Why semen changes color Semen is typically whitish-gray in color with a jelly-like texture. This can vary slightly depending on your genes, diet, and overall health. Unless you’re experiencing other usual symptoms, temporary changes in color usually aren’t cause for concern. Read to find out what yellow, green, brown, and other colors may mean, when to seek treatment, and more.

What do the different semen colors mean? clear, white, or gray yellow green pink red brown orange black diet x x heavy metals x x x high blood pressure x x jaundice x leukocytospermia x “normal” x prostate biopsy or surgery x x x x prostate, testicular, or urethral cancer x x x x prostatitis x x x x x x sexually transmitted disease x x x x spinal cord injuries x x substance use x urine in semen x vigorous sex or masturbation x x

What does clear, white, or gray semen mean? Clear, white, or gray semen is considered “normal” or healthy. Your semen is made up of a variety of minerals, proteins, hormones, and enzymes that all contribute to the color and texture of your semen. The substances primarily responsible for this color are produced by your prostate gland. This includes: citric acid

acid phosphatase

calcium

sodium

zinc

potassium

protein-splitting enzymes

fibrinolysin Other components are derived from the seminal vesicles, the bulbourethral gland, and the urethral gland.

What does yellow or green semen mean? Yellow or green semen is usually associated with: Urine in your semen Urine can get left behind in your urethra — the tube that drains urine out of your bladder — after you pee. This is known as urinary retention. Semen passing through the urethra can get mixed together with leftover urine, giving your semen a yellowish tint. This is most common if you ejaculate shortly after you pee, and it usually isn’t a cause for concern. Some causes may require medical attention, including: urinary tract infection

benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate)

infection of the prostate (prostatitis) or other reproductive organ Jaundice Jaundice happens when too much bilirubin builds up in your body. Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment left behind when your liver breaks down red blood cells. The most common symptom is yellowing or your skin and the whites of your eyes, but it can turn your semen yellow, too. Other symptoms of jaundice include: chills

fever

abdominal pain Leukocytospermia Leukocytospermia happens when too many white blood cells (leukocytes) are present in your semen. This can tint your semen yellow. Causes can include: sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

prostate infection

autoimmune disorders See a doctor if you suspect leukocytospermia. Some causes, such as chlamydia, can result in infertility if left untreated. Prostate infection (Prostatitis) Yellow or yellowish-green sperm can be caused by a prostate infection. This happens when bacteria from your urinary tract gets into your prostate gland. Other symptoms may include: difficulty peeing

pain when peeing

feeling the need to pee often

lower abdominal pain

pain near your rectum

pain during ejaculation

feeling exhausted

fever

chills See your doctor if you suspect prostatitis. Diet and substance use Eating foods that contain yellow dyes can turn your semen yellow. Foods high in substances like sulfur, such as onions and garlic, may also have an effect. Drinking alcohol or using marijuana may also result in a yellowish tinge.

What does pink, red, brown, or orange semen mean? A pink or red tinge is usually a sign of fresh blood. A brownish or orange tinge is typically a sign of older bloodshed. Blood may turn this color after it has been exposed to oxygen. Bloody semen is known as hematospermia, which is usually associated with: Prostate biopsy or surgery A biopsy is done when your doctor takes a tissue sample from your prostate gland. This involves cutting the tissue, which may introduce blood into your urinary tract or ejaculatory ducts. Surgery can also cause blood to leak into the area. Blood can also mix with substances in the prostate that are produced when you ejaculate. These can cause your semen to turn reddish, pinkish, or brownish. High blood pressure High blood pressure (hypertension) can cause blood to appear in your semen, especially if it’s not being treated. In some cases, you may not experience any other symptoms. If symptoms are present, you may also experience: shortness of breath

bloody nose

headaches STDs STDs like herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea can cause blood to appear in your semen. Other symptoms of these STDs can include: pain or burning while peeing

pain or swelling in your testicles

unusual yellow or colored discharge from your penis

itchy, irritating, or painful rash Prostate infection (Prostatitis) If left untreated, prostatitis can also cause bloody semen. Other symptoms may include: difficulty peeing

pain when peeing

feeling the need to pee often

lower abdominal pain

pain near your rectum

pain during ejaculation

feeling exhausted

fever

chills Vigorous sex or masturbation In some cases, frequent ejaculation can cause blood to appear in your semen. Not having an orgasm for a long time, or stopping yourself before ejaculation, can also cause blood to get in your semen. This usually isn’t cause for concern and should resolve within a day or two. Prostate, testicular, or urethral cancers In rare cases, bloody semen may be a sign of prostate, testicular, or urethral cancer. These cancers are usually treated successfully, even at late stages. Other symptoms can include pain or discomfort in your: testicles

scrotum

lower abdomen

lower back

genital area

What does black semen mean? Black semen is usually caused by hematospermia. Black blood is usually old blood that’s been in your body for a long time. Black semen may also be associated with: Spinal cord injuries Injuries to your spinal cord may result in dark brown- or black-colored semen. Although the exact reason unknown, it may have something to do with a seminal vesicle malfunction. These glands produce some substances that make up semen. If you haven’t already, see a doctor about your injury. They can assess whether it’s causing certain symptoms or if they’re the result of another underlying issue. Heavy metals One 2013 study found that high levels of heavy metals — such as lead, manganese, and nickel — in the blood may cause dark-colored semen. This may result from exposure to contaminated food, water, or other environmental factors. See a doctor if you suspect exposure.