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‘A guy told me his semen has crystals in it. What does that mean?’
This question was recently posed to the people of Reddit by a rather baffled social media user, and it prompted various reactions, as you might expect.
A few claimed they’d experienced something similar, some cracked jokes, and others were downright horrified by the whole thing.
But while this issue might sound alarming, a doctor has revealed it’s likely caused by a well-documented condition, known as Prostatic calculi.
What is prostatic calculi?
Prostatic calculi, also known as prostate stones, occur when small calcium deposits build up in the prostate, roughly the size of a poppy seed.
A man may have just one stone, or he could have hundreds of them, and if small enough, they could be expelled during ejaculation or when urinating.
Dr Clair Grainger from Superdrug Online Doctor tells Metro that there are several different reasons why the stones may develop.
Most commonly, she says, they are linked to long-term inflammation in the prostate, caused by bacterial prostatitis or ongoing pelvic pain conditions that affect the gland over time.
Ageing also plays a role as hormone levels shift, with the condition being prevalent in men over 50. However, lifestyle factors such as not drinking enough water, sitting for prolonged periods, and diets high in calcium can also contribute to the formation of the stones.
How common is it?
It’s not known exactly how many men are affected by prostatic calculi, as reports of its prevalence vary widely from 7% all the way up to 70% of men.
This is because many men don’t even know they have it, as the stones don’t always cause symptoms.
‘It could actually be much more common than we think,’ Dr Grainger says.
‘Most people never know they have prostate stones as they are often only found during a prostate scan.’
What impact do prostate stones have?
As we’ve already heard, many people who have prostate stones won’t experience any symptoms at all.
However, some people will, and these can affect several areas of day-to-day life, including comfort and sexual health.
‘Some men experience a dull ache or pressure in the lower pelvis, perineum, or lower back. Others notice stinging pain or discomfort when urinating or during ejaculation,’ Dr Grainger explains.
And while there’s no need to catastrophise, if you are experiencing symptoms, the expert urges men to get checked, as over time, persistent calcifications can interfere with how the prostate contributes to semen.
‘This may lead to reduced semen volume and changes in semen appearance, which can affect fertility if left untreated,’ she continues.
Have you ever experienced prostate stones?
How are prostate stones treated?
If you notice any gritty particles in your semen, alongside pelvic discomfort, painful ejaculation, urinary problems, or any difficulties with erections, see your GP or a urologist.
A transrectal ultrasound can usually identify prostate stones quickly. It’s also worth considering a full STI screening to rule out chlamydia or gonorrhoea, both of which can cause calcification of the seminal vesicles if left untreated for long periods.
Dr Grainger adds: ‘The good news? In most cases, no treatment is required; the body sometimes simply flushes the stones out in urine.’
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