Watery Semen - A Cause for Concern?

Introduction

Semen, also called seminal fluid, is the organic fluid produced by the male reproductive organs that contain spermatozoa (sperm cells). Gonads, prostate, and other sexual glands secrete semen. This fluid is generally released during orgasm through the penis. It is a greyish-white bodily fluid that is typically thick in consistency. Nevertheless, certain underlying infections or conditions can influence the color and consistency of white semen. Watery semen is a temporary problem attributable to various determinants, including frequent ejaculation, low sperm count, nutritional deficiencies, or lifestyle alterations.

What Are the Potential Causes of Watery Semen?

There is a range of causes of watery semen, all of which can be preventable or treatable with appropriate intervention and care.

The most common causes of watery semen are discussed below.

Low Semen Count

Low sperm count, also referred to as oligospermia, is the most prevalent cause of watery semen. Low sperm count indicates the individual has fewer sperm than normal in the semen. The person is said to have oligospermia when the sperm count falls below 15 million sperm per semen millimeter.

Certain causes of oligospermia include the following.

• Infection: Sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea or inflammatory condition of the reproductive system like epididymitis can cause low sperm count.

• Tumor: The benign or malignant tumor developing in the testicles can influence the production of sperm in the system, leading to reduced sperm count.

• Hormone Imbalances: The hormones produced in the major glands, such as the pituitary, hypothalamus, and testicles, are even responsible for sperm production and count. So, any imbalance in these hormones can induce oligospermia.

Other causes of oligospermia include:

• Retrograde ejaculation occurs when the semen ejaculated through the urethra gets redirected to the urinary bladder.

• Anti-sperm antibodies in the immune system.

• Injuries concerning the tubes that transport sperm.

• Excessive alcohol.

• Obesity.

• Drug abuse.

• Environmental toxins.

Zinc Deficiency

Zinc is considered an essential mineral enhancing various functions, including DNA synthesis, reproduction, wound healing, and combating infections. Zinc also has a role in sperm production. Clinical findings state that individuals with deficient zinc levels and consuming zinc sulfate supplements can effectively resist the effects of anti-sperm antibodies. Here, anti-sperm antibodies refer to those antibodies produced by the immune system that misguidedly responds to the sperms as a foreign agent.

Frequent Ejaculation

Watery semen can also result from frequent ejaculation. Masturbating many times in a day can affect the quality of the semen right after the first ejaculation resulting in thin and watery semen. In such a case, the body might need another few hours at a minimum to produce healthy semen.

Pre-Ejaculation

It is essential to note the color of semen and to detect whether it is clear or colored in the case of watery semen. This is because misassumptions can happen between pre-ejaculation fluid and watery semen, as very clear semen is the pre-ejaculation fluid discharged during foreplay. The pre-ejaculation fluid is a clear semen fluid with fewer sperm count.

Varicocele

Varicocele is known for the enlargement of the veins inside the pouch of skin holding the testicles called the scrotum. Varicoceles do not commonly present any symptoms. Nevertheless, it can lower sperm production and affect the semen quality in certain individuals. So, varicocele can cause watery semen when the quality is affected.

Does Watery Semen Affect Fertility?

Watery semen is not a profound condition. It is temporary and often resolves on its own. It can also include other lifestyle determinants, underlying medical conditions, and deficient nutrients. At times, watery semen can be persistent, and this type indicates low sperm count or other underlying conditions. The persistent form of watery semen with underlying conditions might affect fertility. Moreover, low sperm count does not indicate the individual is infertile, but the chance of getting conceived can be complicated.

How Is Watery Semen Diagnosed?

Men having watery semen should seek professional help and get medical advice. Addedly, one should see healthcare providers at the earliest if watery or discolored semen accompanies any of the following symptoms.

• Painful urination.

• Unusual discharge.

• Fever.

• Chills.

• Nausea.

• Pain or discomfort within the scrotum or testicles.

• Lower abdomen pain.

The doctors will diagnose the condition and cause behind the watery semen by enquiring about the symptoms, lifestyle modifications, and medical history. The semen sample might be advised at the first phase of diagnosis, called semen analysis.

The doctors will inspect or study the following things in the semen sample.

• Acidity.

• Sperm count.

• Sperm motility of the ability of sperm movement.

• The size and shape of the sperm.

• Volume and consistency of semen from ejaculation.

• Liquefaction time is the total time required for semen to be converted from thick gel-like consistency to a watery liquid state.

What Are the Treatment Options for Watery Semen?

Watery semen is temporary that usually resolves on its own in several cases. But, persistent or chronic type requires effective treatment options and lifestyle modifications. The treatment typically depends upon the underlying cause of watery semen.

The underlying medical conditions prescribe the following treatments.

1. Antibiotics: Antibiotics are prescribed if the determined underlying cause is a bacterial infection.

2. Hormone Therapy: The doctors prescribe hormone therapy if the watery semen in a particular individual is due to hormonal imbalances in the system.

3. Surgery: Surgery is a rare recommendation in case of watery semen. But, the doctors advise surgery if the underlying cause is an enlargement of the veins in the scrotum called varicocele.

• Laparoscopic Surgery: An incision is made, and a camera is inserted via the incision to detect the location. Then, the varicocele is repaired or removed.
• Percutaneous Embolization: Percutaneous embolization is a minimally invasive method in which a coil or balloon is introduced into the enlarged vein in the varicocele. Then, the coil or balloon is enlarged to refurbish the blood circulation from the testicle.

Lifestyle Considerations for Watery Semen:

Certain lifestyle considerations can help one improve the quality of semen.

• Maintain a healthy body weight.

• Get adequate sleep.

• Quit the smoking habit if one does.

• Reduce alcohol intake.

• Resolve stress issues.

• Quit tobacco intake.

Conclusion

The semen is typically white, thick, and secreted by the male reproductive system. The semen contains sperm that gets released during orgasm. So, the concentration of sperm is that makes the semen thick and cloudy. If the semen or ejaculate is watery, then it can indicate that the person might have a low sperm count or any underlying infection. Nevertheless, this does not mean that one is infertile. But it can influence the chance of getting conceived. Moreover, watery semen is a temporary issue that can be resolved with appropriate intervention and lifestyle modifications.