Watery semen or sperm is often associated with signs of infertility. But do you know what is actually meant by diluted sperm? How to know if your sperm is watery or not? Come on, see the following explanation.
What is called watery sperm is actually more watery and less thick semen. Semen is a white fluid that comes out of the penis during ejaculation. In every drop of semen contained millions of sperm cells produced by the male reproductive system.
Consistency and Causes of Dilute Sperm
The normal consistency of semen during ejaculation is a thick, gel-like consistency, with an average volume of 2-5 ml. However, within 15-30 minutes after leaving the seminal duct, the thick semen will become watery to support the movement of sperm in fertilizing the egg. You could say, this is quite normal.
Some other conditions that cause runny sperm are:
- Pre-ejaculation
When watery sperm comes out during sexual intercourse and before ejaculation, the semen that comes out acts as a lubricant. This clear liquid contains sperm in small quantities.
- Oligospermia
One of the most common causes of watery sperm is low sperm count or oligospermia, which is less than 15 million cells in 1 milliliter of semen. Causes include varicocele, infection, tumor, and hormonal disorders. This condition can cause fertility problems in men.
- Deficiency of the mineral zinc (zinc)
Research shows that men whose levels of zinc mineral in the body are met, have better sperm quality and are more fertile. This can be seen from the quality and characteristics of healthy sperm.
- Frequent ejaculation
Too frequent ejaculation, either because of sexual intercourse or masturbation, can affect the quality of semen. If ejaculation occurs several times a day, the quality of semen after the first ejaculation will tend to be more watery. Semen can be thick again a few hours later.
How to Test Sperm Quality
To determine the thick or watery semen and assess the level of fertility of a man, a physical examination by a doctor and supporting tests in the form of sperm analysis is required. Through this test, the number and quality of sperm can be known. Sperm analysis includes:
- Analysis of the volume and viscosity of semen
The average man during ejaculation can excrete about half to 1 teaspoon of semen, or at least 2 milliliters.
- Semen consistency
Normal semen is initially thick when it first comes out and becomes watery after 15-30 minutes after ejaculation. Semen that remains thick will make it difficult for sperm to move. If during this time the sperm remains thick and does not turn watery, this may complicate pregnancy.
- Sperm concentration
A normal sperm count is about 20 million or more per milliliter (mL) of semen. If not, natural fertilization can be more difficult to occur.
- Sperm movement
It is said to be normal if after one hour of ejaculation, at least 50 percent of the sperm in the semen are still actively moving or swimming. This movement is important for fertility because sperm must move toward the egg for fertilization to occur.
- Sperm morphology
This is an analysis to measure sperm length, shape and appearance of sperm. Sperm morphology is said to be normal if at least 50 percent of all sperm cells have normal size, shape, and length.
The higher the number of abnormally shaped sperm cells (such as too short, long, or malformed), the higher the chances of a man having fertility problems.
- Condition of acidity (pH) of semen
The level of acidity can affect the health and movement of sperm. Normal acidity (pH) of semen ranges from 7.2 to 7.8. If it is above 8.0, this may indicate an infection. While below 7.0 can be caused by urine contamination or a blockage in the seminal tract.
- FructoseFructose is produced by the seminal vesicles, which are glands under the male bladder. Fructose acts as an energy source for sperm movement. Low fructose levels can indicate a blockage. The normal concentration of fructose in semen is 150 milligrams per 1 deciliter of semen.
Sperm or semen analysis is one of the tests that can be done as a fertility test in men.
In the examination of semen analysis, the number of sperm can be influenced by several factors. These factors include the length of time between ejaculation and the start of semen sample analysis, as well as the storage process from the time of ejaculation until the examination is carried out in the laboratory.
Preparation before Performing Sperm Analysis
In order to get a good inspection sample, it is recommended that you do a number of things such as:
- Do not ejaculate for 24-72 hours before sperm analysis is performed.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages, caffeine, or drugs containing hormones for 2-5 days before the test.
- Stop the medication you are taking, as directed by your doctor.
From the explanation above, it is known that diluted sperm can affect fertility. If you find it difficult to get offspring or experience complaints related to the health of your reproductive organs, you should consult a doctor for a fertility check.
In evaluating your condition and assessing whether the watery sperm is problematic or not, the doctor will perform a semen analysis examination. This examination is also important to do to find out the cause of difficulty in obtaining offspring.
In addition to the semen test, other supporting examinations such as genetic tests, hormone tests, ultrasound, MRI, bone scans (bone scan), and a testicular biopsy may be required for further evaluation.