Is semen dead if it doesn’t liquefy?

Lack of liquefaction of semen does not mean necrozoospermia. The two belong to different pathological conditions. Non-liquefaction of semen may be caused by factors such as prostatitis, trace element deficiency, hormone disorders, reproductive tract infection, congenital enzyme deficiency, etc. It can be improved through anti-infective treatment, zinc and selenium supplementation, endocrine regulation, etc. ； Necrozoospermia refers to the loss of sperm motility, which is mostly related to testicular dysfunction, varicocele, immune factors, long-term high temperature exposure, and exposure to chemical poisons. Drug or surgical intervention is required to target the cause.

1. Prostatitis:

Chronic prostatitis is a common reason why semen does not liquefy. Insufficient fibrinolytic enzymes secreted by the prostate will cause semen to be unable to liquefy after coagulation. Patients may experience frequent urination, perineal swelling and pain, and prostatic fluid examination may reveal an increase in white blood cells. Treatment requires the use of sensitive antibiotics based on bacterial culture results, combined with warm water sitz baths to improve local circulation.

2. Lack of trace elements:

Trace elements such as zinc and selenium are involved in the synthesis of semen liquefaction enzymes, and long-term partial eclipse or digestive and absorption disorders may lead to their deficiency. Semen analysis shows that the liquefaction time exceeds 60 minutes, and serum trace element testing can confirm the diagnosis. You can add oysters, nuts and other zinc-rich foods to your daily diet. If you are severely deficient, you need to take zinc preparations under the guidance of a doctor.

3. Hormone disorders:

Low testosterone levels or relatively elevated estrogen can affect prostate secretion function. Such patients may suffer from loss of sexual desire and sparse body hair, and must be diagnosed through six sex hormone tests. Treatment can be adjusted with drugs such as testosterone undecanoate, and pituitary or testicular lesions need to be investigated.

4. Reproductive tract infection:

Mycoplasma and chlamydia infections can destroy the components of seminal plasma and cause abnormal liquefaction. Typical symptoms include urethral itching and morning discharge, and semen culture can identify the pathogen. Antibiotics such as doxycycline and azithromycin are often used for treatment, and spouses need to be treated simultaneously to avoid cross-infection.

3. Congenital enzyme deficiency:

A few patients are born with insufficient fibrinolytic enzymes due to genetic factors, and their semen is always jelly-like. This type of situation needs to be diagnosed through genetic testing. Treatment can be artificial insemination with chymotrypsin diluent. In severe cases, assisted reproductive technology may be required.

It is recommended that men who have problems with semen not liquefying should avoid sitting for long periods of time, wearing tight pants and other behaviors that can lead to high temperatures in the scrotum, and ensure 30 minutes of aerobic exercise every day to promote pelvic blood circulation. Eat more foods containing lycopene and vitamin E such as tomatoes and pumpkin seeds, and quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption to reduce oxidative stress damage. Regularly conduct routine semen examinations to monitor the liquefaction situation. If there is no improvement for more than 1 year or is accompanied by a decrease in sperm motility, further investigation into the possibility of necrozoospermia is required. Couples preparing for pregnancy can increase their chances of conception by injecting normal saline into the vagina after intercourse to dilute the semen or using extracorporeal semen liquefaction technology.