When a person with a penis experiences ejaculation, fluid is released through the male urethra. This fluid is semen. Semen holds the sperms and other fluids from the prostate gland and other reproductive organs.
Normal semen should be a thick and whitish liquid. However, sometimes people may experience a change in the fluid’s colour or consistency. This may result in watery semen.
Such an experience may be alarming to those with watery sperms as this could be a sign of low sperm count, indicating potential fertility issues. In most cases, the ejaculation of thin, clear semen is temporary and can be fixed easily.
Causes of Watery Sperms
Have you been wondering – ‘why is my sperm watery’? Be assured that this situation can be treated or prevented. Let’s talk about some of the most common watery sperm causes.
1. Low semen count
A low sperm count could be the cause of your watery semen. This condition is referred to as oligospermia. This means that you have fewer sperm than usual. Anything lower than 15 million sperm per millilitre of semen is considered abnormal. Causes of oligospermia are as follows:
- Varicocele: A varicocele refers to the swollen veins in the scrotum. It can cause male infertility but is treatable.
- Infection: Different sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhoea may cause inflammation in different parts of the reproductive organ, such as epididymitis.
- Tumours: You might have a tumour in the testicles affecting sperm production.
- Hormone imbalances: Changes in the hormones produced in the testicles, pituitary gland, and hypothalamus may affect the sperm count. These hormones are essential to a healthy sperm count.
Other issues that may affect a low sperm account include:
- Retrograde ejaculation(When semen enters the bladder)
- Anti-sperm antibodies present
- An injury or other problem affecting the tubes carrying sperm.
2. Frequent ejaculation
Watery semen could also be the result of frequent ejaculation. Those who masturbate several times in a day may notice that their semen has become thin and watery after the first ejaculation.
It takes a body several hours to produce normal, healthy amounts of semen. Count the number of times you masturbate in a day. Give your body a few hours of rest to restore the sperm quality to normal.
3. Zinc deficiency
A zinc deficiency may cause watery semen. Research has proven that men who have good zinc levels can fight off the effects of anti-sperm antibodies. Certain antibodies produced by the immune system respond to sperm as if it was a foreign body.
4. Pre-ejaculation
Observe whether the semen is clear or has some colour. It tends to contain few sperm. Very clear semen may just be pre-ejaculation fluid that gets released during foreplay.
5. Lifestyle choices
The following lifestyle may influence semen and sperm count:
- Excessive consumption of alcohol
- Research links Smoking to low sperm count, which may cause watery semen
- Stress (You must find ways of dealing with the stress)
- Consuming sugary drinks
- Lack of exercise or physical activity
- Studies also show that Vitamin D deficiency may cause watery semen.
Treatment Options For Watery Sperms
If you have been experiencing watery semen for some time, it may be disconcerting. However, it is treatable in most cases. Treatment options depend on the underlying cause. Here is how to treat watery sperm:
1. Antibiotics
If you have a bacterial infection, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics. If you have a hormonal imbalance, the doctor will recommend hormone therapy.
2. Invasive Procedures
If you are experiencing varicoceles, a doctor may recommend:
- Laparoscopic surgery: A camera is inserted into a small incision in the abdomen. It is used to locate, repair, block, or remove the varicocele.
- Percutaneous embolisation: A coil or balloon is inserted into the swollen vein in this minimally invasive procedure. The coil or balloon is then enlarged to restore the blood flow from the testicle.
3. Eat Healthily
You can try several home remedies to treat watery semen.
- Eat fresh fruits and vegetables that are rich in fructose. Sperms require fructose. Fruits such as amla, apples, mangoes, grapes, berries, etc., can improve sperm production.
- Eat dried dates soaked in milk. Dates contain dietary fibres, carbohydrates and vitamins, which can help thicken semen and improve stamina.
- Address zinc deficiencies as it can lead to lower testosterone production in the body. You can either eat foods rich in zinc or take a supplement.
- A selenium deficiency can result in watery semen and hair fall. Brazil nuts, mutton, eggs, onions, sunflower seeds, chicken etc., may manage selenium deficiency.
- Vitamin C can help to improve semen health. Fruits and vegetables like oranges, lemons, papaya, berries, cabbage, potatoes, tomatoes have high Vitamin C.
