Posted by HFHS M.D.-JJ on March 31, 1998 at 00:54:31:

In Reply to: ejaculate posted by Mike on March 09, 1998 at 00:50:19:

: I am 34 and my ejaculate looks normal as always with the exception of sometimes dozens of clear, semi hard, "nodules". Some of these clear round "things" are the size of bbs. I have also noticed in the last 2 years that I do not shoot far; just kind of dribble. My concern is why my ejaculate now resembles tapioca pudding and the loss of that 2 or 3 foot eruption at climax. I have had a complete physical and a prostate check. (digital) Could you please enlighten me. I am concerned for my wife and for myself that these nodules may block something in our urinary track. My diet has not changed nor am I taking any medication. My physical was fine. Thank you for your response and for answering such personal and hard to ask questions.
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Dear Mike,

There appears to be two components to your question and I will try to address each one separately;

1- In regards to the firm nodules in your semen, I would not be able to tell you what these nodules are exactly without the benefit of examining you and your semen analysis. However, freshly ejaculated semen is a coagulum that liquefies over 5 to 25 minutes under the influence of an enzyme that is secreted by the prostate. Formation of the initial coagulum is related to a substance secreted by the seminal vesicles. There are conditions under which the semen fails to liquefy and remains as a coagulum, and a condition where liquefaction occurs but the semen remains hyperviscous, both of which may affect fertility in the future. On the basis of the information you provided above, I think the firm nodules you are referring to are most likely the normal coagulum that forms in sperm after ejaculation. It may not represent any problems with how your sperm liquefies or whether it remains hyperviscous. However, the only way to tell is to see a urologist who can evaluate you and analyze your sperm.
2- In regards to how far the semen “shoots”, this is usually a change that every normal male experiences. Although you are young, there are inevitable changes that occur in ejaculation as one gets older. The semen volume decreases, the orgasmic muscular contractions are fewer and less, resulting in decreased ejaculatory force. Certain medications can also affect the quality of ejaculation. However, there is a condition under which the opening of the ejaculatory ducts into the urethra (where the sperm enters the urinary tract) may become blocked and result in pain and low semen volume. This is rare and most likely does not apply to your situation.
The semen findings and the forcefulness of your ejaculation are not of any consequence except if fertility is an issue for you and then only the semen analysis may need evaluation.

This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition.

More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its satellites (1 800 653 6568).

Sincerely;
HFHS-M.D. JJ
* Keyword: Ejaculation, Semen