Male fertility
Semen is usually thick or gel-like immediately after ejaculation and normally liquefies into a more fluid consistency within around 15 to 60 minutes, an effect of enzymes from the prostate. Laboratories note the time taken to liquefy as part of a semen analysis. Delayed or incomplete liquefaction can make it harder to assess sperm motility and concentration accurately and may relate to prostate or seminal vesicle function; the laboratory can use additional processing steps when this happens, and a repeat test is often useful.
Also known as: delayed liquefaction
Sources
- World Health Organization (who.int)
Last reviewed: 9 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.