give you medical advice, but I can give you some general information. First, being overweight can influence so many things – from blood flow, to hormone levels, to levels of inflammation, to self-esteem, etc. Part of you thinks that being overweight is contributing somehow, or you would not have mentioned it. The dimensions you have described here are quite the norm for an erection, but you seem to be quite focused on your size when not erect. That is a matter of blood flow when not aroused, and it’s not uncommon for guys to have only minimal blood flow to their penis when not aroused. There is a lot of variation. The more negative you think about, though, the more anxiety you create for yourself, which just pushes out any erotic or positive sexual feelings about yourself. If any woman has been derogatory or freaked out, she is not very knowledgeable about real men’s bodies. I think that a good focus would be a combination of bringing yourself to optimal physical health, make sure you don’t have high blood pressure, and start transforming your ideas about yourself into more positive ideas sexually. It’s amazing how the body reflects back whatever the mind is thinking – so think about what you’re focusing on and how that could be affecting you physiologically.
put a dildo in your ass. increases volume threefold
Perhaps you are referring to stimulating or milking the prostate? This is a little more involved than just putting it in the rectum.
Hi Doctor Castellanos,
I happened to stumble across some information on some medical websites that I did not know about.
One thing I read, and maybe you have discussed this in the past, that frequent male ejaculation can help prevent prostate cancer.
Of course, married men with normal sex routines should not have any problem there, but what about older men whose wives have lost their libido or widowers who do not know how to get on the internet or may not even own a pc. We hear all the time that men should have annual physicals and have a psa and/or rectal digital exam and they should do that. But I don’t hear any other recommendations for men to help themselves as far as preventing prostate cancer. Obviously it would be better for widowers or married men with celibate wives to masturbate but this information I suppose is a little sensitive and maybe some of these wives would be shocked to hear of such a recommendation ! Should a woman’s gynecologist tell them about prostate cancer prevention tips ? Should a man’s doctor tell him when he goes to have a physical ?
I also read that prior to a man going to have a physical, and getting a psa test, that he should not ejaculate 24-48 hours before the procedure as it would drive up his psa reading. Is there any truth to that. Amazing what information is on the internet !
I just came across your web site by accident and it’s nice to see you answering so many personal health related questions by so many people.
Thanks so much,
Tom
Tom – Thank you. I also answered your prostate cancer question on another post, but I also mention it in this post about masturbation. As far as physicians telling men about it, I think that every physician should speak with their patients about it, especially an urologist. Gynecologists will probably not speak with women about it unless the woman asks because they are there to attend to her health, not necessarily the health of her partner (it’s probably not the focus of the visit – but it certainly can become that if she likes). PSA tests are not very specific, so any inflammation or aggravation of the prostate can change those levels. PSA is most helpful to notice a change in levels – so I would say try to keep your routine as similar before you take the test as possible. This way, you are making a comparison to similar situations. So if you always orgasm the night before, you’re making a similar comparison.
Thanks Doctor Castellanos. I upgraded my pc and lost my favorites temporarily so I used one of your other pages for my question, but now have this page back. I worry about those men who are widowers, single males, or those men whose wives have lost interest in sex.
Some of these males probably don’t realize the importance of keeping their prostate flushed out, so hopefully they can obtain this information just to be informed. I also thought that some of the wives that have lost their libido are not aware of their husbands need to clear their prostate. Hopefully they won’t be upset with their husbands if they clear their prostate by erotica. That is better than going to a bar and picking up a total stranger !! All of us need to do what we can to stay in tuned with our bodies and take care of them, especially when it comes to possibly saving your life. I just had my annual physical on Tuesday and my psa was 1.25, so I was very pleased with that.
Thanks again !!
Tom
Hi, what is the maximum number a men can eject sperm per day?
I don’t know really – it would depend on age, hydration, overall health and whether it’s by intercourse or masturbation. There are several people claiming they have done anywhere from 27-65 times in one day. I don’t really know why anyone would want to find out though. That sort of behavior-on-a-mission is in opposition to getting psychological or physical benefit from sex.
