What Different Semen Colors Mean for Men
What do abnormal semen colors indicate?
1. Yellow Semen
Suppose a man has not engaged in sexual activity or masturbation for an extended period. In that case, the semen may be stored in the body longer, causing changes in its composition and a darker yellow color. This condition is usually temporary, and the color of semen will gradually return to normal with a restoration of regular ejaculation frequency.
When there is inflammation of the prostate or seminal vesicles, the composition of the secreted fluid may change, potentially giving the semen a yellowish appearance. Additionally, inflammation may accompany symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, dysuria, and perineal pain.
2. Red Semen (Hematospermia)
The walls of the seminal vesicles are thin and rich in capillaries. When seminal vesiculitis occurs, the veins in the wall of the seminal vesicles can easily rupture, causing bleeding that mixes with the semen, resulting in hematospermia.
Prostatitis can also sometimes cause hematospermia, with a mechanism similar to seminal vesiculitis. Stones may damage the tissues of the seminal vesicles or prostate, leading to bleeding and thus causing hematospermia.
Tumors in the reproductive system, such as seminal vesicle cancer or prostate cancer, although rare, may also lead to hematospermia, potentially accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty urinating and weight loss.
3. Brown or Black Semen
If blood in the semen remains for an extended period, it may undergo chemical reactions such as oxidation, potentially causing the semen to appear brown or black. This condition usually indicates that bleeding has occurred for some time, but the underlying cause may be the same as hematospermia's.
When an abnormal semen color is noticed, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly. Doctors will typically begin with a detailed medical history and physical examination to understand the patient's sexual activity and any other symptoms present.
Common tests include routine semen analysis, prostate fluid examination, and transrectal ultrasound.
Routine semen analysis can provide information about the color, liquefaction time, sperm count, and quality of the semen; prostate fluid examination helps diagnose prostatitis; transrectal ultrasound allows for observation of the structure and morphology of the prostate, seminal vesicles, and other organs to detect any inflammation, stones, tumors, or other lesions.
How to Treat Semen of Different Colors?
For yellow semen caused by prolonged retention without ejaculation, no special treatment is generally required; resuming normal ejaculation will suffice.
If prostatitis or seminal vesiculitis is the cause, treatment should be based on the condition, often involving anti-infection therapy. Common medications include antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. For a more natural approach, herbal medicine Diuretic and Anti-inflammatory Pill is a better choice.
Additionally, patients should pay attention to rest, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and quit smoking and drinking.
The treatment methods for hematospermia caused by seminal vesiculitis and prostatitis are similar to those for yellow semen, but the duration of treatment may be longer.
If stones in the seminal vesicles or prostate are small, conservative treatment such as drinking plenty of water and exercising to promote stone passage may be sufficient; if the stones are larger or cause recurrent bleeding, surgical intervention may be necessary.
For hematospermia caused by tumors in the reproductive system, an appropriate treatment plan should be formulated based on the type and stage of the tumor, including options such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
For brown or black semen resulting from chronic bleeding, the focus of treatment should be on identifying the cause of the bleeding and providing targeted therapy.
The color of semen is an important indicator of male reproductive health. When semen color appears abnormal, there is no need to panic, but one should not be complacent. It is essential to seek medical attention promptly, undergo professional examinations to clarify the cause, and take appropriate treatment measures.
Additionally, developing good lifestyle habits and undergoing regular check-ups are crucial for preventing abnormal semen color and maintaining reproductive system health.
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