The typical semen is whitish-gray, and its texture is jelly-like. But the color of your sperm may vary according to diet, genes, and overall health. Changes in color temporarily may not be a cause of major concern.
In this article, we will discuss the different semen colors and determine if it is healthy or not.
White, Clear, or Gray Semen
This color is considered as healthy and normal sperm color. The color, as well as the texture of your semen, are due to various aspects such as proteins, minerals, enzymes, and hormones.
In general, the substances responsible for this kind of color are calcium, acid phosphatase, citric acid, sodium, potassium, zinc, fibrinolysin, and protein-splitting enzymes, which are produced by your prostate gland.
Other components are produced by the urethral gland, the bulbourethral gland, and the seminal vesicles.
Green or Yellow Semen
Sometimes, this kind of color of semen is associated with urine in your semen, jaundice, leukocytospermia, prostatitis, diet, and substance use. If urine is left in your urethra, known as urinary retention, your semen may be greenish or yellowish. This is because the semen is mixed with your urine, and this occurrence may just be normal.
However, there are cases when this is due to urinary tract infection, prostatitis, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, requiring medical attention.
Greenish or yellowish semen is also normal if this is due to the food you eat or substance you use. Foods rich in sulfur such as garlic and onion can turn your semen yellow. That is also true when you use marijuana or drink alcohol.
Other causes may be an indication of a medical condition; for instance, one of the common symptoms of jaundice is when your semen turns yellow.
If you have leukocytospermia, excess numbers of white blood cells are found in your semen, which makes it turn yellow. It may also be due to sexually transmitted diseases, prostate infection, and autoimmune disorders.
Red, Pink, Orange, or Brown Semen
If your semen looks red or pink, this may indicate fresh blood. An orange or brown tinge is usually a sign of older blood. The blood turns into brown or orange if already exposed to oxygen. This may be due to a condition known as hematospermia.
Prostate surgery or biopsy may cause blood to leak, and if it is mixed with substances produced during ejaculation, you may observe changes in your sperm color.
Hypertension can also change the color of your sperm due to blood. Sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and herpes can also make blood appear in your semen that is why its color changes.
You should be aware of this kind of sperm color as it is indicative of a health condition requiring immediate medical attention.
Black Semen
If your semen looks black, it may also be an indication of hematospermia. The black color is usually due to the old blood that stays in your body for a long period. This is also associated with spinal cord injuries and heavy metals.
The main reason why your sperm looks black due to spinal cord injuries cannot be exactly determined. But some experts suggest that it may have something to do with your seminal vesicle that also produces other substances that make up your semen.
If your blood has high levels of heavy metals such as nickel, manganese, and lead, it may cause it to appear dark. This is due to exposure to contaminated water, food, and other factors related to the environment.
If you suspect exposure to these factors, you need to speak with your doctor.
Change of Semen Texture
As mentioned above, it is normal for your sperm to be jelly-like. But this may change depending on the level of your physical activity, diet, alcohol consumption, and marijuana use.
Don’t worry, this circumstance is not a major concern, unless if you experience fatigue, discomfort, and pain.
A thickened semen may be a cause of infection, hormonal imbalance, or severe dehydration. On the other hand, watery semen may be due to infertility or vitamin deficiency.
When to Seek Help from Your Doctor
Being healthy is not a guarantee that the color of your semen will just remain constant. At some point in your life, you will experience changes in semen color.
You need to seek immediate help from your doctor if it is accompanied by other unusual symptoms, including:
- Swelling or heaviness around your genital area
- Inability or difficulty to urinate
- Cloudy or clear discharge
- Fever
- Flu-like symptoms
- Irritation or rash on scrotum or penis
Conclusion
The color of healthy sperm is typically white, clear, or gray. Your sperm color may also change due to various factors such as diet and substance use, and sometimes, this is just normal.
But if a change in color of your semen is due to medical conditions, you need to seek immediate help from your doctor. Changes in semen color may be one of the symptoms of a grave medical condition that needs to be treated immediately.
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