Hi, my wife and I are trying for our third and we are consulting with a naturopath hoping for a boy. This means we only get one chance per cycle. My question is, if fooling around a few times prior to trying and each time it takes me to the brink of ejaculation. How does this affect my volume and quality of ejaculation and sperm. Thx Leigh
Don’t know why you only have one chance? Studies have shown that regular ejaculations help improve the morphology and motility of sperm. I don’t think that you want to be holding back sperm if you are trying to get pregnant. In fact, daily ejaculations can help optimize testosterone and sperm production (given you don’t have micronutrient deficiencies, too much stress, are sleep deprived, or drink alcohol).
My husband and I are ttc with our 2nd.
I am on clomid and trigger shots to increase chances and accuracy of ovulation.
We have sex the night after the trigger and the following night and more.
My question is…my husband’s mind was elsewhere on our first ‘scheduled’ night. Son was awake and hubby was being called into work.
He almost ejaculated during foreplay. Before he was super hard, we had sex. He did ejaculate inside me but before I was aroused at all. It was fast.
Would this have been a wasted sex? Or because he ejaculated in me, there may still be a chance for sperm to travel up to my egg?
If he ejaculates inside of your vagina, there is a chance for the sperm to travel up to the egg.
please i will like to know why after ejaculation inside your wife after about 10-15mins you will see it coming out of her body? you have checked your self and doctor says you are ok after so many test. i want know why such is happening. and what could be the reason?
and how to stop such from happening again.
? You will not stop this from happening. Several minutes after ejaculation, the elements in the semen start to separate and the more watery elements will leak out. It is normal and to be expected.
Hello,
I believe those guys who say they cum 4 to 5 tblspoons.. beca use I do as well. I think I do more. I thought this was the norm. And actually if I don’t cum in >5 days, not kidding or exaggerating , I cum like 6 – 10 tblspoons spoons, it might be more. Since I was 18 till now 36
I don’t think you know how much a Tablespoon is.
But what if it affect pregnancy ??
Us this where I can ask the Dr a question?
Hi, I have a question which bothers me. I had sex with my girlfriend and on our first orgasm I was able to produce enough semen but on our second round like after 3 minutes I was so aroused that my member was so erect that we decided to do it theb second time but after I ejaculated again I noticed I didn’t produced any semen. Is this normal? Sorry for being detailed about my case.
Usually, if you have another ejaculation soon after, it will be much less volume. This is perfectly normal.
Mam m 21 year old boy.
my Penis is Only of 5 inch nd my semen is Soo thind nd less in counting.. That is Thin as white water. M soo worried about my future (After Marriage) please suggest me!
Perhaps you should get examined by an urologist.
hi, i am 49 year old male, married, my wife is 37, i need to know, does the sperm count decline with age? i like to know if there is any sperm present in pre-cum or pre-ejaculate? and if there is any, are they in small numbers and immobile? can they cause pregnancy? please let me know, thanks
Yes, sperm count does decrease with age, but not tremendously. Yes, there can be sperm present in pre-cum (pre-ejaculate). Yes, they are just as mobile as any other sperm. Yes, they can result in pregnancy (it only takes one to do the job). This is precisely why a condom needs to go on before any genital touching if you want to prevent pregnancy (and any transmission of infections BTW).
I’m 53. I use to ejaculate a normal to above normal amount, but over the last ear and a half, there is pretty much nothing. I still enjoy the sensation of my orgasm, but little or no semen.
Somebody told me that if you ejaculate on a daily basis, your body gets used to it and then when you abstain for a few days the ejaculat load increases. I only ejaculate two or three times per week, and on some of the other days I just edge and do not complete orgasm. Will it make a difference if I masturbate daily and then abstain for a couple of days? Or will it be about the same? The ejaculate amount I mean. Obviously I will conduct my own studies, but just wanted to know if there was any information regarding that. Thank you
If you abstain for a couple of days, you will notice a larger volume of ejaculate for that time. But there is a lot of variation depending on your level of hydration, blood flow, hormones, level of arousal, and anti-inflammatory state.
Is there a way to tell if a man has came recently? I ask because the other day my husband and I were having sex and he was about to ejaculate and stopped. His erection was soft the whole time. Then we continued to have sex and he says he came but there was no semen in me?
There is no proof of orgasm.