Semen is usually white in color, but sometimes it may change color. This change does not necessarily mean a serious problem as some people think, but it may also be a sign of a health condition that requires medical advice. In the following lines, through the Dalili Medical website, we will review the colors of semen and their implications according to our website

What is the normal color of semen in men?

 

Semen is usually gray or white in color.

Can a sterile man ejaculate semen?

 

Yes, a sterile man can ejaculate, but as we mentioned, he may face difficulties during ejaculation, such as delay or speed, depending on the degree of infertility. Some cases of infertility may be due to a lack or absence of sperm in the semen.

Components of semen?

 

Semen is the fluid that carries sperm during ejaculation. Here are the most important indicators that reflect the health of semen:

- It contains a group of elements in addition to sperm, such as enzymes, vitamin C, calcium, sodium, protein, zinc, and fructose sugar.

- Its color tends to be cloudy white.

Its consistency is similar to jelly.

Its volume ranges between 1.5 and 6.8 milliliters.

Its smell is similar to the smell of chlorine.

What is the difference between semen and sperm?

 

Semen is the viscous fluid that comes out of the penis during ejaculation after sexual intercourse. This fluid consists of sperm in addition to a group of other components and materials that work to nourish the sperm.

How can you make sure that there is no problem with the semen?

 

If you suffer from a problem with semen or sperm, or if the proportion and specifications of the semen do not conform to the known standard criteria, you cannot discover this on your own. It is necessary to visit a specialist in male diseases to conduct a medical examination and semen analysis. This will enable you to know the quality of the semen, the percentage of abnormalities, the number and speed of sperm, in addition to measuring the acidity of the semen and other characteristics.

**Morphology**

If 50% of the sperm are abnormally shaped, the individual may have difficulty achieving pregnancy.

**Motility**

More than 50% of the sperm should be motile after an hour of ejaculation.

**Ph**

The normal pH ranges between 7.2 and 7.8. If the pH is higher than 8, this may indicate an infection, while a pH lower than 7 indicates contamination or blockage in the vas deferens.

**Volume**

The normal volume of semen is estimated at about two milliliters per ejaculation.

**Liquefaction**

At first, the semen is highly dense, but after 15 to 30 minutes, it turns into a low-density fluid. It is important to note that this change enhances sperm motility.

**Sperm count**

The normal sperm count is about 20 million to more than 200 million.

 

**Color**

In its normal state, semen is white or gray. The yellow color is due to the effects of taking some medications.

What are the indications and causes of semen color change?

 

Semen color can change from its natural color to different colors such as yellow, green, pink, red, brown, orange, or black.

**Green semen** The color of semen turns green as a result of changes in diet or due to prostatitis.

**Pink or red semen**The pink or red color of semen indicates the presence of new blood as a result of bleeding, and this condition is known as hematospermia. This phenomenon can occur for several reasons, including:

**Prostate biopsy or surgery** Prostate biopsy involves taking a sample of prostate gland tissue, which leads to cutting the tissue and may cause blood to enter the urinary tract or ejaculatory ducts. Surgical procedures may also lead to blood leaking into this area, causing the blood to mix with the fluids produced by the prostate during ejaculation, thus changing the color of the semen.

**High blood pressure** High blood pressure can lead to the appearance of blood in the semen, especially if it is not treated. This condition may be accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath, nosebleeds, or headaches, but these symptoms appear in rare cases.

**Sexually transmitted diseases** Diseases such as herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea are sexually transmitted diseases that may lead to the appearance of blood in the semen. This condition may be accompanied by other symptoms such as pain or burning during urination, pain or swelling in the testicles, abnormal discharge from the penis, in addition to itching or a rash that is annoying and painful.

**Prostatitis** If left untreated, prostatitis can cause blood in semen. Other symptoms may include difficulty urinating, pain during urination, frequent urges to urinate, lower abdominal pain, pain near the rectum, pain during ejaculation, fatigue, fever, and chills.

**Excessive sex or masturbation** In some cases, frequent ejaculation can cause blood in semen. Not having an orgasm for a long time, or stopping before ejaculating, can also contribute to blood in semen. This is usually nothing to worry about and goes away within a day or two.

Cancer of the prostate, testicle, or urethra (urethra) In rare cases, blood in semen may indicate one of these types of cancer. These cancers can usually be treated successfully, even in their advanced stages. Other symptoms may include pain or discomfortC in the testicles, scrotum, lower abdomen, lower back, or genital area.

Spinal cord injuries can cause semen to turn brown.

Exposure to heavy metals can also cause semen to turn orange.

**Brown or orange semen** The brown or orange color of semen indicates the presence of old blood, as the blood turns brown as a result of exposure to oxygen and oxidation.

