What color is sperm?
Jun 07, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Luo Yong
Introduction
Semen color is determined by its constituent components. Normal semen appears grayish-white or milky-white and is opaque. A pale yellow hue may occur after a prolonged period without ejaculation, resulting in slight color variation and increased viscosity—this is considered normal. However, if a male has inflammation of the genitourinary tract, semen may appear yellow due to purulent infection of the prostate and seminal vesicles.
The color of semen is determined by its constituent components.
Normal semen is typically grayish-white or milky-white and opaque. Freshly ejaculated semen has a viscous, jelly-like consistency and usually begins to liquefy within five minutes—this process is known as semen liquefaction—and is generally complete within 15 to 30 minutes.
A pale yellow hue may occur after prolonged abstinence and is associated with increased viscosity; this is considered normal. However, yellow semen may also indicate inflammation of the male genitourinary tract. Microscopic examination may reveal numerous pus cells, suggesting purulent infection—most commonly of the prostate or seminal vesicles.
Red or light red semen—sometimes appearing brownish-red or soy-sauce-colored—with abundant red blood cells visible under microscopic examination is termed “hematospermia.” This condition is most frequently caused by seminal vesiculitis or prostatitis. In addition to bleeding, some individuals may experience pain.
Occasionally, vigorous or overly forceful sexual activity may cause minor rupture of capillaries in the genital organs, resulting in reddish semen—a benign, self-limiting physiological phenomenon.
