When a man reaches orgasm, he ejaculates fluid called semen. On average, men expel between 1.25 and 5.00 ml (1/4 of a teaspoon to 1 teaspoon) of semen each time they ejaculate. But this amount varies from man to man.

Men usually produce the most semen when they’re in their early thirties. The amount tends to decrease as a man gets older. Heredity, diet, smoking status, and overall health can also affect semen volume. Some men ejaculate more if they haven’t had sex for a few days.

Men often wonder whether the amount of semen they see ejaculated in pornographic videos is realistic. It isn’t. Camera angles and other strategies can make it seem like more.