What Is Hyperspermia?

Hyperspermia is a relatively rare condition. It is defined as a larger than average volume of semen. Semen is the fluid released during male ejaculation or orgasm. It contains sperm and some fluid from the prostate gland.

In this article, you'll learn about hyperspermia symptoms, causes, treatment, and coping.

Hyperspermia Symptoms

The defining feature of hyperspermia is producing a larger than average volume of semen during ejaculation. While the exact milliliter range of what's average varies slightly, it is generally accepted among researchers that men with hyperspermia release anywhere from 5.0 to 6.5 milliliters of semen each ejaculation. This equates to 0.2 to 0.22 fluid ounces.

An average amount of semen is considered anything between 2 and 5 milliliters.

Hyperspermia has also been associated with increased risk of fertility challenges, which can result in difficulty in getting a partner pregnant. However, having hyperspermia may not necessarily mean having low sperm counts or reduced fertility. For instance, one study found people with hyperspermia tested within average range for sperm counts.

In one 2016 study, sperm quality factors, including sperm DNA fragmentation (the separating or breaking of DNA strands into pieces), were linked to a slight increased risk of miscarriage.

One meta-analysis from 2021 published in the journal Medicine suggests semen volume is not a significant factor in miscarriage. In any case, it's not always obvious why a miscarriage happens. In fact, according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), fewer than half of all miscarriages in the United States have a known and identifiable cause.

Causes

Researchers do not know the cause of hyperspermia. It is known, though, that temporary hyperspermia can occur after a prolonged period of not ejaculating, since semen can build up during an extended period of time.

Some research also suggests an underlying low-grade bacterial infection of the prostate could be a contributing factor in some cases. An infection could explain the increased volume of fluid, although this has not been confirmed as a cause of hyperspermia.

Diagnosis

If you're concerned about how much semen you are producing and releasing during ejaculation, or if you have a sudden increase in semen volume, consider consulting with a healthcare provider. If you have been trying to conceive for about a year and are concerned about fertility, consider consulting with a healthcare provider or fertility specialist.

In these cases, a healthcare provider will recommend a physical exam and a semen analysis before determining the best course of action. Testosterone hormone testing can also determine an underlying cause of infertility, such as low testosterone levels.

Treating fertility challenges begins with understanding your full health history, including current lifestyle habits and modifying what you can to increase the likelihood of pregnancy occurring. At-home fertility testing can be a place to start. You can then take these results to your healthcare provider.

Treatment

Hyperspermia does not need to be treated unless you're uncomfortable with the amount of semen being released or if you have been trying to conceive with no success.

People with low fertility and hyperspermia may be recommended the following fertility treatments:

• Medications to help with fertility
• Assisted reproductive therapy (ART)
• Lifestyle modifications, including limiting substances known to lower sperm counts, such as nicotine, alcohol, and opioids

Coping

Living with a rare sexual and reproductive-health condition like hyperspermia is nothing to be embarrassed about. However, due to the sensitive nature of the topic and the potential implications this condition has on male fertility and eventual pregnancy, it's understandable if a hyperspermia diagnosis causes distress and even frustration.

Research suggests difficulties in achieving pregnancy can contribute to mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety. If you're feeling concerned, stressed, or are in need of nonjudgmental support, you may want to consider reaching out to a mental health professional.

Summary

Hyperspermia is when an individual produces and releases a greater volume of semen than is considered average. Symptoms may include the characteristic larger volume of semen but also fertility challenges can occur in some cases. There is still not enough research to determine the cause in all cases of hyperspermia, but some researchers suggest it may be associated with low-grade prostate infection.

Treatment isn't necessary unless hyperspermia is considered a contributing factor in fertility challenges. In such cases, options exist that include medications and assisted reproductive technologies, as well as healthy lifestyle modifications. Fertility challenges can have an impact on mental health. Seeking support from a mental health professional is one method of coping.