SHUKRA DHATU - SEMEN

Quantity of Semen

The normal quantity of semen will be 2- 5 ml . Each ml of semen consists of millions of sperms. The fluid portion of semen is called seminal plasma. Semen acts as a vehicle to carry spermatozoa or sperms.
Numerous glands present in testicles, epididymes, Seminal vesicles, Prostate gland, Bulbourethral and urethral glands secrete the liquid portion of semen or seminal plasma.
The quantity of ejaculated semen will be more when there is a prolonged abstinence. The quantity of semen will be less when there are very frequent ejaculations.
If the quantity of semen is less than 1.5 ml constantly then the condition is called as hypospermia.
If the quantity of sperm is more than 6ml constantly then the condition is known as hyperspermia.

Colour of Semen
The normal semen is grey or white in color. If the color of semen is yellowish or red or pink , it suggests the presence of some
pathology in urinogenital system. Hence men with red or yellowish semen should immediately seek the advice of family physician.

Semen Clotting and Liquefication time
Semen clots immediately after ejaculation. It will liquefy again in 5 - 40 minutes. When semen fails to clot and liquefy subsequently, then it indicates fertility problems.
In ayurveda while describing the unhealthy semen it has been said that -

vata pitta shleshma shonitha kunapa granthi pooti pooya ksheena mutra purisharetasaha prajotpadane na samartha bhavanti"

The semen which is affected by vata, pitta, kapha and rakta will
have many features like foul odor or clotted or mixed with pus or less in quantity. And such semen lacks the capacity to produce children.

Sperm Count:
At least there must be 20 million sperms per ml of semen. The total number of sperms should be at least 40 million. 75% of the sperms should be alive. 30% of sperms should be of normal shape and form. 25% of sperms should swim rapidly with forward movement.
Sperm count indicates the fertilizing capacity.
When the sperm count is below normal (low sperm count) the condition is called as "oligospermia"
When there are no sperms in semen then the condition is known as "azoospermia."

Causes for low sperm count:
Infected semen
Heat – (Heat reduces sperm production. Hence the testicles are outside body in the scrotum to escape from body heat. Hence tight underpants, bathing in very hot water, sitting for long hours, over weight in which fat layers sag on testicles reduce sperm count)
Very frequent semen ejaculation also lead to lowered sperm count and man may become effectively infertile. Hence maintaining a gap of 3 days between two consecutive ejaculations keeps a man more fertile.
Smoking.
Excessive alcohol intake.
Over exertion physically and mentally
Varicocele.
Hydrocele
Infections present in prostate gland.
Malformed genital organs.
Toxic pollutants
Zinc deficiency
Anabolic steroid use .

Ayurvedic tips to increase sperm count:
Refrain from habits like smoking, alcohol consumption etc.
Keep your mind and body healthy by regular practice of YOGA and MEDITATION.
Exercise regularly.
Maintain a gap of 3 days between two consecutive ejaculations.
Favor sweets, milk and milk products.
Add recipes which contain urad dal .
Add little ghee to your food before consuming.
Avoid bitter, astringent and spicy foods.
Avoid heating of testicles.
Massage body with herbal oil, which improves blood circulation.

Increasing the quantity and quality of semen with ayurvedic herbal preparations:

There are many effective herbal preparations in to increase quality and quantity of semen in ayurveda. The semen which is more in quantity and has high count of healthy sperms is called shuddha shukra. The ayurvedic herbal preparations which help in production of shuddha shukra also help to
Increase quality of semen.
Increase quantity of semen.
Increase libido .
Produce many healthy offspring.
Rejuvenates the body
Gives young look.
Gives energy and strength to body.
Develops immunity to diseases .
Increase sperm count
Increase sperm motility