Have you ever had watery ejaculate? The causes could be benign, or they could be the sign of a serious health problem.
Watery ejaculate is a common symptom of several different medical conditions. It also could just be a temporary side effect of certain medications. If you’re concerned about your watery ejaculate, talk to your doctor, as it could be a sign of a more serious condition.
Watery ejaculate can be the result of a number of different medical conditions. One common cause is retrograde ejaculation. This is when semen enters the bladder instead of exiting through the penis during orgasm. Retrograde ejaculation is often the result of certain medications, such as blood pressure medications, or surgery to the bladder, prostate, or urethra.
Watery ejaculate can also be caused by infection, inflammation, or injury to the seminal vesicles, which are the glands that produce semen. Other causes include hormonal imbalances, genetic disorders, and certain sexually transmitted infections.
In most cases, watery ejaculate is not a cause for concern. If it’s a one-time occurrence, it’s likely nothing to worry about. However, if you have persistent watery ejaculate, it’s important to see your doctor. Watery ejaculate can be a sign of a more serious underlying health condition. If left untreated, these conditions can cause infertility.
Let's talk about watery ejaculate in more detail, including the potential causes, treatments, and when to see a doctor.
What Is Watery Ejaculate?
Watery ejaculate is a condition where the semen produced during orgasm is thin and watery. Watery semen can occur occasionally, or it can be a persistent problem. Watery ejaculate is not usually a cause for concern. However, in some cases, it can be a sign of a more serious underlying health condition.
Normally, semen is thick and sticky, which helps it to stay in the reproductive tract long enough to fertilize an egg. If the semen is too watery, it may not be able to do this effectively. Watery ejaculate can also make it more difficult for a person to conceive, and is a sign of reduced fertility.
Most men experience watery ejaculate at some point in their lives, and it is usually not a cause for concern. The condition may be temporary and resolve on its own, or it may be a more persistent problem. In some cases, watery ejaculate can be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as diabetes or an infection. Treatment for watery ejaculate will depend on the underlying cause.
Causes of Watery Semen
There are several possible causes of watery semen. These include:
Hormonal imbalances
Changes in hormone levels can affect the quality and quantity of semen produced. Hormonal imbalances can be caused by conditions such as hypogonadism, pituitary tumors, and testicular cancer.
Your hormones are also affected by your age. As you get older, your testosterone levels gradually decline, which can lead to a decrease in the quality and quantity of your semen. These hormones are responsible for major changes during puberty, so changes in hormone levels can also affect your ejaculate.
Infections
Infections of the reproductive tract, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, can cause watery semen. These infections can also lead to other problems with semen, such as a decrease in quantity or a change in color.
The way that semen leaves your body can also be affected by infections. Infections such as prostatitis can cause inflammation of the prostate, which can make it difficult to ejaculate. There are also certain STDs, such as HIV, that can cause changes in semen.
Regular STD testing is important for anyone who is sexually active. If you have any concerns about your semen, speak to a doctor or other healthcare provider.
Certain medications
Certain medications can also cause watery semen. These include certain antibiotics, antipsychotics, and antidepressants. If you’re taking any of these medications and notice a change in your semen, speak to your doctor. They may be able to recommend an alternative medication.
Diabetes
Diabetes can also cause changes in semen. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the reproductive organs, which can lead to problems with ejaculation.
In some men, diabetes can also cause a decrease in the quantity of semen produced. This is because the body uses some of the sugar in the blood to produce semen.
Kidney Failure
The kidneys play a role in producing testosterone and other hormones. Kidney failure can cause a decrease in these hormones, which can lead to a decrease in the quality and quantity of semen. When the kidneys are not functioning properly, the body may also reabsorb semen instead of ejaculating it.
Additionally, the testicles need a high level of blood flow to function properly. Kidney failure can cause a decrease in blood flow to the testicles, which can lead to problems with semen production.
Cancer
Semen changes can also be caused by cancer. Cancer of the testicles or the prostate can lead to changes in the quantity and quality of semen. Cancer treatment, such as radiation or surgery, can also cause changes.
A Varicocele
A varicocele is a condition that can cause watery semen. It occurs when the veins in the testicles are dilated and filled with blood. This can cause the testicles to overheat, which can lead to a decrease in the quality of semen.
Varicoceles are more common in men who have a family history of the condition. They can also be caused by an injury to the testicles.
Certain genetic conditions
Certain genetic conditions, such as Klinefelter syndrome, can also cause watery semen. Klinefelter syndrome is a condition that affects males and is caused by an extra copy of the X chromosome. Males with this condition often have low testosterone levels and may have problems with fertility.
When To Get Help
If you have watery semen for more than two weeks, make an appointment to see your doctor.
If your semen is watery and you have other symptoms, such as fever, chills, pain, or burning when you urinate, you should see your doctor right away.
Treatments for watery ejaculate are dependent on the underlying cause, but may include:
- Antibiotics, if an infection is present
- Hormone therapy, if low testosterone levels are contributing to the problem
- Surgery, in some cases
The outlook for men with watery ejaculate is generally good. With treatment, the underlying cause can often be resolved, and ejaculate will return to its normal consistency.
This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or other professional advice. Your specific circumstances should be discussed with a healthcare provider. All statements of opinion represent the writers' judgement at the time of publication and are subject to change. Phoenix and its affiliates provide no express or implied endorsements of third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products, or services.