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The consistency of sperm can vary from person to person and throughout life, and may be thicker in some situations, not being, in most cases, cause for concern.
The change in the consistency of the sperm can be caused by certain habits, such as changes in diet, physical exercise or consumption of certain substances, such as alcohol or drugs, for example. In addition, if infrequent ejaculations can also make the sperm thicker and with greater volume. Clarify 10 doubts about semen.
However, in some cases, sperm may appear thick for reasons that must be treated or seen by the doctor, such as some of the following:
1. Hormonal imbalance
Hormonal changes can make the sperm thicker, since hormones, such as testosterone, are part of the composition of the semen, contributing to the protection of sperm. The person may suspect that the thick sperm is the result of a hormonal change, if other symptoms appear, such as decreased sexual desire, difficulty maintaining an erection, loss of muscle mass or tiredness, for example.
What to do: If the man presents these symptoms, he must go to the doctor, in order to make a diagnosis and the appropriate treatment. In addition, it is also important to eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly and avoid excessive smoking and alcohol.
2. Infections
Infections in the genital region, especially those caused by bacteria, can make the sperm thicker, due to the increase in white blood cells, which can change the morphology of the sperm and also reduce the volume of the sperm. Some symptoms that may arise in these cases are difficulty and pain when urinating, the presence of a milky discharge and the presence of blood in the urine, for example.
What to do: In the presence of these symptoms, it is important to go to the doctor, who may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.
3. Dehydration
Dehydration is also one of the causes behind thick sperm, since it is mostly composed of water. If the person is dehydrated, less fluid and more viscous sperm will be. The man may suspect dehydration if he presents symptoms, such as excessive thirst, dark urine or extreme tiredness, for example.
What to do: To avoid dehydration it is very important to drink fluids throughout the day. It is recommended to drink around 2 liters of water per day.
4. Changes in the prostate
In its composition, semen contains sperm coming from the testicles, seminal fluid from the seminal vesicles and a small amount of fluid from the prostate. Thus, changes in the functioning of the prostate or seminal vesicles can make the sperm thicker, due to changes in the proteins released to the sperm or changes in the production of the seminal fluid.
Some symptoms that may arise in men with prostate problems are painful ejaculation, painful urination and increased frequency of urination.
What to do: In the presence of these symptoms, you should go immediately to the urologist in order to avoid complications.
Created by: Tua Saúde Editorial Team
Bibliography>
- ENDOTEXT. Benign Prostate Disorders. 2016. Available at:. Accessed on 24 Aug 2020
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- Jóźków, Pawel et. al-. The Impact of Intense Exercise on Semen Quality. American Journal of Men's Health. Vol.11. 3.ed; 654-662, 2017
- Sanocka Maciejewskaa, D. et. al .. Bacterial infection and semen quality. Journal of Reproductive Immunology. Vol.67. 1.ed; 51-56, 2005