Watery Semen: Causes and When to Worry—Your Questions, Answered

Noticing your semen is a bit watery? Don’t worry just yet. Watery semen can happen for many reasons — and some of them aren’t serious.

Your semen contains sperm and everything sperm needs to survive in the tough journey to fertilize an egg. When the make-up of your semen changes, it can look and feel a bit different.

If you’re ejaculating a lot, your semen might be runnier since it takes time for your body to make more sperm. And it’s not the only reason behind ejaculate changes.

Below, we outline the possible causes of watery semen, how it might impact your fertility, and when and how to address it.

Did you know that sperm only makes up a small part of what’s in semen? Semen, the fluid your reproductive system produces and releases during ejaculation, is a mix of sperm and other components that help sperm survive.

Let’s break it down.

Components Of Semen

Semen isn’t just sperm, it’s also made up of seminal fluid from several glands, including:

• Seminal vesicles. Located behind your prostate, these vesicles produce a thick fluid containing:

  • Fructose,  which gives sperm energy

  • Prostaglandins, aiding sperm mobility

  • Proteins, to help thicken semen after ejaculation

• Prostate. This walnut-sized gland produces a thin, milky-colored, alkaline fluid that helps sperm move efficiently (AKA motility).

• Bulbourethral glands. About the size of a pea, these glands are at the base of the penis. They produce an alkaline, mucus-like fluid to neutralize the acidity of urine and the vagina.

Semen consistency, volume, and appearance can vary widely among men and are influenced by age, health, and ejaculation frequency.

Learn more about how to increase semen volume.

Semen typically has a homogeneous, gray, slightly cloudy, or milky-white appearance. Watery semen looks thinner and more liquid than usual, and it may appear clear or slightly whitish.

Is watery sperm healthy and normal? It depends.

Occasional changes in semen consistency are nothing to worry about and can happen due to hydration levels or frequent ejaculation.

But if you’re semen is persistently watery, it might signal an underlying health issue like:

• Low sperm count

• Hormonal imbalances

• Infections or illness

It’s a good idea to get chronic watery sperm checked out by a healthcare professional, especially if you notice changes in your semen appearance, since some underlying conditions can affect fertility.

Watery semen can have many potential causes including the following.

Frequent Ejaculation

If you’ve been noticing your semen seems more watery than usual, frequent ejaculation could be the culprit. When you ejaculate often, your body might not have enough time to produce enough sperm and seminal fluid, leaving you with runnier semen than usual.

And it doesn’t matter if you’re climaxing with a partner or solo.

Knowing that it takes time for your body to replenish its sperm count after ejaculating, it’s no surprise that experts often recommend avoiding ejaculating 48 hours before donating sperm. And according to the World Health Organization (WHO), it’s best to abstain from sex or masturbation for at least two days but no more than seven days before testing sperm quality.

Learn about the potential benefits of retaining semen for 7 days.

Low Sperm Count (Oligospermia)

A low sperm count (AKA oligospermia) can result in watery semen. Factors like hormonal imbalances or infection can lower sperm production, which, in turn, impact the consistency of semen.

Low sperm count is typically defined as having fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen.

The WHO defines low semen volume as less than 1.5 milliliters (mL) per ejaculation and fewer than 39 million live sperm.

Retrograde Ejaculation

Retrograde ejaculation is when semen flows backward into the bladder instead of being expelled through the urethra. It can cause a smaller volume of ejaculate and watery semen.

Here’s what can cause retrograde ejaculation:

• Birth defects

• Nerve damage

• dysfunctional bladder sphincter

• Surgery

• Certain medications

Prostate Infections and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Infections in your prostate gland or reproductive organs, including STIs like gonorrhea and chlamydia, can impact semen quality and cause inflammation.

Conditions like epididymitis and prostatitis can also result in watery or discolored semen by disrupting the production and composition of seminal fluid.

Learn more about how STDs can affect your sexual health.

Varicocele

Varicocele is when the veins in your scrotum become abnormally enlarged. This can interfere with blood flow to your testicles, affecting sperm production and semen quality. It’s a common cause of male infertility and can lead to watery semen.

Varicoceles are the most common cause of:

• Abnormal semen analysis

• Low sperm count

• Decreased sperm motility

• Abnormal sperm morphology (AKA the shape and function of sperm)

Aging

As you age, it’s completely normal for your semen to change. You might notice less semen volume. And sperm quality can also take a dip. Aging often brings decreased testosterone levels and other hormonal changes that can make your semen look watery or clear.

Hormonal Imbalances

Certain hormones are key to sperm production and male fertility, including:

• Testosterone

• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

• Luteinizing hormone (LH)

• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

• Prolactin

Hormonal imbalances can occur for various reasons like:

• Tumors

• Lifestyle habits

• Genetics

• Nutrient deficiencies

Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs

Drinking a lot of alcohol regularly can lower your sperm count and affect sperm health.

