The male body produces seminal fluid throughout life. This process is as natural as the synthesis of bile, the formation of blood, etc. Of course, this secretion product has some physical and chemical properties, in particular consistency, smell, composition, etc. But sometimes these characteristics change. Why is sperm liquid? What are the reasons for changing its consistency? Should I worry about this? Which doctor should I go to? The answers to these questions interest many men.
Brief information about seminal fluid
Normally, semen is a viscous and sticky fluid with a light but very characteristic smell of chlorine. A small part of it consists of sperm - microscopic germ cells that are produced in the testes.
The seminal fluid also contains proteins, carbohydrates (including lactose and fructose), vitamin B12, some minerals (fluorine, chlorine, magnesium, calcium, sodium, zinc), lactic acid, citric acid and some other compounds.
The norm of sperm pH ranges from 7.2 to 7.8 (sperm requires an acidic environment for life). In the seminal fluid should not be red blood cells, excessive white blood cells or mucus. If the ejaculate becomes too thin or, on the contrary, viscous, then you should consult a doctor.
Why did sperm become liquid? Sperm reduction
As you know, 1 ml of seminal fluid contains more than 20 million sperm (male germ cells). But a decrease in their number leads to a decrease in sperm density. As a rule, such a violation is determined during a spermogram, which is carried out either during pregnancy planning, or if infertility is suspected.
If the number of sperm decreases sharply, then doctors talk about azoospermia. This pathology develops under the influence of many factors. For example, some congenital anomalies, such as aplasia of the vas deferens , are referred to the causes .
The list of causes also includes inflammatory processes of the reproductive organs, varicocele, previously transferred surgical procedures on the organs of the scrotum.
Sometimes the process of sperm formation in the testes is disturbed due to the mumps suffered by the boy (it is more commonly known as mumps). Possible causes of azoospermia also include testicular tumors, poisoning of the body with pesticides or salts of heavy metals, intensive radiation exposure. Violation of spermatogenesis is often associated with diseases of the organs of the endocrine system. Therefore, if you are wondering why sperm is liquid, then you should consult a specialist and undergo a comprehensive examination of the whole organism.
It is worth noting that a change in sperm consistency is not always the only sign of azoospermia. Many men turn to doctors complaining of decreased sexual desire. Erectile dysfunction is often observed. In this case, it is extremely important to undergo adequate therapy - in some cases, the formation of germ cells can be restored.
Water balance
Why is sperm liquid? With a similar problem, you should pay attention to the daily intake of fluids. As you know, experts recommend drinking about 2-3 liters of pure still water per day. The correct water balance provides cleansing the body of toxins. Moreover, a sufficient amount of fluid positively affects the condition of the skin, hair, nails, and almost all body tissues.
But not everyone knows that drinking excess water can affect some characteristics of sperm. Semen in this case becomes more transparent and liquid, although a normal amount of active sperm remains in it (this does not affect the probability of fertilization).
Diseases leading to a change in sperm consistency
Why does a man have liquid sperm? Often, such a violation of physical characteristics is associated with the development of a disease.
- Risk factors include inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs, in particular vesiculitis, orchitis, epididymitis. It is worth noting that at the same time, sperm not only becomes more liquid, it also changes color (for example, acquires a dirty green or a dull yellow hue). Inflammatory processes are often accompanied by soreness, impaired urination, fever, symptoms of general intoxication.
- Sperm liquefaction is observed against lesions of the prostate gland or urethra. In this case, blood impurities often appear in the seminal fluid. Some diseases are accompanied by so-called spermatorrhea, a condition in which a small amount of sperm periodically flows out of the penis (regardless of the presence of sexual arousal or sexual intercourse).
If you notice any disturbing symptoms in yourself, then you should definitely seek qualified medical help.
Why is sperm thick or fluid? Sexual activity
If you are looking for an explanation of changes in the physical properties of sperm, you should pay attention to sexual activity. For example, too frequent sexual contact can lead to the appearance of a clear and watery seminal fluid.
It is believed that if a man ejaculates no more than once every four days, then the sperm becomes thicker and more viscous. If ejaculation occurs more often (in this case we are talking not only about sexual contacts, but also about masturbation), then the testes simply do not have enough time to develop a new portion of high-quality seminal fluid.
Genital Injury
There are other explanations for why sperm is liquid. Such a violation is often encountered by men who have suffered injuries of the external genital organs. A blow or a bruise is often the result of physical activity, team games, hard sexual intercourse.
In most cases, the physical characteristics of the seminal fluid become normal immediately after the injury heals - specific treatment in this case is not required. If the consequences of the blow remain and the genitals still produce too thin sperm, then you should seek help from a specialist.
We pay attention to the features of the diet
Features of the diet of men can provide an answer to the question of why sperm is liquid and transparent. The fact is that for normal activity, the body needs nutrients, minerals and vitamins. Improper nutrition often affects the functioning of the reproductive system and the quality of the produced seminal fluid.
As already mentioned, sperm contains protein components - it is they that make sperm more thick, viscous. With a protein deficiency in food, seminal fluid often becomes more watery.
Shrimp, asparagus, oysters, various kinds of sea fish, hard cheese and cottage cheese, soy, red meat (nonfat and properly cooked) are considered useful for men.
Wrong lifestyle
Why is sperm very thin? The answer to this question may lie in lifestyle. It's no secret that smoking, alcohol abuse, physical inactivity, obesity directly affect the sexual sphere.
According to statistics, all of the above factors can trigger the appearance of problems with potency. Moreover, a similar lifestyle affects the quantity and quality of sperm. Often bad habits cause infertility.
Diagnostic measures
Why sperm became thinner and how to accurately determine the root cause? Only a doctor can answer this question after a thorough diagnosis. Of course, first a medical history is collected and a physical examination is performed.
Mandatory in this case is a spermogram - a study that allows you to check the physical and chemical properties of seminal fluid. This analysis helps to determine the presence of a number of diseases, in particular prostatitis and varicocele. In addition, the test is carried out in order to count the number of spermatozoa, check their motility, and identify abnormal germ cells.
Diagnostics in the future may include blood and urine tests, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, etc.
What to do if sperm consistency has changed?
We have already dealt with questions about why sperm is liquid. As you can see, often the reasons for changing the consistency of seminal fluid are quite natural. Sometimes giving up bad habits and a small correction of the diet is enough to normalize the functioning of the reproductive system. Men are also recommended to wear loose underwear made from natural fabrics, play sports, and prefer outdoor activities.
On the other hand, the situation may be more serious. The reasons are often quite real and serious diseases that require treatment. If you notice that sperm has become more fluid (especially if it is combined with other symptoms, in particular pain, fever, the appearance of secretions), then you should consult a urologist.