Healthy semen is milky white to grayish in color and has a consistency like raw eggs. Changes in semen color are often harmless and temporary, unless they’re caused by certain medications or foods.
For example, consuming sulfur-rich foods like garlic and onions can cause the semen to turn yellow. The same goes for some drugs and conditions such as hepatitis that affect liver function.
White
Typically, healthy sperm is a cloudy white or gray color with a jelly-like texture. However, if your sperm is yellow, you may need to talk to your doctor about a possible health problem.
Changes in sperm color can have many different causes. Yellow sperm may indicate blood in the semen, which can be caused by a burst blood vessel or an infection like a urinary tract infection (UTI) or prostatitis. Blood in the semen can also be a sign of an underlying condition called leukocytospermia, which occurs when there are too many white blood cells in the semen and can cause damage to sperm.
A yellow sperm color can also be caused by a medication or an illness, such as hepatitis, which can cause your liver to function differently and can affect your sperm’s coloring. It can also be caused by food or spices that contain sulfur, such as asparagus, garlic and turmeric, which can temporarily turn your sperm a yellow color. Once you stop eating these foods, the sperm color should return to normal.
Yellow
When men are healthy, semen is typically whitish-gray or white and has a jelly-like texture. If it changes to yellow, it can be a sign that there is an underlying problem.
The yellow tint of sperm often happens because it passes through the same tube as urine (the urethra). When the seminal fluid comes into contact with urine, it can turn yellow. This can be caused by a urinary tract infection, prostate issues, or the enlargement of the urethra called benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Sometimes, a change in sperm color can be temporary and won’t cause any harm. If your sperm is yellow due to a supplement, medication, or food, it should return to its normal white-gray color once the item leaves your body.
However, if your sperm is yellow and you are experiencing symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will be able to treat the underlying cause of the problem. This can help prevent damage to your sperm and stop the spread of sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and genital herpes.
Green
A healthy sperm sample will contain sperm cells that swim forward and in an oval-shaped pattern. It will also have a neutral pH balance and an average white blood cell count. A test can determine whether a man has healthy sperm and if they are capable of fertilizing an egg.
A yellow or green tint in semen could be a sign of a urinary tract infection, leukocytospermia (high levels of white blood cells) or prostatitis. A foul odor could also be an indication of this condition. If this happens, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
A yellow or green color in semen can also be a result of a diet that is high in sulfur-rich foods such as garlic and onion, excessive alcohol consumption or marijuana use. It could also be due to the presence of lycopene, which is found in tomatoes and watermelons and can reduce reactive oxygen species that damage DNA. A change in sperm color is always a concern and needs to be addressed with a doctor. They will be able to recommend the best course of action.
Red
Semen is a gel-like liquid produced in the testes and contains sperm that can fertilize a woman’s egg. The color, consistency and odor of semen are often indicative of the health of the body’s reproductive glands and sperm. Changes in these characteristics may be normal and should not cause concern unless other symptoms are present.
Red or pink semen is worrisome and often indicates blood in the seminal fluid. This condition is called hematospermia and should be investigated by a doctor immediately. This could indicate a prostate infection, severe hypertension or a cancer of the testes, prostate or urethra.
Yellow semen can indicate a problem with Leukocytospermia, when the testes have too many white blood cells in the seminal fluid. This can also be caused by vigorous sex, prostate problems or certain medications. A yellow tint can also be a sign of infrequent ejaculation and eating foods that contain dyes. Semen that is black may be a sign of spinal cord injuries or the presence of heavy metals.
Pink
Normal semen is a white or gray liquid with the consistency of a runny jelly. Semen contains sperm that can fertilize female eggs during sexual activity or when it is ejaculated. If a man notices that his semen is yellow, red or pink it may be a sign of a problem and needs to be evaluated by a doctor.
Pink or red semen (hematospermia) indicates that there is blood in the seminal fluid. This could be a result of a prostate surgery or biopsy, sex with a partner who has genital warts, vigorous sex, or from an infection in the urethra. A bleed in the prostate gland (prostatitis) can also cause the color change.
An increase in the number of white blood cells in the semen causes it to turn a yellowish color. This is called leukocytospermia and may be a sign of an STD or a urinary tract infection (UTI). Yellow semen may also be a result of eating foods high in sulphur such as onions or garlic or from certain medications or vitamin supplements.
