If semen is very thickly, the sperm can not move as well and there may be fewer sperm. As a consequence, it may be difficult to impregnate a partner.
In this article, we explore the causes of slurred semen, report when to see a doctor, and provide some tips for keeping the sperm healthy.
Contents
What counts as ‘thick’?
share on PinterestInfrequent ejaculation is a possible cause of thick semen. It can be difficult for a person to tell whether their semen is unusually slurred. healthy semen begins thickening and hardening just after ejaculation.
only a semen analysis test that includes a viscosity screen can tell for sure. A person may need testing and checkup attention if their semen :
- seems much thicker than usual
- comes out in thick strands instead of drops
- comes out very solid or in chunks
Causes of thick semen
Around 12–29 % of males have semen that clinically qualifies as slurred, according to a 2013 analysis. Semen might become this midst due to :
Infrequent ejaculation
When a person ejaculates after not having done so for a retentive menstruation, they may find an increase in the thickness and sum amount of semen. Anyone who feels concerned about the thickness of their semen should consider ejaculating every few days .
Dehydration
If the consistency is not properly hydrated, there may be less water in the semen, causing it to be thick or chunky.
Anyone who wonders whether the thickness of their semen results from a health return should drink enough of water and see whether this resolves the exit .
Infection
Leukocytospermia is a condition characterized by semen with besides many white rake cells — cells that typically help fight infection. It can diminish a male ’ randomness fertility.
The condition can develop for no apparent reason, or it can occur when a person has an contagion, such as one in the urinary tract or a sexually transmitted infection ( STI ). oxidative stress may besides cause leukocytospermia. Over meter, particularly as a person ages, release radicals and reactive oxygen species may accumulate in the genital tract. In response, white blood cells may build up in the generative tract, and there may be ignition. normally, a doctor treats leukocytospermia with antibiotics, and antioxidants, which combat oxidative damage, may besides help.
Whether these interventions increase the chances of pregnancy remains unclear .
Problems in the prostate or seminal vesicles
Semen is made up of sperm from the testicles, seminal fluid from the germinal vesicles, and a belittled amount of fluid from the prostate gland. The semen then travels through the ejaculatory ducts and into the urethra, where it is ejaculated.
Problems with the functioning of either the prostate or germinal vesicles may make the semen unusually thick. specifically, the thickness may indicate that an return in the germinal vesicles is causing the prostate to secrete more fluid or that there has been a variety in the proteins that the prostate and seminal vesicles add to semen.
Some people may experience early symptoms of prostate gland problems, such as atrocious ejaculation, annoyance when make, or patronize micturition.
What is healthy semen?
It is normally not possible to assess semen ’ s health by how it looks or feels. very compact semen may reduce sperm movement or consider, but many people with gloomy sperm counts have semen that seems convention. The alone direction to reliably buttocks semen is with a professional analysis. After a person gives a semen sample, their sophisticate sends it to a testing ground. The results show several measures of semen health, including :
- Semen volume: This is a measure of how much semen a person produces, which should be 1.5 to 5 milliliters.
- Concentration: Sometimes called sperm count, this is a measure of how highly concentrated sperm are in the semen sample. An ideal number is 15–20 million or higher.
- Morphology: This indicates whether the shape and appearance of the sperm are healthy. If fewer regularly shaped sperm are present in a sample, this indicates a lower chance of successful impregnation.
- Motility: This measures how many sperm can move properly. Healthy males should have motility numbers of 40–50%.
Tips for healthy sperm
even goodly people can have problems with their sperm or semen, and a person can take steps to improve their semen choice. For exemplar, a person can try taking antioxidants. oxidative damage may contribute to thick sperm or infections, and a handful of modest studies have found that taking over-the-counter supplements of antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, or coenzyme Q, led to improvements in sperm reckon or semen quality. It is besides a good mind to avoid very high temperatures, which may damage sperm, by staying away from saunas and Jacuzzis. besides, it may help to :
- Wear loose-fitting pants and underwear.
- Maintain a healthy body weight.
- Reduce alcohol consumption.
- Quit smoking.
- Eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.
When to see a doctor
A person should receive checkup attention if :
- Their sperm is unusually thick for more than a few days and does not respond to home care strategies, such as drinking more water.
- Other symptoms, such as painful or frequent urination or painful sex, also occur.
- They recently had unprotected sex with someone whose STI status was unknown or if they have not had an STI test in the last 6 months.
- They are unable to get a partner pregnant after 6–12 months of trying.
Summary
Semen consistency, volume, quality, and even color can change from day to day, and they vary naturally from person to person. only a healthcare professional can assess whether compact semen indicates a health issue.
Anyone who notices a coherent, unexplained change in their semen should receive aesculapian care, particularly if they are concerned about richness or experiencing any other symptoms .