Understanding Low Sperm Count and Watery Semen: A Personal Account
**Subject: Concerns About My Semen and Sperm Count** I am a 32-and-a-half-year-old male, and I apologize if this topic seems too explicit. My difficulties began in my mid-twenties, gradually worsening each year. Currently, my semen appears clear, with only a minimal amount of opaque sperm present—certainly a stark contrast to when I was younger, when it was consistently thick and entirely white. Moreover, I've noticed a consistent decrease in the amount I ejaculate over the years. Even after several days of abstinence, as shown in the attached imagery, the quantity remains disappointingly low. For instance, if I ejaculate in the morning and attempt again in the evening, all that results is a few tiny drops. Clearly, something is amiss. Despite trying to abstain for four to five days, my semen volume is still insignificant. In casual conversations, I've learned that my friends produce ten times my quantity. Years ago, I mentioned these concerns to my doctor. Over the past few years, I've undergone numerous blood tests, which I’ve shared as evidence. Each time, the results have been perfectly normal, and my testosterone levels, in particular, are quite robust—above 800. Since my mid-twenties, I've also faced escalating erectile issues that seem to coincide with the decline in sperm quality, both becoming more pronounced as I entered my thirties. Following this trend, I’ve undergone several cardiac assessments, including a recent Doppler scan of my genitals to evaluate blood circulation. The outcomes have shown no abnormalities. So, it appears the problems are not **hormonal**, **cardiovascular**, or **psychological**—I do not suffer from anxiety or depression. This leads me to wonder, what could be causing these issues? It's undeniable that these challenges have started to take a significant mental toll on my well-being. While I don't have immediate plans for fatherhood, I remain open to the idea in the future. Since I am currently single, my doctor has not expressed much concern regarding my situation, even though I have raised it multiple times. I find myself uncertain about what steps to take next. **Any advice would be greatly appreciated!**
Answers (1)
8/10/2025, 1:20:46 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your concerns—it's understandable to feel anxious about changes in your semen and sexual health. Based on what you've described, it sounds like you're experiencing a combination of low semen volume, changes in semen appearance, and erectile difficulties, which can be distressing.
Main Points
These symptoms can stem from various causes, despite your normal hormonal and cardiovascular assessments. It's essential to explore potential factors like lifestyle, diet, hydration, and specific medical conditions that can affect semen quality.
Explanation
Semen characteristics can change over time due to a variety of factors, including age, lifestyle choices, or underlying health conditions. The clear color and lower volume you are observing might suggest several possibilities:
- Hydration Levels: Dehydration can result in less thick and less voluminous semen. Ensuring you are well-hydrated is fundamental.
- Sperm Production: While testosterone levels are normal, factors such as testicular health, genetics, or lifestyle can also influence semen quality and volume.
- Inflammation or Infection: Conditions like prostatitis or epididymitis can affect semen quality, even if hormones and blood tests look normal.
- Lifestyle Factors: Diet, exercise, stress management, and substance use (like smoking or alcohol) can impact sexual health.
Next Steps
-
Hydration: Start by drinking plenty of water daily to enhance overall health, including semen production. Aim for at least 8-10 cups a day.
-
Healthy Lifestyle: Incorporate a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Regular exercise (at least 30 minutes most days) will not only help your physical health but can also boost mood and energy levels.
-
Track Symptoms: Keep a journal of your symptoms, including any changes in semen characteristics and erectile function, as well as lifestyle factors (diet, stress levels, exercise) to identify any patterns or triggers.
-
Follow-Up with a Specialist: Since general checks have not identified any concerns, it may be helpful to see a urologist who specializes in male fertility or sexual health. They can conduct more targeted tests, including a semen analysis, and explore potential specific issues that general tests might miss.
-
Consider Psychological Support: Although you indicated that you do not have anxiety or depression, consider talking to a mental health professional to address any emotional impacts these changes may have caused.
By focusing on these steps, you can gain better insights into your health and hopefully improve your situation. Remember, it’s okay to seek further evaluation and support to get to the bottom of these concerns. You're taking a proactive approach by reaching out and seeking advice, and that’s a significant first step.
