Men typically ejaculate semen that is a whitish-gray. But sometimes, they notice slight changes in semen color and consistency based on the food they’ve eaten that day, their activities, or how long it has been since they last ejaculated.
However, there are times when semen might be pink, reddish brown, yellow or green.
Pink or Reddish-Brown Semen
If semen is pink or reddish-brown, there might be blood mixed with the semen, a condition called hematospermia. Bloody semen can have many causes:
Sexually transmitted infections
Prostate biopsy
Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia – BPH)
Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate)
Bracytherapy (a type of radiation therapy for prostate cancer)
Epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis, a tube that stores sperm)
Urethritis (inflammation of the urethra)
Injury or trauma
Vasectomy
Sexually transmitted infections
Prostate biopsy
Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia – BPH)
Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate)
Bracytherapy (a type of radiation therapy for prostate cancer)
Epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis, a tube that stores sperm)
Urethritis (inflammation of the urethra)
Injury or trauma
Vasectomy
Yellow Semen
There are several reasons your semen may appear yellow in color.
Urine in the semen Sometimes urine can get left behind in the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine and sperm out of your body. When this happens, urine and semen can combine as semen passes out of your penis. The mixture of urine and semen may make your semen look yellow.
Jaundice If you have jaundice, your skin and the whites of your eyes may appear yellow. This condition can also affect the color of your semen. Jaundice is the result of high levels of a yellow-orange bile pigment, known as bilirubin, in your body.
Leukocytospermia This condition is characterized by an unusually high number of white blood cells in the semen. Leukocytospermia, which is also called pyospermia, can cause your semen to appear yellow in color. The condition can weaken and damage your sperm, which could lead to reduced fertility.
Prostate infection Semen that appears yellowish-green in color could be a symptom of a possible prostate infection. A prostate infection can happen when bacteria in your urine leak into your prostate.
Lifestyle factors Alcohol and tobacco may affect the color of your semen and cause it to temporarily turn yellow. Some men also anecdotally report a change in semen color when they eat specific foods, such as those high in sulfur, including garlic, onions, and chives. Certain medications may also be the culprit of yellow semen.
Urine in the semen Sometimes urine can get left behind in the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine and sperm out of your body. When this happens, urine and semen can combine as semen passes out of your penis. The mixture of urine and semen may make your semen look yellow.
Jaundice If you have jaundice, your skin and the whites of your eyes may appear yellow. This condition can also affect the color of your semen. Jaundice is the result of high levels of a yellow-orange bile pigment, known as bilirubin, in your body.
Leukocytospermia This condition is characterized by an unusually high number of white blood cells in the semen. Leukocytospermia, which is also called pyospermia, can cause your semen to appear yellow in color. The condition can weaken and damage your sperm, which could lead to reduced fertility.
Prostate infection Semen that appears yellowish-green in color could be a symptom of a possible prostate infection. A prostate infection can happen when bacteria in your urine leak into your prostate.
Lifestyle factors Alcohol and tobacco may affect the color of your semen and cause it to temporarily turn yellow. Some men also anecdotally report a change in semen color when they eat specific foods, such as those high in sulfur, including garlic, onions, and chives. Certain medications may also be the culprit of yellow semen.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases And Semen Color
Some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, can cause a yellowish-white discharge that comes from your penis.
If you have an STD, the discharge may be accompanied by:
• burning during urination
• pain
• itching
• frequent need to urinate
Certain STDs can also lead to leukocytospermia, which may cause semen to appear yellow.
It’s very important to see your doctor if you think you might have an STD. Proper treatment can help symptoms and reduce the chances of spreading the disease to someone else.
If you have an STD, the discharge may be accompanied by:
• burning during urination
• pain
• itching
• frequent need to urinate
Certain STDs can also lead to leukocytospermia, which may cause semen to appear yellow.
It’s very important to see your doctor if you think you might have an STD. Proper treatment can help symptoms and reduce the chances of spreading the disease to someone else.
When To See A Doctor
Men know their bodies best, and generally know the usual color of their semen. But to be on the safe side, it’s a good idea for men to see a doctor if there are any changes in their semen’s color or consistency, or if they detect a foul odor. Pain, burning sensations, swelling, itching, or anything else unusual should definitely be addressed by a doctor.
Summary
Normal semen is generally a clear, white, or gray color. Changes in its color may be temporary and may resolve without medical treatment.
It is not completely abnormal for a man to produce semen that varies in colour, texture, and even smell. The presentation can vary based on a man’s diet, activities, and the amount of time since he last ejaculated.
Yellow-tinted semen does not necessarily mean there is cause for concern. However, dark yellow semen that smells foul or is accompanied by other symptoms of infection or medical problems should not be ignored.
It is not completely abnormal for a man to produce semen that varies in colour, texture, and even smell. The presentation can vary based on a man’s diet, activities, and the amount of time since he last ejaculated.
Yellow-tinted semen does not necessarily mean there is cause for concern. However, dark yellow semen that smells foul or is accompanied by other symptoms of infection or medical problems should not be ignored.
