Semen, or seminal fluid, is generally white or grayish with a thick, gelatinous texture. The color and texture are widely considered characteristic of semen containing healthy, normal sperm.
However, since sperm cannot be seen with the naked eye, the color and texture of semen are used to reflect the underlying health of the contained sperm. Some individuals may have thin (watery) semen with a normal color due to several factors, such as frequent ejaculation, zinc deficiency, or the sample being predominantly pre-ejaculatory fluid.
What Color Is Semen Containing Unhealthy Sperm?
The following are different semen colors that may indicate abnormal sperm health, based on changes in color:
1. Yellow or Greenish
A yellow or greenish color in semen is a common sign of potentially unhealthy sperm. This change can occur due to several conditions:
Semen mixed with urine: Urine and semen exit the body through the same channel, the urethra. Residual urine in the urethra can mix with the semen, causing it to appear yellowish.
Dietary factors: Consuming foods containing dyes, high sulfur content (such as garlic), and habits like smoking and alcohol consumption can make the semen appear yellowish. However, the connection between diet and changes in seminal fluid color still requires further medical research for confirmation.
Jaundice (Penyakit kuning): Jaundice typically occurs due to the buildup of bilirubin in the body. Aside from seminal fluid, a yellow tint can also appear on the skin, nails, and the whites of the eyes.
Leukocytospermia: If the seminal fluid contains a high level of white blood cells (WBCs), it can affect the semen color. Leukocytospermia may be caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), prostate infections, or autoimmune diseases.
2. Orange or Reddish
An orange or reddish color indicates the presence of blood in the semen. This condition is medically termed hematospermia. Causes of blood in the semen include infection, inflammation, blockages, or injury to the male reproductive system.
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3. Brown
A change in semen color to brownish can also be a sign of unhealthy sperm. This condition happens when red blood color changes to brown due to an old injury in the testicles or a chronic infection in the male reproductive system. When blood is exposed to oxygen, its color can turn dark or brownish.
4. Black
Black semen color can be caused by old blood resulting from an infection, where the blood has remained in the body for an extended period and been exposed to oxygen, causing its color to darken significantly.
Additionally, this condition can be caused by several other factors:
Injury: Injury to the seminal vesicles (glands that produce semen fluid) can cause the semen color to become black.
Heavy metal exposure: Exposure to heavy metals, such as nickel, lead, and manganese, can affect semen color, making it appear dark. Heavy metals can enter the body through contaminated food, water, or environment.
What is Considered a Normal Semen Texture?
Seminal fluid or semen with a thin, watery texture is often perceived as containing low sperm count or being infertile. However, watery semen is not a conclusive determinant of male fertility level.
The viscosity (thickness) of semen can change due to many factors, one of which is the body’s hydration level. Nonetheless, men (referred to as “Ayah” in the original context) should undergo a medical examination to accurately determine their fertility status.
How to Maintain Healthy Sperm Quality?
Semen color can be influenced by diet, genetics, and overall health status. Men should not worry, as there are several steps that can be taken to maintain healthy sperm quality, such as:
Maintain scrotal temperature: Avoid habits such as wearing tight underwear, sitting for too long, or habitually placing a laptop on the lap, all of which can increase the temperature in the scrotum.
Maintain a healthy weight: To keep an ideal body weight, consume a balanced diet supplemented with regular exercise. Aim for a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise per day.
Avoid exposure to toxic substances: Being in environments with exposure to toxic substances can affect both sperm quality and quantity.
Stop smoking and limit alcohol consumption: These two habits are known to cause a decline in sperm quality.
Manage stress: Excessive stress that is not well managed can impair sexual function and the hormones involved in the sperm production process.
Conclusion
Changes in semen color can happen to anyone. In certain cases, a change in semen color may indicate an underlying problem with sperm health, but sometimes the condition is also considered normal. Medical consultation is advised if the color change is accompanied by other worrying symptoms, such as an unusual or foul odor, genital irritation, or pain during urination or ejaculation.
