How to Increase Sperm Volume
By Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto | Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Wokingham
Low semen volume (hypospermia) — defined as less than 1.5ml per ejaculate by WHO reference values — can reduce fertility by limiting the number of sperm reaching the fallopian tubes and by impairing the alkaline environment that protects sperm from the acidity of the vagina. It is one component of the broader picture of male infertility that I assess and treat in my clinic. In traditional Chinese medicine, semen volume is closely linked to kidney jing and kidney yin — the fundamental substances that govern reproductive capacity in men.
What Determines Semen Volume?
Semen is composed primarily of secretions from the seminal vesicles (approximately 65%), the prostate gland (approximately 30%), and the bulbourethral glands. Sperm from the testes make up less than 5% of total volume. Factors that reduce volume include dehydration, retrograde ejaculation (where semen enters the bladder rather than being expelled), seminal vesicle or prostate dysfunction, hormonal imbalance (particularly low testosterone or FSH), frequent ejaculation, and certain medications. Identifying the cause directs the appropriate treatment.
TCM Understanding
In TCM, semen is considered an expression of kidney jing — the most precious reproductive essence stored in the kidneys. Low semen volume, along with low sperm count and poor motility, reflects kidney jing deficiency, often compounded by kidney yin deficiency (which provides the fluid base for semen) or kidney yang deficiency (which provides the metabolic energy for its production). Excessive sexual activity, overwork, chronic illness, and ageing all deplete kidney jing.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbal medicine is effective at tonifying kidney jing and yin to support semen production. Key herbs include Shu Di Huang (rehmannia) — the primary kidney yin tonic — Gou Qi Zi (wolfberry), Tu Si Zi (cuscuta seed), and He Shou Wu (polygonum). Classical formulas such as Liu Wei Di Huang Wan and Zuo Gui Wan provide a strong foundation for kidney yin and jing nourishment. I prescribe pharmaceutical-grade granules from Sun Ten in Taiwan, tailored to the individual pattern after full assessment.
Supplements
Zinc is essential for testosterone production and semen quality — deficiency directly reduces volume and sperm count. Selenium protects sperm from oxidative damage. Vitamin D supports testosterone levels. CoQ10 improves mitochondrial energy in sperm. L-arginine and L-carnitine are amino acids that support sperm motility and semen production. Staying well hydrated throughout the day is one of the simplest and most overlooked factors — even mild dehydration measurably reduces semen volume.
Lifestyle Factors
Heat is one of the most significant environmental threats to sperm production — avoiding hot baths, saunas, and laptops on the lap is important. Alcohol, smoking, and recreational drugs all impair semen parameters. Adequate sleep supports testosterone production. A diet rich in antioxidants — colourful vegetables, berries, nuts, and seeds — protects developing sperm from oxidative damage across their 90-day maturation cycle.
For a full male fertility assessment including semen analysis review, contact me or book a consultation in Wokingham.
