Semen is the secretion that men secrete with orgasm after sexual arousal. This usually has specific characteristics to be considered normal. Its color, its smell, its quantity must be within specific parameters.
In some diseases and due to diet or certain medications, the color of the sperm can be modified. It can have different shades (yellowish, greenish, reddish), and all are for some reason.
If you want to know what these causes are and what to do in each case, we invite you to continue reading the following FastlyHealarticle about what the color of semen should be like.
Table of Contents
What color is the man’s sperm?
Semen is a substance that is secreted during male orgasm. It is the liquid that carries the sperm. Therefore, it has everything necessary to take care of the fertilization of an egg.
It is made up of different components, including:
- Seminal fluid: contains water, electrolytes, minerals.
- Fructose.
- Sperm.
This liquid is secreted in approximately 3.5 ml after sexual arousal that ends in an orgasm. In each ml of semen, there are between 60 and 120 million sperm.
The color of sperm is usually grayish-white and has a bleach or chlorine odor. It should not hurt or bother during its secretion, and it is dense, sticky, and. When it comes into contact, it crystallizes with the air; on the contrary, it becomes fluid when it comes into contact with a hot and humid surface.
On some occasions, the color of the semen may be different from that described. It may be a harmless and temporary problem, but it can also be due to more complicated reasons. Next, we will discuss the causes of these changes and what to do about them.
Blood in semen
As we have mentioned previously, the average color of semen is white and gray. So when the hue is reddish or brownish, it is abnormal.
The discharge that takes that color is often due to blood, which indicates that there is some problem in the male genital area. Blood can appear only in semen or in urine and semen simultaneously.
The presence of blood in semen can be due to any of the following causes :
- Inflammation in the prostate.
- Inflammation of the testicles and/or epididymis (epididymis- orchitis ).
- Infection: bacterial, parasitic, or viral. It can be the result of a urinary or sexually transmitted disease.
- Testicular trauma.
- Lumps (benign or malignant) in the prostate, bladder, or urethra.
- Amyloidosis
- After a biopsy or surgery in the genital area.
- Use of anticoagulants.
As we can see, the causes of bloody semen are the most varied, and there may be other symptoms, such as urination, pain, or inflammation.
An essential thing, in any case, is to consult a professional. These pathologies must be ruled out and the appropriate treatment instituted, especially when it is a problem that lasts more than a week or is associated with other types of discomfort.
For infections, some antimicrobial may be needed, and, in the case of sexually transmitted diseases, other diseases of this type, such as HIV or hepatitis, must be ruled out.
Sometimes anti-inflammatories may be indicated, but remember that they only serve to cover the symptom. They do not solve the cause of the problem. Therefore, try not to take this type of drug yourself. It is essential to get to the reason for the bleeding.
Some studies may be required to reach the diagnosis. The most common are ultrasound and blood or urine tests.
Yellow semen
The yellowish semen may be due to the combination of urine or a few months since the last ejaculation.
The diet can influence the color of the semen, and the large intake of sulfur foods can cause this type of change, in the case of avocados, broccoli, onion, garlic, or egg yolks.
Yellow semen can also be caused by a variety of diseases, including:
- Infection of the prostate, testicles, or urinary tract.
- Jaundice: it is the yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and ocular conjunctiva, usually due to a problem in the liver or bile ducts.
- Drugs: Certain medications can cause semen to turn yellowish. Among them are rifampicin or multivitamins.
If the yellow sperm is transitory and is not accompanied by discomfort, it has probably been something innocuous. Still, it is advisable to go to a medical consultation if it lasts over time or is accompanied by other symptoms such as:
- Ardor.
- Pain.
- Urinate in a small amount.
- Feeling like urinating after you have done so.
- Inflammation.
Do not delay the consultation if you also suffer from other diseases that lower your defenses or have other symptoms that worry you. Depending on the case, specific blood, urine, semen, or ultrasound studies may be indicated.
Treatment will aim to resolve the cause: anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, or treating the underlying disease may be required.
Green semen
The main reason for green-colored semen is a sexually transmitted infection. It can be due to chlamydia or gonorrhea.
In both cases, there are usually other symptoms such as:
- Discomfort to urinate
- Discharge from the penis
- Testicular pain or swelling.
In these cases, it is essential to see a doctor. They will not only advise you on proper treatment but, more importantly, will rule out other possible infections that are transmitted in this way, such as HIV or hepatitis.
Your partner should also be treated simultaneously, even if he has no symptoms or they are minor.
Another issue to consider is the use of a condom. When you feel better, you need to use it to prevent this type of infection and be safer.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to How the color of semen should be, we recommend that you enter our category of Male reproductive system.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.