Little boys often ask if their semen is normal. The material is usually greyish white and has the consistency of a gel. However, it may mutate with time. Males of all ages are at risk, and any man who experiences symptoms associated with his semen should be worried. However, the color can be temporarily influenced by lifestyle factors. It is important to know what normal is, and what isn’t, in order to maintain the health of the man.
What is Semen?
Semen, a type of fluid, contains proteins, enzymes, hormones and minerals. Each item adds to the color and texture. The fluid is secreted by the seminal vesicles, which are located behind the bladder. The prostate gland is also involved in the production of semen.
Male semen may contain amino acids, citric acid, and potassium. Fructose, zinc, and sodium are also found in a male’s semen. This fluid also contains mucus. Sperm is only responsible for approximately 5% of semen volume. Having this information and knowing the normal semen color is important, as it allows the man to determine when a change has occurred and whether they need to be worried.
Factors That Influence Semen Color
The tinge of a man’s semen can change if he is infected with an STD. That said, men who have never sexed anally may find the color changes over time. Colors a man might see include yellow-green, pinkish-red, orange-brown, and black. The different colors could point to heavy metals in the semen, jaundice, drug use, prostate or testicular cancer, or hypertension.
White, Yellow, or Gray Semen
Normal semen is usually clear, white or slightly grey. If the semen discolor to yellow or green, it indicates there is something wrong with urinary tract. Any obstruction to the flow of urine out of the urethra can cause a change in the color of the semen. Doctors call this urinary retention, because the semen gets trapped with any urine left in the urethra as it moves along this tube. This accumulation of residual urine turns it yellowish. Men can notice the yellow hue if the ejaculate is discharged soon after urinating.
The man will have to go to a doctor for treatment for an enlarged prostate, bladder obstruction, prostate infection, or urinary tract infection. Prostate infection may result in yellow semen when bacteria from the urinary tract enter into the prostate gland.
These conditions, all more common in men over 50, can make it difficult for them to urinate or cause them pain when they do. Males tend to say they feel like they need to urinate more often when they are infected, and there is occasionally pain in the lower stomach, lower back or during ejaculation. Most men will feel fever or chills when they have one of these infections. Leukocytospermia can also cause semen to be yellow. This disease is characterized with an abundance of leukocytes in the semen, and the most probable cause is that he has contracted an autoimmune disorder and an infection.
Jaundice can also cause the semen to turn yellow. Jaundice results from excess bilirubin in the body. The yellow colour is a pigment produced when red cells are broken down by the liver. People frequently find out they have the condition when they develop yellowed skin and the whites of their eyes. Jaundice may also cause the semen to turn yellow, and the urine might be darker than normal. An email me with fever, chills and then pain in my abdomen I should see my doctor to find out what’s going on. They can have jaundice.”
Pinkish-Red or Orange-Brown Semen
When there is a pink or red discoloration in the semen, the man needs to visit their doctor. This color points to fresh blood in the semen. On the other hand, the presence of brown or orange color in the semen could indicate the presence of older blood in the semen. Blood turns brown or orange as it oxidizes. Hematospermia is the medical term for bloody ejaculate.
The man may have an infection, such as an STI or prostatitis. There is often pain or burning on urination; the testicles may be tender or swollen, and they may have an itchy or painful rash. Action must be taken quickly since a man can be rendered infertile by certain sexually-transmitted infections if not treated quickly.
Hypertension may also cause blood in the semen. Controlling the high blood pressure is necessary to avoid further problems. People with very severe hypertension and hematuria may also have ruptured vessels in the eyes. They get short of breath, have nosebleeds or headaches.
After a prostate biopsy or surgery, a man may see blood in his semen. In this biopsy, the physician removes a tissue specimen from the prostate gland, and this process can cause blood in the urinary tract. The gentleman should inform his doctor of these symptoms so he can be sure nothing else is going on and that it is simply because of the procedure he underwent.
Prostate or testicular cancer can result in hemospermia. Men should see their doctor immediately if they have any of these signs, as these cancers are curable. But, early detection is key to good results.
Black Semen
Hematospermia is often the cause of black semen. The black blood has been in the body for quite some time, and it’s leading to this color. Spinal cord injuries may also result in dark brown or black semen. Medical professionals believe that a malfunctioning of the seminal vesicle is leading to this black color. Let the doctor know to ensure they attribute the change in semen color to the right cause.
Heavy metals may also lead to dark-colored semen. Contaminated food or water are two ways a person might be exposed to heavy metals. They may also be present in the environment.
Semen color is not the only thing a man should monitor. They should monitor the texture and consistency of their semen. A temporary change isn’t a primary concern unless the man is experiencing other new symptoms. A man should pay attention to the amount and smell of their semen, as any changes in either could indicate that there is a medical condition that requires treatment. Men cannot be too careful with their health, and monitoring semen color and other characteristics is one way to ensure a man knows when there is a problem that needs medical attention.