- Vitamin E can also improve semen health. Foods like butter, eggs, soya, sunflower seeds or use sunflower oil, peanut oil or sesame oil are rich sources.
- Vitamin B12 is required for the proper functioning of our metabolism. Ensure you add Vitamin B12 rich foods to your diet or take a supplement.
4. Stress management
Stress management is essential for physical and mental health. Stress can impact the functioning of reproductive organs as well. You can try out yoga, meditation, or mindfulness techniques. You can even seek therapy if needed.
5. Physical Activity
Energy levels can improve by exercising. It may also help improve testosterone levels and foster better production of sperm.
6. Adequate Sleep
Getting recommended hours of sleep is necessary for the body to function well. 8-10 hours is required for adults.
7. Avoid Sugary Drinks
High sugar levels in sodas, soft drinks, fruit juices, sports drinks, etc., can be harmful. Studies show that high sugar products can increase the chances of insulin resistance, which then can impact sperm mobility.
8. Avoid Tight Underwear
Tight garments can heat the testicles. When the scrotum is closer to the body, it can get heated up by the body and other organs. This could lead to the improper functioning of testicles.
Can Watery Semen Affect Fertility?
In some cases, watery semen may present issues of fertility. However, watery semen is temporary in most cases and often gets resolved with time. At the same time, if it is a chronic issue, it may indicate a low sperm count or another condition.
Low sperm count does not make a person infertile; however, it does become harder to conceive. Usually, watery semen is due to deficiencies, lifestyle factors, or underlying medical conditions.
Also Read: What Happens If We Release Sperm Daily? Can We Ejaculate Daily?
What Does It Mean to Have Discoloured Semen?
If you have wondered - why is my sperm watery and clear? It could just be pre-ejaculation fluid. However, discoloured semen usually indicates a health problem. Semen should be a whitish-grey colour. Temporary changes in the colour of semen are usually harmless. The following colours are not normal:
- Yellow: This might result from an infection or jaundice leading to an excessive amount of white blood cells. Some vitamins or medication might also lead to yellow semen.
- Green: This could be the sign of an infection in the prostate or other reproductive organs.
- Red: Inflamed prostate or glands that produce semen may result in red semen. Sometimes red semen can be benign. Pink or brown semen may have traces of blood, an inflamed prostate or swollen seminal vesicles. Other causes of blood in the semen include high blood pressure, a prostate infection, cancer (prostate/testicles/urethra), or a sexually transmitted disease.
When to See a Doctor
If you have persistent watery semen or discoloured semen, it may be time to consult a doctor or urologist for a watery semen cure. Notice if watery semen is accompanied by:
- Fever
- Unusual discharge
- Difficult or painful urination
- Nausea
- Pain or discomfort in the testicles or scrotum
- Pain in the lower abdomen or lower back
- Chills
A urologist or fertility specialist can diagnose the cause of watery or discoloured semen. In some cases, they might need to perform a physical examination. Alternatively, the doctor may ask you to provide a semen sample. They will use this sample to analyse for:
- Volume and consistency
- Acidity
- Sperm motility (how fast the sperm move)
- Sperm count
- Size of the sperm
- The Shape of the sperm
Upon completion of these tests, the doctor should be able to identify the cause of watery sperm and suggest the best treatment.
Summing Up on Watery Sperms
Watery sperm does not necessarily do not indicate infertility. It is usually temporary, and it could get better on its own. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help manage the problem in most cases.
However, if you persistently have watery, discoloured or bloodied semen, you should seek medical advice for ruling out underlying conditions.
References
- Haidar M.Jawad, March 2013; Zinc sulfate treatment of secondary male infertility associated with positive serum and seminal plasma anti-sperm antibody test - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1110569012000994
- Martin Blomberg Jensen, Jacob Gerner Lawaetz, November 2017; Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Semen Quality, Reproductive Hormones, and Live Birth Rate: A Randomized Clinical Trial - https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/103/3/870/4590227
- Y.H. Chiu, M.C. Afeiche, July 2014; Sugar-sweetened beverage intake in relation to semen quality and reproductive hormone levels in young men - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4168308/
