Thick sperm can be a consequence of unhealthy habits, such as drinking excessive alcohol and a sedentary lifestyle, for example, or be a sign of hormonal imbalances, sexually transmitted infections, dehydration, changes in the prostate or use of anabolic steroids without medical advice.
The consistency of sperm can vary from person to person throughout life, and may be thicker in some situations, and in most cases this is not a cause for concern. Clarify 10 doubts about semen.
However, if thick sperm is accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain and burning when urinating, discharge, painful ejaculation, difficulty ejaculating, dark urine, for example, it is important that a urologist be consulted so that a detailed evaluation can be carried out. identify the cause of thick sperm and, thus, be able to indicate the best treatment.
Main causes
The main causes of thick sperm are:
1. Hormonal imbalance
Hormonal changes can make sperm thicker, as hormones, such as testosterone, can change the composition of semen. Furthermore, changes in the thyroid can also cause hormonal imbalance, interfering with semen production and consistency.
A person may suspect that 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: It is important that men consult a urologist so that tests can be recommended to help confirm the diagnosis and, thus, treatment can begin, which may involve the use of medication, hormone replacement and regular physical activity.
2. Sexually transmitted infections
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can interfere with sperm, making them thicker due to an increase in white blood cells, which can alter sperm morphology and even reduce sperm volume.
In addition to thick sperm, in the case of an STI, other symptoms such as pain and difficulty urinating, the presence of milky discharge and blood in the urine are common. Learn how to identify STI symptoms in men.
What to do: In this case, it is essential to consult a urologist so that the diagnosis can be made and treatment can be started, which involves the use of antibiotics. It is important that the treatment is carried out according to the doctor’s instructions to ensure the elimination of the infectious agent.
3. Dehydration
Dehydration can also cause thick sperm, as semen is mainly made up of water. Therefore, in case of dehydration, the sperm will be less fluid and more viscous. A man may suspect dehydration if he presents symptoms, such as excessive thirst, dark urine or extreme tiredness, for example. Check out other symptoms of dehydration.
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 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 into the sperm or changes in the production of seminal fluid.
Some symptoms that may appear in men with prostate problems are painful ejaculation, pain when urinating and increased urination frequency. Check out the warning signs of prostate problems.
What to do: If changes in the prostate are suspected, it is important that a urologist is consulted so that an assessment can be carried out and the most appropriate treatment indicated according to the cause.
5. Excessive use of anabolic steroids
The frequent and unmonitored use of anabolic steroids can have some consequences for men, including a decrease in sperm count, smaller testicles and changes in the consistency of the sperm, which can become thicker.
What to do: It is important that the use of anabolic steroids is indicated and monitored by the doctor, as this makes it possible to control side effects and ensure adequate use of the anabolic steroid. See the main side effects of anabolic steroids.
6. Delayed or infrequent ejaculation
A decrease in the number of ejaculations or delayed ejaculation, which is a situation in which a man is unable to ejaculate during sexual intercourse, only through masturbation, can also make the sperm thicker, as the semen has more volume.
What to do: It is important that the cause of infrequent ejaculation or delayed ejaculation is identified, as this will enable the best treatment to be initiated, which may involve therapy and/or the use of medication.
7. Unhealthy lifestyle habits
Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, smoking and/or lack of physical activity can also interfere with the quality of sperm, so that it can be thicker and more viscous and there is a decrease in the quantity of sperm.
What to do: If thick sperm is related to lifestyle habits, it is important to start practicing regular physical activity, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption and have a healthy and balanced diet.
