This Is Why Your Semen Can Be Lumpy - Yahoo Life UK

Worried about jelly-like lumps in your ejaculate? Semen comes in all shapes and sizes and on occasion, it can be a bit lumpy. If you have any additional symptoms this can be cause for concern, but in isolation a few lumps and bumps are usually nothing to worry about.

To put your mind at rest we speak to family GP Dr Roger Henderson about the symptoms and causes of lumpy ejaculate:

Is my semen normal?

Each man has semen (also know as cum) with a characteristic individual to themselves. This varies widely in terms of thickness, smell, taste and texture and if your semen looks as it normally does, there will not be a problem. Many men have naturally thick semen whereas some others have more watery, thin semen.

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The usual appearance of healthy semen is a cloudy-white or off-grey colour, with a slightly chlorinated or sweet odour. Due to the fructose it contains (a natural sugar) it can have a sweetish taste but this varies due to many factors including diet, exercise and temperature. Alcohol and marijuana use can also affect semen volume and texture, as well as sometimes lowering sperm count.

Why is my semen lumpy?

The texture of semen changes after ejaculation if it is exposed to air. It starts to cool and becomes watery and liquid after a few minutes. It is normally thick, sticky and clumpy on ejaculation due to the protein it contains as these help it to ‘stick’ higher in the vagina and slow down the rate it drips out, so increasing the chances of fertilisation occurring.

As men get older it is also usual for their semen to become slightly thinner with less volume being produced at ejaculation.

It is therefore quite normal if there appear to be clumps of jelly-like globules in your semen and there is nothing to worry about here.

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Because semen consists mainly of water, being dehydrated can also affect its texture, making it appear thicker than usual.

When should I be concerned about my semen?

If your semen looks normal for you and you have no unusual or abnormal symptoms then you have nothing to worry about.

If the appearance of your semen changes however and is accompanied by symptoms such as a high temperature, pain, blood in the urine, pain passing urine or a discharge from the penis, then a medical opinion should be sought.

In summary, it is quite normal to have a variety of semen textures including having lumpy cum. However, if you experience abnormal or unusual symptoms these should be checked out either by your GP or at your local sexual health clinic.

Sexual health services

If you are concerned you might have a sexually transmitted infection, always seek help. Contact your local sexual health clinic on the details below, or speak to your GP.

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• Find a sexual health clinic near you.

• Find contraceptive services near you.

• Call the National Sexual Health Line 0300 123 7123.

• Call Worth Talking About on 0300 123 2930 (for under-18s).

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