What is semen? – Semen is the fluid released through the male urethra during ejaculation. It is loosely referred to as sperm. Sperm is one of the components of semen. Other components include fluid from other sources such as the prostate and Cowper’s glands.

What are the characteristics of normal semen?

Normal semen is a thick, viscous whitish fluid. This appearance / consistency is due to the presence of sperm cells, as well as protein and enzymes that support the sperm. Within few minutes, semen liquifies in order to allow sperm cells to move freely. If the thickness and viscosity persist for too long after ejaculation, movement of sperm cells inside the semen may be impaired.

When is semen said to be watery?

Semen is considered watery when it is thinner and more fluid than typical semen from the point of ejaculation. It appears light, lacking the gel-like cohesive appearance of normal semen.  

What are the causes of watery semen?

The following are common causes of watery semen:

1. Pre-ejaculation – This is the normal seminal fluid released during foreplay, whose purpose is for lubrication. It typically contains few sperm cells, hence the clear appearance.
2. Frequent ejaculation – This is due to reduced quantity of sperm cells in the semen with each ejaculation. This may occur with several ejaculations a day, as it takes several hours for the body to produce normal quantity of semen.
3. Low sperm count (oligospermia) – This means the semen contains lower number of sperm cells than normal (which is 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen).
4. Zinc deficiency – Low zinc level in the body has been associated with watery semen. This often improves with zinc supplementation.

How can watery semen be treated?

1. Pre-ejaculation – No treatment needed. It is normal.
2. Frequent ejaculation – Reduce the frequency of ejaculation.
3. Zinc deficiency – Zinc supplementation, in men with watery sperm and low level of zinc, should address the problem.
4. Low sperm count – The need for treatment depends on how lower than normal the count is, whether or not it affects fertility and the possible causes, which may include:

1.  Bacterial infection – Use of antibiotics according to sensitivity pattern
2. Varicocoele (enlarged veins) - Surgery to remove the veins may correct the problem 
3. Hormone imbalance – Hormone treatment may be necessary.

How can watery sperm be prevented?

The following steps may reduce the tendency to have watery sperm:

1. Avoid frequent ejaculation – This is important if there is challenge with fertility. High concentration of sperm is needed to ensure a reasonable chance at conception.
2. Prevent sexually transmitted infections – The use of barrier contraception can help reduce the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infection.
3. Zinc supplementation – Though routine zinc supplementation for all men may not be necessary, when there is likelihood of zinc deficiency, supplementation can prevent sperm from being watery.