Related Questions
Concerns After Indwelling Catheter Removal and Prostatitis
I am a 37-year-old male weighing 180 pounds, currently not taking any medication. Earlier this year in May, I encountered a significant issue when a kidney stone larger than 7mm became lodged in a previously treated urethral stricture from a surgery I had back in 2018. As a result, I was subjected to emergency cystoscopy which failed, leading to the insertion of a catheter that remained for over a month. Throughout this period, I experienced intense irritation in my bladder and prostate, which intensified during a week when I had a persistent cough. The catheter was finally taken out in June, after which I spent several weeks expelling multiple stones and residual debris from my bladder, including a larger stone that was passed in the hospital aided by IV fluids and morphine. My primary worry has arisen from what I believe was a nocturnal emission that occurred while the catheter was still in place. Upon its removal, the first thing I expelled was a white substance, which my urologist suggested might represent white blood cells given the significant inflammation I was experiencing. To clarify, I have undergone tests for bacterial urinary tract infections on four occasions through three different laboratories, all returning negative, though my white blood cell counts were elevated. Following this ordeal, I was diagnosed with prostatitis and sterile pyeluria. My current situation is particularly concerning; with the reduction of prostate inflammation, I am feeling a strong desire to ejaculate. However, I have developed anxiety that my prostate and the ducts leading into the urethra could be obstructed by hardened semen or other materials retained during the catheterization. I fear that attempts to relieve this could potentially cause further blockage or injury, resulting in additional complications. Could any medical professional familiar with male urinary and reproductive health advise if my concerns hold any merit? I’m not entirely confident in my current urologist's insights; he seems evasive and has provided numerous misleading statements in the past. Thank you for any guidance you can provide.
Should I Be Concerned About Chest Discomfort?
I’m a 19-year-old assigned female at birth and I’ve been feeling some discomfort in my chest. It’s not exactly painful, but it makes breathing feel more laborious than usual. It’s hard to explain, but it feels like my sternum isn't moving when I try to take a deep breath, which leaves me feeling like I'm not getting enough air. It’s an odd sensation. I was diagnosed with a heart murmur when I was an infant, and recently, my new physician mentioned he might be able to hear it again, something that my previous doctors, especially my pediatrician, hadn’t mentioned in years. I’ve scheduled a thorough examination for it in three months. In the past, I assumed my chest discomfort was linked to the binder I wear when I go out, but interestingly, I’ve started experiencing these symptoms even when I'm not wearing it. It’s mostly occurring at night or while I’m lying down, and I've noticed it becoming more pronounced over the last few weeks. Should I bring this up with my parents right away or is it acceptable to wait until my upcoming appointment for a discussion?
Experiencing Bloating Post-Anal Sex and Douching
Hello everyone, I'm a 26-year-old gay man. For the past three years, I've been engaging in anal intercourse with my partner. Initially, I used a small douche that suited my needs well. However, about a year ago, I decided to purchase a larger model. After trying it out, I experienced significant bloating in my lower abdomen that persisted for about two to three months. Eventually, my stomach returned to its usual shape, but now every time I engage in anal sex, I find myself bloated again, and it takes one to two months for it to go back to normal. I attempted to alleviate the issue by taking probiotics, which seemed to help as the bloating seemed to subside for a while. I thought perhaps I had resolved the matter. However, after bottoming again, I encountered even more bloating than before. Now, I've decided to halt any sexual activity altogether, as I'm genuinely worried about what could be causing these symptoms. I would be grateful for any insights or advice anyone might have on this matter. 🥹
Understanding Men's Sexual Health Challenges
Greetings, I’m a 21-year-old man who has encountered significant stress over the last twelve months. Alongside this, I have found myself indulging excessively in online pornography, which has led to challenges in achieving a complete erection. I recognize that this situation is concerning and I am committed to finding a resolution. I am curious to know if this issue is likely to be temporary, and I would appreciate insight into possible solutions. Additionally, I would like some information regarding the expected duration of recovery. Thank you for your time.
Experiencing Nausea and Dizziness During Pilates
I am a 42-year-old female, standing at 5'7" and weighing 185 pounds with no existing medical conditions. Recently, I attended a Pilates session utilizing the reformer, and approximately 15 minutes into the class, I began to feel queasy and lightheaded. While the discomfort subsided temporarily, it returned towards the conclusion of the class and lingered for about 20 minutes after I finished. It’s worth noting that I have not engaged in any exercise apart from walking for quite some time. Additionally, I’m looking to shed some pounds and recognize that my physical fitness isn’t at its peak, especially since I spend most of my day seated at a desk. I’m curious about the reasons behind feeling unwell during a workout, as I have another class scheduled for the coming days and would like to avoid a repeat of this experience.