Why Is My Semen Cold? (Solved & Explained)

If your semen suddenly feels cold, you might be understandably concerned.

You might be asking yourself, “Why is my semen cold?”

Semen can feel cold because the environment you are in is cold or your testicles are cold. Semen is typically slightly colder than body temperature. Sperm thrives in cold temperatures down to 4 degrees Celcius. The best temperature for sperm is 20 degrees Celcius.

In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about why semen is cold.

Why Is Semen Cold?

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Semen made out of glue—Why Is My Semen Cold
Image by the author via Canva—Why Is My Semen Cold?

Semen is cold because sperm likes to be cold.

In fact, according to research, the optimum temperature for semen viability and production is around a chilly 20 degrees Celcius.

Men in colder climates actually produce more sperm than those in warmer climates.

The most common reason that semen is cold is that the man ejaculating the sperm is cold or in a cold environment.

But, as we said, sperm thrives in cold temperatures.

In fact, sperm must be kept at a cool temperature in order to remain viable, but the testicles are located outside of the body for a reason. 

The testicles need to be slightly cooler than body temperature in order to produce healthy sperm. 

How does the body keep sperm at the right temperature? 

One way is by changing the position of the testicles. When it’s cold outside, the testicles will shrink or raise up, closer to the body to provide warmth. When it’s hot, the testicles will hang lower and looser, away from the body in an effort to cool down. 

Another way the body regulates sperm temperature is through vasoconstriction. 

This is when blood vessels contract in order to reduce blood flow. 

This allows the surrounding tissue to retain heat and prevents heat loss. 

In other words, when it’s cold, your blood vessels constrict in order to keep your sperm from getting too cold. 

Additionally, your body produces pubic hair to insulate your testicles and protect them from extreme temperatures. 

Your scrotum is made up of skin and muscle that wrinkle and form folds. 

This helps to trap heat and keep your testicles at just the right temperature.

Why Is My Sperm Thick and Cold?

Most men are curious about the consistency and temperature of their sperm at one point or another. 

After all, healthy sperm is essential for conception. 

So, what’s the answer to, “Why is my sperm thick and cold?” The answer may surprise you. Cold sperm is actually a good thing. 

Sperm that is too warm can be damaged, making it less likely to fertilize an egg.

On the other hand, cold sperm is more resilient and has a better chance of survival.

Thicker sperm is also more likely to fertilize an egg.

However, since I’m not a doctor, it’s always best to check with a licensed medical professional if you are concerned about the temperature and consistency of your sperm.

Does Depression Make My Sperm Cold?

Studies have shown that men who are under a lot of stress or who suffer from depression tend to have lower sperm quality, production, and mobility than those who are not.

It may come down to the hormones cortisol and testosterone.

When we’re stressed or depressed, our bodies produce more of the hormone cortisol. This hormone has been shown to decrease testosterone levels, which in turn can lead to lower sperm quality, production, and mobility. 

Additionally, cortisol can also damage the DNA in sperm, making it less likely to fertilize an egg.

If you’re struggling with stress or depression, it’s important to talk to your doctor about it. 

There are many treatments available that can help improve your symptoms and protect your fertility.

Does My Diet Make My Sperm Cold?

One of the most common questions is whether diet can impact sperm temperature. Unfortunately, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. 

However, that doesn’t mean that diet isn’t important for overall sperm health.

You can improve sperm quality and production with a balanced diet of fresh vegetables, organic fruits, and healthy whole grains.

So, even though your diet might not make your sperm cold, it’s still important to eat right if you’re trying to conceive.

FAQS for Why Is My Sperm Cold?

In this section, I’ll answer some of the most common questions about sperm and cold temperatures.

What Happens When Sperm Gets Cold?

The temperature needs to be just right for sperm to survive and travel to the egg.

Too cold and they’ll be sluggish; too hot and they’ll die.

When trying to conceive, it’s best to keep things on the cooler side. That means avoiding hot baths, saunas, or anything else that might significantly raise your core body temperature. 

It also means keeping your laptop off your lap and wearing loose-fitting clothes.

If you’re really serious about giving your sperm a fighting chance, there are special cooling devices designed to help keep your testicular temperature down.

It’s sometimes called “icing your testicles.”

If you’re trying to get pregnant, it’s worth doing everything you can to give your little swimmers a helping hand. 

You might just find that the key to success is as simple as keeping things cool.

What Happens if Your Sperm Is Warm?

It turns out that when sperm are exposed to heat, they can start to break down.

The higher the temperature, the more damage that is done. In extreme heat, sperm will die.

Once the sperm cells start to break down, they can no longer fertilize an egg. 

This means that if you want to father a child, you need to avoid exposing your sperm to too much heat.

Why Is My Sperm Hot?

Although it’s not always the case, warm sperm can be a sign of an infection or underlying health condition. 

In some cases, infections can cause your testicles to swell and feel tender.

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s best to see a nurse or doctor as soon as possible. 

Left untreated, infections can lead to serious health complications. 

Fortunately, most infections are easily treatable with antibiotics. If you’re concerned about your sperm temperature, don’t hesitate to get checked out by a medical professional.

Here is a good video with tips for keeping sperm healthy:

YouTube video by UCLA Health – Why Is My Semen Cold?

Final Thoughts: Why Is My Sperm Cold?

The bottom line is that cold sperm usually just means that you are cold or in a cold place.

Most of the time, it doesn’t mean anything bad.

As always, it’s ultimately best to check with a medical professional for all health-related questions and choices.

Next reads:

Sources

Pubmed (Research)
Taylor Francis Online (Research)
NCBI (Research)

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