Normally, sperm is white, slightly yellow or gray in color. However, the color of the sperm can change, you know. This change in sperm color can be normal or can be a sign of a disease. So as not to be mistaken, see the explanation of the meaning of sperm color here!
Actually the correct name for the white or grayish fluid that comes out during ejaculation is not sperm, but semen. Semen contains millions of sperm and is a "vehicle" for sperm. Without semen, sperm cannot swim to the egg.
What Does Sperm Color Mean?
Sperm color can vary, depending on genetic factors, diet, and health conditions of men. The semen that carries sperm can be clear, white, yellow, gray, pink, red, brown, and even black. Here is the explanation:
1. Clear, white and gray
If your semen is clear, white, or gray, it's a sign that your semen is healthy and normal. This clear to gray color difference is determined by the content of minerals, proteins, hormones, and enzymes that come from the male reproductive glands.
2. Yellow
During ejaculation, semen passes through the urethra or urinary tract. Semen can be mixed with urine and cause it to be slightly yellow in color. In addition, foods that contain natural yellow pigments, such as turmeric, can also make sperm yellow.
If you are a smoker or like to consume alcoholic beverages, don't be surprised if your sperm is yellow. The semen of smokers and drinkers of alcohol tends to be more yellow in color than the semen of men who are not smokers or drinkers of alcohol.
Yellow semen is generally not a problem. However, if this condition is accompanied by other disturbing complaints, it's a good idea to see a doctor. It could be that yellow sperm color is caused by jaundice, leukocytospermia, prostate infection, or sexually transmitted diseases.
3. Pink or red
Pink or red sperm color indicates that the semen is mixed with fresh blood (hematospermia). Blood in semen can come from:
- Abnormalities of the prostate, testes, or urinary tract.
- High blood pressure.
- Sexually transmitted infections.
- Too rough masturbation.
- Remaining prostate surgery.
4. Orange or brown
Orange color can be caused by taking vitamin B supplements or antibiotics, such as metronidazole and rifampicin. In addition, the presence of oxidized blood in the semen can also make the sperm orange or brown.
5. Black
Black semen can also be caused by blood. The difference is, this time the blood has stayed in the body for a long time before it comes out. In addition, black sperm color is also often associated with several medical conditions, such as spinal cord injury and high levels of metals in the body.
Changes in the color of semen are not necessarily serious. However, if this condition is followed by other complaints, such as difficulty urinating, swelling in the pubic area, or fever, immediately consult a doctor to get the right treatment.