**Black semen** Semen appears black as a result of bleeding. Black blood is considered old blood that has been in the body for a long time, as it oxidizes when exposed to oxygen.

The cause of black semen can be one of the following:

 

- **Spinal cord injuries**: Spinal cord injuries can cause semen to appear dark brown or black. Although the exact cause is not known, it may be related to a defect in the seminal vesicle, as these glands produce some of the substances that make up semen.

**Exposure to heavy metals**High levels of heavy metals such as lead, manganese, and nickel in the blood can cause semen to appear dark. This change occurs as a result of exposure to contaminated sources such as food, water, or other environmental factors.

**Yellow semen**Semen appears yellow for one of the following reasons:

 

**Mixing urine with semen**Urine can be held in the urethra, the tube that carries urine and sperm out of the body. When urine is held, urine can mix with semen as it exits, causing semen to appear yellow.

Possible causes of urinary retention include: urinary tract infection, and an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia.

**Jaundice**Jaundice is a condition that causes yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, and semen may also appear yellow. Jaundice is caused by high levels of bilirubin in the blood, which is characterized by its yellow-orange color.

Jaundice has many causes, including: hepatitis, autoimmune diseases, genetic metabolic defects, alcohol consumption, some medications, gallstones or cholecystitis, pancreatic cancer, and pancreatitis.

**High white blood cells in semen** This condition is characterized by the presence of a large number of white blood cells in the semen, which leads to a change in its color to yellow. This condition can lead to weakness and damage to the sperm, which negatively affects and weakens fertility.

Causes that lead to high white blood cells in the semen include: swelling in the penis or thigh area, genital infections such as herpes, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, autoimmune disorders, narrowing of the urethra, infrequent ejaculation, dilated blood vessels coming from the testicles, in addition to drinking alcohol, marijuana, or using tobacco.

**Prostatitis** Prostatitis occurs when bacteria in the urine move to the prostate gland. Symptoms of this infection include: difficulty urinating, pain during urination, frequent need to urinate, cloudy urine, pain during ejaculation, and pain in the lower back, abdomen, penis, or groin area.

**Lifestyle** Lifestyle can affect the color of semen, and factors that may play a role include:

- Alcohol and tobacco consumption may cause semen to appear temporarily yellow.

- Certain foods, such as garlic and onions that are high in sulfur, may cause a change in the color of semen. Foods that contain yellow dyes can also turn semen yellow.

- The use of certain medications may also affect the color of semen, making it appear yellow.

**Infrequent ejaculation** The phenomenon of infrequent ejaculation, which is the absence of ejaculation for long periods, leads to urine mixing with semen, giving the fluid a yellow color.

**Sexually transmitted diseases** These include sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, herpes, and gonorrhea, and may be accompanied by an unpleasant odor to the semen.

What are the ways to treat semen color change?

 

Most cases of semen color change are normal and do not require concern or a visit to the doctor. However, if a sudden change in color occurs as a result of a certain disease, it is necessary to consult a doctor to evaluate the condition. Each color may require a special evaluation as follows:

- If the semen color is red or brown and this change continues for several days, a doctor should be consulted immediately.

 

- If the semen color is yellow, there is no need to worry unless it is dark or accompanied by symptoms such as fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes, pain during ejaculation, a foul odor to the semen, difficulty urinating or inability to urinate completely, a feeling of heaviness or swelling in the genital area, a rash and irritation in the penis or scrotum, abnormal secretions, or symptoms similar to colds or flu.

**Yellow semen treatment** Treatment of yellow semen depends on determining the main reason behind the change in its color. Here are some treatment options:

- If the cause is urinary retention or jaundice, the doctor will treat the underlying condition that is causing the problem.

- In the case of an increased white blood cell count, treatment may include the use of antibiotics or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, in addition to some nutritional supplements.

- In some cases, surgery may be required to treat the underlying causes of this condition.

- If the cause is related to sexually transmitted diseases or prostate infections, treatment is done by prescribing antibiotics or antiviral medications. Men with the condition are also advised to abstain from sex until the infection is cured.

- It is preferable to increase water intake and avoid foods that may lead to semen discoloration.

When should I see a doctor?

 

You should visit your doctor in the following cases:

- If the color of the semen continues to change for more than a week.

- If you have difficulty urinating.

- If you feel swelling or heaviness in the genital area.

- If you have a rash or irritation on the penis or scrotum.

- If you have clear or cloudy discharge.

- If you have any of the above symptoms with flu-like symptoms.

- If you have a high temperature or feel chills.

- If the foul odor emanating from the semen persists.