Guide | Understanding the Seminal Vesicles: A Key Factor in Male Infertility
The seminal vesicles are important parts of the male reproductive system and produce most of the fluid in semen. Although essential to semen production, they do not produce sperm, which are made in the testes. Also called seminal glands or vesicular glands, they are located behind the bladder and above the rectum. They cannot be felt by touching or inspecting the genitals, but they play key roles in semen production and ejaculation.
Function and Importance of the Seminal Vesicles
The seminal vesicles primarily produce the fluid portion of semen. During ejaculation, this fluid combines with prostate secretions and sperm from the testes to form semen, which enters the female reproductive tract. The vesicles also contain muscle tissue that contracts during ejaculation to move semen through the reproductive tract.
Seminal fluid has several biological properties that support conception. It contains fructose to provide sperm with energy, prostaglandins that help prevent the vagina from treating sperm as foreign, and alkaline substances that reduce vaginal acidity and protect sperm. It also contains clotting factors that help sperm survive longer and may improve the chance of conception.
Seminal Vesicle Conditions and Symptoms
Problems with the seminal vesicles are uncommon but may cause:
Blood in the semen
Pain in the sacroiliac area
Painful ejaculation
Difficulty urinating
Painful urination
Reduced semen volume
Infertility may also indicate a problem with the seminal vesicles or another part of the reproductive system. Couples having difficulty conceiving should consult a doctor to investigate potential causes and arrange testing.
Common Conditions Affecting the Seminal Vesicles
Seminal vesicle stones: These small, solid calcifications resemble kidney stones and may cause discomfort or bleeding during ejaculation. They are rare and can be removed with laser treatment or surgery.
Infection: Bacterial infection may cause seminal vesiculitis or cysts, particularly in regions where tuberculosis or schistosomiasis is common. Antibiotics usually treat these infections effectively.
Cysts: Seminal vesicle cysts are usually small, fluid-filled sacs that may be present from birth or develop in adulthood. They are often asymptomatic, but large cysts may cause discomfort or difficulty with urination or ejaculation and may require surgery.
Tumors: Seminal vesicle tumors are rare. Most are not primary cancers but result from cancer spreading from another organ such as the prostate or bladder.
Because the seminal vesicles are deep within the body, their conditions can be difficult to diagnose. Tests may include a digital rectal examination, imaging such as MRI, PET, or CT scans, transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), and urinalysis.
Maintaining Seminal Vesicle Health
The seminal vesicles' protected location makes injury or infection uncommon. Healthy habits are important for the seminal vesicles and the reproductive system overall. Experts recommend:
Avoiding smoking, vaping, and other tobacco products
Limiting alcohol
Staying hydrated
Eating a healthy diet
Exercising regularly
Getting enough sleep
Maintaining a healthy weight
Practicing safer sex
Wearing protective equipment during contact sports
Anyone concerned about the seminal vesicles or another part of the reproductive system should consult a doctor for timely evaluation and treatment of potential problems.
Guide | Understanding the Seminal Vesicles: A Key Factor in Male Infertility
Guide | Understanding the Seminal Vesicles: A Key Factor in Male Infertility
The seminal vesicles are important parts of the male reproductive system and produce most of the fluid in semen. Although essential to semen production, they do not produce sperm, which are made in the testes. Also called seminal glands or vesicular glands, they are located behind the bladder and above the rectum. They cannot be felt by touching or inspecting the genitals, but they play key roles in semen production and ejaculation.
Function and Importance of the Seminal Vesicles
The seminal vesicles primarily produce the fluid portion of semen. During ejaculation, this fluid combines with prostate secretions and sperm from the testes to form semen, which enters the female reproductive tract. The vesicles also contain muscle tissue that contracts during ejaculation to move semen through the reproductive tract.
Seminal fluid has several biological properties that support conception. It contains fructose to provide sperm with energy, prostaglandins that help prevent the vagina from treating sperm as foreign, and alkaline substances that reduce vaginal acidity and protect sperm. It also contains clotting factors that help sperm survive longer and may improve the chance of conception.
Seminal Vesicle Conditions and Symptoms
Problems with the seminal vesicles are uncommon but may cause:
Blood in the semen
Pain in the sacroiliac area
Painful ejaculation
Difficulty urinating
Painful urination
Reduced semen volume
Infertility may also indicate a problem with the seminal vesicles or another part of the reproductive system. Couples having difficulty conceiving should consult a doctor to investigate potential causes and arrange testing.
Common Conditions Affecting the Seminal Vesicles
Seminal vesicle stones: These small, solid calcifications resemble kidney stones and may cause discomfort or bleeding during ejaculation. They are rare and can be removed with laser treatment or surgery.
Infection: Bacterial infection may cause seminal vesiculitis or cysts, particularly in regions where tuberculosis or schistosomiasis is common. Antibiotics usually treat these infections effectively.
Cysts: Seminal vesicle cysts are usually small, fluid-filled sacs that may be present from birth or develop in adulthood. They are often asymptomatic, but large cysts may cause discomfort or difficulty with urination or ejaculation and may require surgery.
Tumors: Seminal vesicle tumors are rare. Most are not primary cancers but result from cancer spreading from another organ such as the prostate or bladder.
Because the seminal vesicles are deep within the body, their conditions can be difficult to diagnose. Tests may include a digital rectal examination, imaging such as MRI, PET, or CT scans, transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), and urinalysis.
Maintaining Seminal Vesicle Health
The seminal vesicles' protected location makes injury or infection uncommon. Healthy habits are important for the seminal vesicles and the reproductive system overall. Experts recommend:
Avoiding smoking, vaping, and other tobacco products
Limiting alcohol
Staying hydrated
Eating a healthy diet
Exercising regularly
Getting enough sleep
Maintaining a healthy weight
Practicing safer sex
Wearing protective equipment during contact sports
Anyone concerned about the seminal vesicles or another part of the reproductive system should consult a doctor for timely evaluation and treatment of potential problems.
Source:
Collected online