The main factors which can affect the pH of semen are stress, certain medications or drugs, and abnormalities in the seminal vessels that connect the testicles to the sperm reservoir. Semen that is acidic in nature can be indicative of a health condition, but many causes of pH irregularities are temporary and reversible.
Semen is generally alkaline because it acts to protect the sperm from the acidic environment of the female vagina. Without this protection, the sperm may die off or have low motility, leading to fertility problems. Simple things like stress and anxiety, vitamin deficiency, and frequent tobacco use may affect the pH of semen. If the semen is discovered to have an acidic nature, these causes should be ruled out before additional issues are considered.
Another factor which can affect the pH is the presence of an abnormality in the way the testes, connective vessels, or penis are constructed. This can indicate hormonal issues, since hormones play a large role in the pH of bodily fluids. Tests can be performed to check for these hormonal imbalances, as well as the physical signs that such imbalances may exist.
Males who are concerned about fertility due to a pH imbalance should begin taking a daily multivitamin and eating a diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Stress should also be dealt with if it becomes a problem, and daily meditation or exercise can help reduce symptoms of severe stress and anxiety. Maintaining a proper weight can also prevent problems in pH levels.
If these tactics do not work to normalize the pH of semen, a healthcare professional should be involved to check for any underlying problems. Many abnormalities, such as vessel blockages, can typically be fixed with surgery. Hormonal issues can also sometimes be corrected by using oral or injected hormone replacement therapy.
In order to properly gauge the semen’s pH, a man should refrain from sexual activity for three or more days. He will then be asked to provide a semen sample, which will be tested for acidity and sperm health to determine whether the pH is not what it should be.