What Seminal Fluid Color Can Tell You About Your Reproductive Health

Seminal fluid contains sperm, which are essential for reproduction. If something is wrong with your sperm, it may prevent you from successfully conceiving. One way to understand your reproductive health is to take notice of any sperm color changes. In most cases, temporary changes in semen color aren’t a cause for concern. However, if you experience other symptoms in addition to the color change, it may indicate a more serious condition that requires medical attention.

Normal vs. Abnormal Seminal Fluid Color

Seminal fluid is typically a whitish, gray color with a jelly-like consistency. However, the color and consistency of seminal fluid can fluctuate depending on certain lifestyle factors. Semen consists of various minerals, proteins, hormones, and enzymes that can all contribute to its color. Noticeable seminal fluid colors include:

Yellow or Green Semen

Yellow or green colored semen may be caused by:

• Urine: This isn’t typically a cause for concern, but may indicate an issue with semen health, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI), an enlarged prostate, or a bladder obstruction when combined with other symptoms.
• A prostate infection: This issue occurs when bacteria from the urinary tract gets into the prostate gland. Symptoms include difficulty peeing, pain when peeing, and feeling the need to pee often.
• Leukocytospermia: This happens when too many white blood cells (leukocytes) are present in semen, usually due to an autoimmune disorder or infection.
• Jaundice: This occurs due to an excess of bilirubin. Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment left behind when the liver breaks down red blood cells. Symptoms include yellowing of the skin and eyes, as well as fever, chills, and abdominal pain.

Pink, Red, Or Orange-Tinted Semen

Semen that has a pink, red, or orange hue may result from:

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): If left untreated, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and other STIs can cause blood to show up in semen.
• High blood pressure (hypertension): Hypertension can sometimes cause blood to appear in semen.
• Prostate biopsy or surgery: These procedures may introduce blood into the urinary tract, which can mix with semen.
  -Prostate or testicular cancer: In rare cases, bloody semen may be a symptom of prostate or testicular cancer.

Black Semen

Black semen likely includes old blood that’s been in the body for a while. Causes can range from spinal cord injuries to heavy metals from contaminated food, water, or other environmental factors.

When to See a Specialist

It’s normal to be concerned by changes in the color of your seminal fluid. Fortunately, in most cases, there’s nothing to be worried about. However, if the color doesn’t go back to normal or you’re experiencing other symptoms like pain, swelling, or a fever, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a urologist as soon as possible.

Schedule an Appointment with a Male Reproductive Expert

Seminal fluid plays a key role in male reproductive health. At Male Fertility & Sexual Medicine Specialists, we’re committed to accurately and effectively diagnosing and treating a wide range of urology issues. Our founder, Dr. Martin Bastuba, is part of an elite group of 2% of board-certified urologists in the U.S. who have received specialized training in treatments and procedures related to urology and male fertility. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment in San Diego or La Jolla, California.