Prostatitis and abnormal semen liquefaction?
Dear Dr.
Hsu, thank you again for your response.
I am the anonymous person who asked you about semen color and semen analysis a few days ago.
I would like to ask a few more questions:
1.
Is abnormal semen liquefaction a common symptom in men? Is this condition usually congenital or acquired?
2.
Does abnormal semen liquefaction affect fertility?
3.
Is there an absolute relationship between prostatitis and abnormal semen liquefaction?
4.
Can chronic prostatitis be completely cured?
5.
The doctor found my white blood cell count to be 6-10 HPF, but in fact, I have never experienced any pain or discomfort in my urination, ejaculation, or urinary system over the past 25 years.
After prescribing a week's worth of medication, the doctor told me that if I had no discomfort, I didn't need to return for a follow-up.
Is this diagnosis reasonable? (I consulted at the Urology Department of Cathay General Hospital in Xizhi, and I only underwent semen analysis because I suspected my semen color was abnormal.)
6.
If I still have no discomfort after finishing the medication (which I estimate I won't, as I have never had any...), what would you recommend as the next step?
7.
I saw online that the standard for normal sperm morphology is that at least 30% should be normal, correct?
8.
Based on your past clinical experience, if inflammatory symptoms are completely resolved, can sperm quality return to normal?
Thank you for your answers.
Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/12/06
Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
1.
Is abnormal semen liquefaction a common symptom in men? Is this symptom usually congenital or acquired? A: Some individuals naturally have a longer liquefaction time, which is related to their constitution and does not require treatment.
Others may experience prolonged liquefaction due to various reasons, such as certain infections, which can improve with treatment.
The presence or absence of liquefaction does not have an absolute relationship with normalcy or fertility.
2.
Does abnormal semen liquefaction affect fertility? A: It depends on the underlying cause.
If it is due to constitutional factors, it will not affect fertility.
However, if it is due to infections, bacteria can interfere with conception.
3.
Is there an absolute relationship between prostatitis and abnormal semen liquefaction? A: There is no absolute relationship.
Some individuals naturally have a longer liquefaction time (due to a lack of a specific liquefaction enzyme).
It is similar to how some people flush when drinking alcohol while others do not; you cannot say that one group has a problem.
4.
Can chronic prostatitis be completely cured? A: Chronic prostatitis refers to scarring or other fibrotic or calcified changes in the prostate due to long-term inflammation.
If there are no symptoms, there is no need for treatment.
What does "cure" mean? If you have a scar from a skin injury that remains but is not painful or itchy, do you consider that injury to be completely healed? Chronic inflammation is like that scar; it depends on how you view the meaning of a cure.
5.
My doctor found my white blood cell count to be 6-10 HPF, but I have never experienced any pain or discomfort in my urination, ejaculation, or urinary system in the past 25 years.
After prescribing a week's worth of medication, the doctor told me that if I had no discomfort, I did not need to return for a follow-up.
Is this diagnosis reasonable? (I consulted the urology department at Cathay General Hospital in Xizhi, and I only underwent semen analysis because I suspected an abnormal color.) A: As I mentioned in the previous question, if there are no symptoms and only a scar, would you want treatment? Similarly, general semen inflammation usually presents with symptoms such as pain, blood in ejaculation, or swelling.
If the examination shows only mild inflammation (WBC: 6-8/HPF), medication may not be necessary.
You can also perform a bacterial culture on the semen; if no bacteria appear after one week of culture, you can disregard it.
If bacteria are cultured, appropriate antibiotic treatment can be given based on the type of bacteria.
6.
If I still have no discomfort after taking the medication (I estimate I won’t, as I have never had any...), what would you recommend as the next step? ...
(Observation)
7.
I saw online that the standard for semen analysis indicates that a normal morphology is only required to be above 30%.
A: Previously it was 60%, and it has now been revised down to 50%.
I am not sure where your 30% data comes from.
Note: Normal morphology indicates that these sperm may be normal.
Abnormal morphology means the sperm are definitely not good and cannot achieve fertilization.
Just think, how could nature allow for 30% normal sperm to reproduce abundantly and dominate the Earth?
8.
Based on your past clinical experience, if inflammatory symptoms are completely resolved, can the quality of sperm return to normal? A: The formation of sperm takes about two and a half months.
In other words, if your body condition has remained excellent for the past 70 days, then that batch of sperm will be 100% healthy.
Of course, if treatment is successful, along with maintaining a regular lifestyle and avoiding bad habits (especially quitting smoking), there will definitely be improvements.
Reply Date: 2009/12/06
More Info
Understanding abnormal semen liquefaction and prostatitis in men is crucial for addressing male reproductive health issues. Let's break down your questions one by one.
1. Frequency and Causes of Abnormal Semen Liquefaction: Abnormal semen liquefaction is not uncommon in men. It can occur due to various factors, including infections, hormonal imbalances, or anatomical abnormalities. While some men may experience this condition as a congenital issue, most cases are acquired later in life, often linked to infections or inflammation in the reproductive system, such as prostatitis or epididymitis.
2. Impact on Fertility: Yes, abnormal semen liquefaction can affect fertility. Semen typically liquefies within 20 to 30 minutes after ejaculation, allowing sperm to swim freely and reach the egg for fertilization. If liquefaction is delayed or incomplete, it can hinder sperm motility and overall fertility potential. Therefore, men experiencing this issue should seek medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
3. Relationship Between Prostatitis and Semen Liquefaction: There is a significant relationship between prostatitis and abnormal semen liquefaction. Prostatitis, which is inflammation of the prostate gland, can lead to changes in the composition of semen, including its viscosity. Inflammatory cells and other factors associated with prostatitis can disrupt normal liquefaction processes, leading to abnormal semen characteristics.
4. Cure for Chronic Prostatitis: Chronic prostatitis can be challenging to treat and may not always be completely curable. Treatment often focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. Some men may experience significant relief with appropriate therapies, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and lifestyle changes. However, others may have persistent symptoms despite treatment, necessitating ongoing management.
5. Diagnosis and White Blood Cell Count: The presence of white blood cells (WBCs) in semen can indicate inflammation or infection. A count of 6-10 HPF (high power field) is considered elevated and may suggest an underlying issue, even if you do not currently experience symptoms. It is reasonable for a physician to recommend follow-up if there are no symptoms, but it is also important to monitor any changes in your health.
6. Next Steps After Medication: If you complete your medication and continue to feel well, it may be appropriate to maintain regular check-ups with your healthcare provider. If any new symptoms arise, or if you have concerns about your reproductive health, do not hesitate to seek further evaluation. Regular monitoring is key to ensuring ongoing health.
7. Semen Analysis Standards: Regarding semen analysis, a normal morphology percentage of 30% or higher is generally considered acceptable. However, this can vary based on specific laboratory standards. It's essential to discuss your results with your healthcare provider to understand their implications fully.
8. Recovery of Sperm Quality After Inflammation Resolution: In many cases, if inflammation is effectively treated, sperm quality can improve. The recovery of sperm parameters, including motility and morphology, often correlates with the resolution of underlying conditions like prostatitis. However, individual outcomes can vary, and some men may require additional interventions to optimize fertility.
In conclusion, addressing abnormal semen liquefaction and prostatitis involves a comprehensive approach, including medical evaluation, treatment of underlying conditions, and ongoing monitoring. If you have further questions or concerns, I encourage you to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider to ensure your reproductive health is prioritized.
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