There’s also a link between smoking tobacco and poorer semen quality.

Other street drugs and prescription medications like chemotherapy drugs or antidepressants can make your semen more watery.

Plus, your semen can look the same as usual, even if the sperm count or viability is reduced.

Higher fertility means better sperm quality and quantity when you ejaculate. Sperm quality hinges on three key factors:

• Sperm count

• Sperm motility (AKA movement)

• Sperm morphology (AKA shape)

Thin or watery semen is often a temporary issue that resolves without treatment. But, if it persists, it could be a sign of low sperm count. While a low sperm count can reduce the chances of conception, it doesn’t always mean infertility.

Can Watery Sperm Get a Woman Pregnant?

Watery semen can still lead to pregnancy as long as there’s at least one healthy sperm. However, having a low sperm count can make it harder to conceive.

If your semen is watery but you’re symptom-free, there’s usually no need to worry. But, if you’re trying to conceive, it might raise concerns about your fertility.

Your primary healthcare provider might start by:

• Discussing your symptoms

• Reviewing your medical history

• Performing a physical exam

If needed, they may refer you to a fertility specialist or urologist for further assessment.

The first step is often a semen analysis. You’ll provide a sample for lab testing, where experts will check:

• Semen volume. The total amount of fluid released during ejaculation.

• Semen composition. The various substances that make up the semen.

• Total sperm count. The overall number of sperm in a semen sample.

• Sperm concentration. The number of sperm present per milliliter of semen.

• Sperm motility. The ability of sperm to move efficiently.

• Sperm viability. The percentage of healthy, living sperm.

• White blood cells. White blood cells in the semen might indicate infection or inflammation.

Depending on the results, additional tests might be necessary, such as:

• Hormone testing. Blood tests can check for hormonal imbalances that may be contributing to your symptoms.

• Ultrasound. Scrotal imaging can detect conditions such as varicocele or other abnormalities in your reproductive organs.

• STI testing: To identify underlying infections affecting sperm quality and semen consistency.

Watery semen is not always a cause for concern and may not require treatment, especially if it's temporary or occurs after multiple orgasms.

Treatment for watery semen depends on the cause. Here’s a quick breakdown of potential treatments:

• Lifestyle changes. Simple tweaks can often improve semen quality. Eat well, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly.

• Medication. If an infection or STI is to blame, STI testing and antibiotics can help clear it up.

• Hormone therapy. Testosterone replacement therapy is a common treatment for men with low testosterone.

• Surgery for varicocele. If varicocele affects semen quality, surgery might be necessary. You might not need surgery if the condition is caught and treated early.

• Supplements. Zinc, folic acid, and antioxidants like vitamins C and E, may improve sperm health and overall semen quality. Always ask your doctor before starting any supplements.

• Curbing sexual activity. If frequent ejaculation is the issue, cutting back can give your body time to produce more sperm and seminal fluid.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential for male fertility and optimal semen quality. Here are some tips to support your reproductive health and address watery semen:

• Eat a balanced diet. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

• Stay hydrated. Proper hydration can influence semen consistency. Dehydration can make your semen thicker or clearer.

• Exercise. Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, boost testosterone levels, and improve overall reproductive health. Learn more about the normal weight range for men.

• Avoid harmful substances. Steer clear of smoking, alcohol, and recreational drugs if you’re looking to enhance sperm quality and production.

• Manage stress. Chronic stress can affect semen quality and fertility. Try stress coping strategies like mindfulness, meditation, and therapy.

• Limit exposure to environmental toxins. Reducing exposure to environmental pollutants and toxins, like pesticides and industrial chemicals. Heavy metals like mercury and arsenic can harm reproductive health.

If you’re concerned about your semen consistency while trying to conceive, it’s a smart move to consult your healthcare provider. Even if you’re not trying for kids, it’s still a good idea to see a doctor if symptoms persist for more than a couple of weeks.

Changes in semen consistency could be a sign of several things, from the innocuous, like frequent ejaculation, to more serious conditions like hormone imbalances.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Lifestyle can impact how your semen looks and feels. Frequent masturbation or sex can temporarily make semen more watery.

• Medical conditions might also play a role. Infections, hormone shifts, and varicocele can also change semen consistency — and even impact fertility.

• A healthcare professional can help you figure out what’s going on. If you’re seeing persistent changes in your semen or you’re concerned about your fertility, it’s a good idea to check in with your primary care provider.

We get it. Changes in your body can be anxiety-inducing. If you’re concerned about your semen quality or sexual health, don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation with one of our experts.