So often when a man is discussing penis health matters, he is focusing on the organ itself. What can be done about the odor? Should it have a curve like that? Is that rash anything to worry about? But penis health also extends to matters beyond the organ itself, so that (for example) an infection in the kidneys would be part of penis health. By the same token, matters that relate to semen are definitely penis health issues. And one question that often arises is why a man’s semen may be somewhat watery.

About semen

All guys know that semen is the milky liquid that erupts from the penis when it has been sufficiently stimulated. But frequently guys know little more than that. For example, men often use the words semen and sperm interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Sperm are the male reproductive cells that fertilize a woman’s eggs. Sperm are a part of a man’s semen, but semen also includes a mixture of fluids and other ingredients. There are proteins found in semen, as well as a high percentage of fructose sugars, which tend to account for the jelly-like texture of semen. The main purpose of semen is to be the vehicle that transports sperm from the male to the female.

While semen typically is rather thick, sometimes it may be somewhat watery. When this happens, a man may wonder why this is happening and if this is a penis health issue he needs to do something about.

Why is it watery?

There can be several reasons why a man’s semen might become watery. These include:

Not enough zinc. The Journal of Reproduction and Infertility identifies zinc as a major component in sperm production and semen quality. The body doesn’t produce zinc on its own, so most people need to get zinc from the food that they eat. (Zinc is also important for other bodily functions and issues.) Among the foods that are highest in zinc are oysters, dairy products, beans, shellfish, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, pine nuts, almonds, and whole grains.

“Too much” masturbation. No, masturbation is not unhealthy – but when a guy ejaculates frequently, it may have an impact on the consistency of his semen. (And the same goes for having sex frequently – any activity or combination of activities that results in frequent ejaculations runs the risk of making the semen become watery.)

Alcohol and/or tobacco. Often, watery semen indicates a low sperm count – and too much alcohol and/or smoking negatively impacts the amount of sperm a man produces.

Retrograde ejaculation. This is a condition in which some or all of a man’s semen flows back into the bladder rather than out through the penis. When it is a partial retrograde situation, the semen that does escape through the penis may be thinner in consistency.

Hormone issues. If a person suffers from problems with his thyroid or with the gonads, it may result in hormonal imbalances, which can dampen appropriate semen production.

Watery semen joins the ranks of penis health issues, hopefully inspiring a man to daily apply a first-class penis health oil (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). When selecting an oil, find one that include both vitamin A and L-carnitine. Vitamin A has antibacterial properties that can help fight persistent penis odor, a frequent issue for men. And L-carnitine is a valuable amino acid that goes a long way to helping maintain appropriate penis sensation.