Learn about semen and its role in the human body in a simple and respectful way suitable for 12-year-olds.
What is semen? Semen is a thick, whitish fluid that is made up of sperm and other fluids from the male reproductive system. It is produced in the testicles and mixed with fluids from glands to help sperm travel.
What happens to semen? During puberty, boys start to produce semen. When a boy ejaculates, semen is released from the penis. If semen meets a female egg inside the body, it can lead to fertilization, which is how babies begin to form.
Normal use of semen in the body: Semen’s main purpose is to carry sperm cells out of the male body so they can potentially join with a female's egg. If this does not happen, the semen is just naturally absorbed by the body or leaves the body during ejaculation.
It's important to know: Semen is a natural part of the male reproductive system and understanding it is part of learning how humans grow and reproduce. If you have more questions, you can always ask a trusted adult or a teacher.