Semen color reflects men’s health

Dr. Tra Anh Duy, Men’s Health Center, semen plays an important role in the reproductive process and is a reliable sign reflecting the status of men’s sexual health.

Here are the colors of semen and what they mean for men’s health.

White or light gray

The normal color of semen is milky white or slightly gray, and may have a slight sheen. This is a sign of health, including sperm and secretions from the prostate and seminal vesicles. The texture of semen is usually viscous and slightly thick, then gradually liquefies after ejaculation.

White or light gray semen when released indicates that the reproductive system is functioning normally, with no signs of infection or abnormalities. This is the most common color in healthy men.

Yellow

Semen that is pale yellow in color is not always abnormal. It can become yellow with age, when a man does not ejaculate regularly, or from a diet rich in sulfur-containing foods such as garlic and onions.

However, yellow semen can also be a sign of infection, especially an infection of the prostate or urethra. Additionally, dark yellow can signal the presence of white blood cells in the semen, a condition called leukocytospermia, which is associated with inflammation and can affect fertility.

Pink, red or brown

Pink, red, or brown colors usually indicate that there is blood in the semen, a condition called hemospermia.

This condition can have a number of causes, including minor damage to the reproductive system due to trauma or vigorous sexual activity; inflammation of the prostate, seminal vesicles, or urethra. More serious conditions such as benign or malignant tumors of the prostate or testicles.

Brown discharge is usually caused by old blood mixed with semen, and is usually not a cause for concern if it occurs only once. However, if the bleeding continues or is accompanied by pain or difficulty urinating, men should see a doctor immediately.

Green

This color is extremely unusual and usually indicates a serious infection, such as a sexually transmitted infection (STI) like gonorrhea.

When semen is green, it may be accompanied by symptoms such as pain during ejaculation, itching, or unusual discharge from the urethra. This type of infection needs to be diagnosed and treated promptly to avoid long-term complications.

Transparent

If the semen is clear or very pale, it may be a sign of low sperm count or insufficient sperm in the ejaculate. This condition can affect fertility and should be checked with a semen analysis to determine the quantity and quality of sperm.

In addition to color, the smell and texture of semen can also reflect health status. Normal ejaculated semen has a mild odor, somewhat like chlorine. However, if it has a foul odor or is unusually thick, this can be a sign of a genital infection or inflammation.

Semen can change color for many non-serious reasons, but you should consult a specialist if it is bloody for a long time; changes color continuously without an obvious reason; pain when ejaculating or urinating; decreased sexual desire or difficulty maintaining an erection.