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Spermotoxicosis

 
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 27.07.2025
 
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Almost all men have probably heard of such a phenomenon as spermotoxicosis. We are talking about a condition in which sperm, lingering in the body, supposedly releases dangerous toxins that can lead to intoxication. But what is actually happening? And does this condition really exist?

Is there spermotoxicosis?

Sperm is produced by the male reproductive system. The main purpose of sperm is to transport DNA and to join with the female egg for fertilization.

Sperm production occurs in the seminal tubules and storage occurs in the epididymis. During stimulation of the penis, ejaculation begins. Sperm move from the epididymis to the vas deferens, and combine with the fluid of the seminal vesicles and prostate. The sperm thus formed is ejected from the penis through the urethra.

The process of sperm production is called spermatogenesis. It occurs only under certain hormonal influences, so in boys who have not yet entered puberty, such production is impossible.

During adolescence, the testosterone level in the body increases, spermatogonia become active - specific testicular stem cells, which subsequently transform into spermatocytes. Such structures have a double chromosome set, in the process of division, secondary spermatocytes are formed, they have one set of chromosomes.

A huge number of spermatozoa are produced in the male testicles: about three hundred million daily. If they are not used for their intended purpose, they are destroyed and removed, without having any toxic effect on the body. Therefore, spermotoxicosis is a fictitious concept that has nothing to do with reality.

Causes spermotoxicosis

Symptoms called spermotoxicosis can be caused by the following reasons:

  • dysfunction of the testicles, which are responsible for testosterone production;
  • atherosclerotic changes in blood vessels;
  • disorder of the pituitary gland function and production of luteinizing hormone;
  • long-term use of hormonal drugs, anabolic steroids, and chemotherapy.

Contributes to deterioration of health:

  • nutritional disorders;
  • alcohol consumption, heavy smoking;
  • cardiovascular pathologies, hypertension;
  • diabetes mellitus, metabolic disorders;
  • chronic pulmonary insufficiency, disorders of the pelvic organs;
  • vitamin deficiency (in particular, vitamin D deficiency);
  • stressful conditions, sleep disorders, a sedentary or overly active (physically exhausting) lifestyle.

Symptoms spermotoxicosis

Medicine does not use such a concept as spermotoxicosis. This term is rather “folk”: it is used to describe a prolonged absence of sexual contacts. Otherwise, it can be called a syndrome of prolonged abstinence, the first signs of which - a pulling sensation in the testicles - pass on their own after some time.

If abstinence is really long, then other symptoms may bother you, although they have nothing to do with spermotoxicosis or other toxicoses.

Lack of sexual intercourse for many years can lead to erectile dysfunction, decreased levels of sex hormones in the blood, and then to impotence.

In this regard, it can be assumed that spermotoxicosis is an exclusively psychosomatic concept, which many men use to explain the discomfort associated with a prolonged absence of ejaculation.

Complications and consequences

Sex for a man is a physiological need, laid down by nature. Entering into sexual intercourse, a person starts stressful, but positive processes in the body. Thanks to sex, men activate the production of testosterone, as well as the "happy" hormones endorphin and serotonin. This helps improve mood and the appearance of additional energy.

With prolonged abstinence, the hormonal background changes, which can lead to other pathological processes. The condition of hair, nails, skin deteriorates, the nervous system suffers, body weight can increase. However, it is important to understand that such a condition cannot be associated with any toxic effect of sperm - the so-called spermotoxicosis.

Diagnostics spermotoxicosis

The examination is carried out by an andrologist, adhering to the following diagnostic protocol:

  • external examination of the genital system with an assessment of the condition of the skin, the presence of any external changes (rashes, tumors, hematomas, papillomas, redness, etc.);
  • palpation of the testicles and scrotum;
  • digital rectal examination of the prostate gland.

If the doctor deems it necessary, he will take a smear from the urethral canal and the contents of the prostate gland for subsequent laboratory diagnostics.

In addition, other diagnostic procedures may be needed:

  • laboratory determination of prostate-specific antigen, sex hormones, urine analysis, general clinical examination and blood biochemistry;
  • ultrasound diagnostics of the bladder and kidneys, scrotum, prostate gland, penis;
  • uroflowmetry (assessment of the functionality of the bladder and urethra).

Differential diagnosis

It is known that against the background of a prolonged absence of sex, people may experience nervous and physical tension, sometimes a tendency to suicide or violence, a decline in mental activity, and behavioral changes. However, these and other symptoms can be caused by many other conditions, including mental illnesses, such as:

  • depressive states;
  • bipolar affective disorder;
  • panic attacks;
  • borderline personality disorder etc.

In addition, the possibility of intoxications of other origin, as well as concomitant diseases and individual characteristics of the patient's body, are considered. The following should be excluded:

  • infectious and inflammatory diseases;
  • formation of stones in the bladder and renal pelvis;
  • tumor processes (including prostate adenoma, as well as kidney or bladder cancer);
  • congenital and acquired anatomical defects.

To clarify the nature of the pathological process, doctors of other specialties are involved in diagnostics - for example, an endocrinologist, urologist, neurologist, therapist. As a result, an individual tactic and strategy of therapeutic measures can be formed.

Treatment spermotoxicosis

It is known that the treatment of problems in the male sexual sphere, including spermotoxicosis, should be comprehensive in order to achieve a good and long-term result. A comprehensive approach should include drug therapy and the use of all possible methods of physiotherapy, for example:

  • magnetic therapy, laser therapy;
  • sinusoidal modulated currents;
  • shock wave therapy;
  • vibration magnetolaser therapy.

Physiotherapy procedures help optimize blood circulation in the pelvic organs and prostate. In addition, properly selected physiotherapy alleviates pain, helps eliminate swelling and remove metabolic products, and improves lymph flow. Thanks to the procedures, it is possible to eliminate congestion in the pelvic organs, which are subsequently often complicated by prostatitis and other pathologies of the male genital area.

The use of medications is discussed with the doctor: such treatment is symptomatic and is prescribed individually. It may include taking antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, antispasmodics.

If tumors or stones are found in the urinary system, surgery may be prescribed. Advanced prostate adenoma is an indication for adenomectomy. In case of kidney stone formation or stones found in the bladder, lithotripsy or surgical removal is prescribed.

Prevention

There is no specific prevention of spermotoxicosis, but efforts should be directed at combating the causes that lead to the development of the disease.

It is necessary to establish regular sexual life with a proven and permanent partner, pay enough attention to your diet and lifestyle. It is important to maintain personal hygiene and intimate culture to avoid the development of infectious processes in the genitourinary system.

In addition, it is recommended:

  • avoid hypothermia;
  • maintain moderate physical activity, without physical inactivity or excessive physical exertion;
  • drink enough fluids daily;
  • avoid drinking alcohol, strong coffee, offal and large amounts of animal fats;
  • quit smoking.

Forecast

The prognosis for spermotoxicosis is conditionally favorable and depends on the cause of the condition, as well as the possibility of eliminating it. Many men are advised to address psychological and psychosomatic problems caused by a lack or absence of regular sexual contacts. The help of a psychologist or sexologist may be required. The situation may become more complicated if prostatitis or prostate adenoma develops against the background of prolonged abstinence.

Long-term spermotoxicosis often leads to decreased potency and increased risk of premature ejaculation. The glandular system eventually stops working at full capacity, which becomes especially noticeable after the age of 50.

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