Semen Color: A Rainbow of Hues and What They Mean

Semen — nope, it’s not a bunch of men in a water-borne vessel. It’s that secret man sauce that delivers potent swimmers to a warm place for reproduction or a long tube sock on a rainy day. Semen’s healthy color is a whitish-gray color with a jelly-like texture. This fluid consists of various minerals, proteins, hormones, and enzymes that all affect its color and texture. Believe it or not, semen color can change, and these changes serve as an indicator of what’s going on in a man’s body. Read on to find out what yellow, green, brown, and other colors may mean.

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Semen Color: Clear, White or Gray

If semen is clear, white, or grayish, it’s considered normal, healthy spunk. No need to worry here!

Semen Color: Yellow or Green

If semen coloring takes a yellow or greenish tinge, it could mean several different things:

  • Urine in the semen – Sometimes, a bit of urine gets caught up in the urethra. If a man ejaculates shortly after urinating, it’s no big deal. If it happens well afterward or continues to happen regularly, it could be a urinary tract infection, an enlarged prostate, or infection in the reproductive area. Seek medical attention immediately.
  • Diet  – What a man puts into his body is bound to affect what comes out of it. Foods containing intense yellow hues (like curry) can turn a man’s semen color yellow. A good rule of thumb is if it can turn a kitchen countertop yellow, it can do the same to a man’s semen. Foods high in sulfur can also cause a yellowish hue.
  • Jaundice – When too much bilirubin builds up in the liver, it can cause the skin, eyes, and even semen to take on a pale yellow tone. Other symptoms of jaundice include abdominal pain, fever, and chills. See a doctor right away.

Semen Color: Red, Pink, Orange, or Brown

Let’s break it down by color family. A red or pink tinge to a man’s ejaculate is generally a sign of fresh blood. An orangey-brown tint is usually an indicator of older blood that’s been exposed to oxygen. Both of these color blood-adjacent tinges are referred to medically as hematospermia and can be associated with several things such as:

  • High Blood Pressure – Hypertension has a high chance of showing in semen color. This is also occasionally accompanied by frequent headaches, bloody noses, and shortness of breath. Hypertension is a mortal illness, so seek help immediately.
  • STI’s – Herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea are all known to include bloody semen as a symptom. Get tested and get treated!
  • Going Too Hard in the Paint – Overly vigorous sex or self-pleasure can cause tears in the delicate penile skin which can lead to bleeding. Conversely, not ejaculating for a long time can also lead to bleeding. Good news? It’s nothing to worry about. Regularly work the muscle with care, and all will be good.
  • Prostate Issues – Prostate biopsy, surgery, or infection can all produce a change in semen color. Consult a doctor about treatment.
  • The C Word – In very rare (RARE) cases, bloody semen may be an indicator of prostate, testicular, or urethral cancers. These cancers often have high treatment success rates, even when caught late in the game. These cancers generally include other symptoms like pain and discomfort in the lower back and entire genital area.

Semen Color: Black

No, it’s not the semen color for men who prefer the Gothic things of life. Black semen is also most often caused by hematospermia and is extremely old blood that’s been in the body a long time. This can be associated with two issues men should seek medical attention for:

  • Spinal Cord Injuries – The semen color of these injuries is predominantly dark brown-black. While the reason for the color change is unknown, researchers believe it may be attributed to seminal vesicle malfunction, which are the glands that make semen.
  • Heavy Metal Exposure – Lead, manganese, and nickel are all heavy metals that can lead to black semen and major health problems up to and including death.

Penis Health Care

Just as men take care of their eyes, ears, and other appendages, penis health is essential and often overlooked until there is a problem. That’s why it’s crucial to be sure to treat the penis right and engage in healthy behaviors like eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of rest, practicing stress management techniques, getting regular exercise, and seeing a doctor for regular prescribed check-ups.

It’s also essential to have a practical hygiene regimen to protect the penis from bacteria and infection and keep it ready for action at a moment’s notice. That’s why in addition to daily cleansing, many men have added a specially formulated penis health crème  (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) to their daily routine. Applying a penis health crème provides the member with critical vitamins and amino acids to keep bacteria at bay, strengthen the skin, and protect against environmental free radicals and nerve damage that can rob a penis of its sensitivity. A little rub-down daily with a nutrient crème is one of the best ways to promote overall penis health.