Volume of Ejaculate
Fertility marker
Semen Volume
Volume of Ejaculate
Total volume of ejaculate. Low volume may indicate obstruction, retrograde ejaculation, or hormonal insufficiency.
PED Notes
AAS use suppresses gonadotropins (LH/FSH) which can reduce seminal fluid production from accessory glands. Volume may decrease on cycle but is typically the least affected semen parameter. HCG use on cycle helps maintain testicular contribution to volume. Recovery is usually relatively quick post-PCT compared to concentration and motility.
On-cycle context: Near-zero semen parameters while on AAS are expected due to HPT axis suppression. If you are not planning to conceive, this is not alarming — values typically recover 6-12 months after cessation with proper PCT. The recommendations below are primarily relevant if fertility is a current or near-future goal.
PCT and Fertility Recovery Protocol:
On-cycle preservation (if fertility is a concern):
- HCG -- 250-500 IU EOD throughout cycle, maintains testicular size and intratesticular testosterone
- HMG (Human Menopausal Gonadotropin) -- 75-150 IU 3x/week, provides direct FSH stimulation for spermatogenesis (superior to HCG alone for fertility)
Post-cycle recovery:
- HCG -- 1000-1500 IU EOD for 2-3 weeks to restore testicular volume and function
- Enclomiphene -- 12.5-25mg/day for 4-8 weeks (stimulates LH/FSH without estrogenic side effects of Clomid)
- Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) -- 20mg/day for 4-6 weeks (alternative SERM for HPTA restart)
- HMG -- 75 IU 3x/week during PCT if spermatogenesis is a priority
Supplements for sperm health:
- Zinc -- 30mg/day (essential for semen production and testosterone)
- Selenium -- 200mcg/day (supports sperm motility and morphology)
- CoQ10 -- 200-400mg/day (mitochondrial support for sperm energy)
- L-Carnitine -- 2-3g/day (improves sperm motility)
- Vitamin C -- 1000mg/day (antioxidant protection for sperm DNA)
- Vitamin E -- 400 IU/day (antioxidant, improves sperm membrane integrity)
- Folate -- 800mcg/day (supports DNA synthesis in spermatogenesis)
- D-Aspartic Acid -- 2-3g/day (may support LH and testosterone during recovery)
Lifestyle:
- Avoid heat exposure to testes (hot baths, laptops on lap, tight underwear)
- Maintain healthy BMI -- excess body fat increases scrotal temperature
- Limit alcohol and avoid recreational drugs
- Ensure adequate sleep (7-9h)
- Moderate exercise (avoid overtraining during PCT)
Timeline: Spermatogenesis takes ~74 days per cycle. Expect 6-12 months for meaningful recovery after prolonged AAS use. Repeat semen analysis every 3 months during recovery.
References:
- McBride, J. A., & Coward, R. M. (2016). Recovery of spermatogenesis following testosterone replacement therapy or anabolic-androgenic steroid use. Asian Journal of Andrology, 18(3), 373-380. DOI: 10.4103/1008-682X.173938
- Lee, J. A., & Ramasamy, R. (2018). Indications for the use of human chorionic gonadotropic hormone for the management of infertility in hypogonadal men. Translational Andrology and Urology, 7(Suppl 3), S348-S352. DOI: 10.21037/tau.2018.04.11
- Huijben, M., Lock, M. T. W. T., de Kemp, V. F., de Kort, L. M. O., & van Breda, H. M. K. (2022). Clomiphene citrate for men with hypogonadism: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Andrology, 10(3), 451-469. DOI: 10.1111/andr.13146
- Zhao, J., Dong, X., Hu, X., et al. (2016). Zinc levels in seminal plasma and their correlation with male infertility. Scientific Reports, 6, 22386. DOI: 10.1038/srep22386
History Chart
Reading History
Frequently Asked Questions
Reference Ranges
Standard Range
VitalMetrics Range