Body and biology
What Does Decreased Ejaculate Volume Mean? Side Effect Guide
Ejaculate volume · say it: ee-JAK-yoo-lut VOL-yoomAlso written: semen volume, decreased ejaculate volume, reduced semen
Short answer
Ejaculate volume is the amount of semen released during ejaculation. Some prostate and hair loss medicines can reduce it.
What it means
Ejaculate volume means how much fluid (semen) is released when a man ejaculates. Most of this fluid comes from the prostate and seminal vesicles, not the testicles, so medicines that affect the prostate can change the amount.
'Decreased ejaculate volume' is listed on labels for 5-alpha reductase inhibitors such as finasteride and dutasteride, and some alpha-blockers can cause little or no semen to come out (sometimes because it goes backwards into the bladder). Labels list it so men are not alarmed if they notice it. It is usually described as a side effect to discuss with a doctor, especially if it causes concern or if fertility is important.
A lower ejaculate volume is not the same as a low sperm count, although some of these medicines may also affect semen quality. A semen analysis report measures volume, sperm count and movement separately, and prints its own reference range.
Where you may see it
- The 'Adverse Reactions' sections of finasteride, dutasteride and some alpha-blocker labels
- Prostate medicine leaflets
- Semen analysis reports
📄 How it looks on a report
Decreased ejaculate volume was reported in a small number of patients.
🙅 What it does not mean
- It does not mean something is wrong with your testicles.
- It does not necessarily mean you are infertile, though fertility questions should be discussed with a doctor.
- Seeing it on the label does not mean it will happen to you.
🎯 Check yourself
Which of these is the right meaning of “Ejaculate volume”?
🗒️ Questions to ask your doctor
💊 Medicines whose labels mention “Ejaculate volume”
Plain-English explanations of each medicine, from its official FDA label.
- Finasteride
a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, a medicine that blocks an enzyme involved in making a hormone called DHT
🔗 Read more from trusted sources
- “Ejaculate volume” on MedlinePlus ↗
US National Library of Medicine
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General information about a medical word, not advice about your own results. Ask the clinician who ordered the test what it means for you.