Causes of Dilute Sperm and How to Test it

Dilute semen or sperm is often associated with signs of infertility. But do you know what actually meant by runny sperm? How do you know if your sperm is watery or not? Come on, consider the following explanation. The so-called watery sperm is actually semen that is more runny and not thick. Semen is a white liquid that comes out of the penis during ejaculation. In every drop of semen there are millions of sperm cells produced by the male reproductive system.

Consistency and Causes of Dilute Sperm

The normal consistency of semen during ejaculation is thick gel-like, with an average volume of 2-5 ml. But within 15-30 minutes after coming out of the seminal tract, thick semen will become runny to support the movement of sperm in fertilizing an egg. In a way, this is quite normal. Some other conditions that cause thin sperm are:

• Pre-ejaculation

When 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 amounts.

• Oligospermia

One of the most common causes of watery sperm is low sperm count, which is less than 15 million cells in 1 milliliter of semen. The causes include varicoceles, infections, tumors, and hormonal disorders. This condition can cause fertility problems in men.

• Zinc mineral deficiency (zinc)

Research shows that men whose zinc mineral levels are fulfilled have better sperm quality and are more fertile. This can be seen from the quality and characteristics of healthy sperm.

• Frequent ejaculation

Too often ejaculation, both due to sexual intercourse and 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 thinner. The semen can return thickly a few hours later.

How to Test Sperm Quality

To find out the thickness or dilution of semen and to assess a man's fertility level, a physical examination by a doctor is needed and a supporting test in the form of sperm analysis. Through this test, sperm count and quality can be known. Sperm analysis includes:

• Analysis of volume and viscosity of semen

On average, a man can ejaculate about half a semen to 1 teaspoon, or at least 2 milliliters.

• The consistency of semen

Normal semen is initially thick when it first comes out and becomes watery after 15-30 minutes after ejaculation. The semen that remains thick will make it difficult for sperm to move. If during this time the sperm remains thick and does not change watery, this might make pregnancy difficult.

• Sperm concentration

Normal sperm counts are around 20 million or more per milliliter (mL) of semen. If less, fertilization naturally can be more difficult.

• Sperm movement

Said to be normal if after one hour of ejaculation, a minimum of 50 percent of sperm in semen is still actively moving or swimming. This movement is important for fertility because sperm must move to 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 a normal size, shape and length. The higher the number of abnormally shaped sperm cells (for example, too short, long, or deformed), the higher the likelihood of a man experiencing fertility problems.

• The acidity (pH) of semen

The level of acidity can affect sperm health and movement. The normal acidity (pH) level of semen ranges from 7.2 - 7.8. If above 8.0, this might indicate infection. While under 7.0 can be caused by urine contamination or the presence of a blockage in the seminal tract.

• Fructose

Fructose is produced by the seminal vesicles, which are the glands under the male bladder. Fructose acts as an energy source for sperm movement. Low fructose levels can indicate blockage. The normal fructose concentration in semen is 150 milligrams per 1 deciliter of semen.

In semen analysis examinations, sperm count 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 to the examination carried out in the laboratory.

Preparation before Performing a Sperm Analysis

To get a good examination sample, you are advised to do things like:

• No ejaculation for 24-72 hours before examination of sperm analysis.
• Do not consume alcoholic drinks, caffeine, or drugs containing hormones for 2-5 days before the test.
• Stop treatment that is being undertaken, as directed by a doctor.

From the explanation above it is known that watery sperm can affect fertility. If you find it difficult to get offspring or experience complaints related to reproductive health, you should consult a doctor to do a fertility check. In evaluating your condition and assessing whether the sperm is diluted or not, the doctor will conduct a semen analysis check. This examination is also important to find out the cause of the difficulty in obtaining offspring. In addition to the semen test, other investigations such as genetic testing, hormone testing, ultrasound, MRI, bone scan, and testicular biopsy may be needed for further evaluation.