Semen Color Chart: Yellow, Clear, Brown, Jelly Texture, And More

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Semen Color Chart: What Does Each Color Mean for Overall Sperm Health?

Medically reviewed by Roger Bielinski, MD FACS — Written by Tim Jewell — Updated on April 24, 2025

Quick chart
White
Yellow-green
Pink, red, brown, or orange
Black
Texture
Medical attention
FAQs
Takeaway

Semen is typically whitish-gray with a jelly-like texture, but it can fluctuate with different lifestyle changes. Unless you’re experiencing other symptoms, temporary changes in the color of your semen usually aren’t a cause for concern.

Your semen is made up of a variety of minerals, proteins, hormones, and enzymes. They all contribute to the color and texture of your ejaculate.

The substances in semen primarily come from the seminal vesicles, two glands located behind the bladder. The prostate gland contributes to semen as well.

Specific substances in semen include:

fructose
amino acids
citric acid
phosphorus
potassium
acid phosphatase
calcium
sodium
zinc
potassium
fibrinolysin
mucus

The testes also release sperm through the vas deferens into the semen, which makes up around 5% of semen volume.

What underlying conditions can affect the color of your semen?

Sometimes these conditions can be ruled out based on your individual circumstances.

A sexually transmitted infection (STI), for example, can generally be eliminated if you’ve never engaged in partnered sexual contact.

The chart below is a good a starting point, but it isn’t a substitute for medical advice.

It’s best to consult with a urologist, primary care physician, or other healthcare professional if you’re unable to pinpoint a cause, or if you’re unsure of your health status.

Yellow-green semen	Pinkish-red semen	Orange-brown semen	Black semen
Heavy metals	X	X
High blood pressure	X
Jaundice	X
Leukocytospermia	X
Prostate biopsy or surgery	X	X
Prostate or testicular cancer	X	X
Prostatitis	X	X	X
Sexually transmitted infection	X	X
Spinal cord injury	X	X
Substance use	X
Urine	X

What causes clear, white, or gray semen?

Clear, white, or slightly gray semen is usually considered healthy.

What causes yellow or green semen?

Urine

A blockage can keep urine from completely leaving your urethra — the tube that drains urine out of your bladder — when you pee. This is known as urinary retention.

Semen passing through the urethra can get mixed together with trapped or leftover urine, giving your semen a yellowish tint. This is most common if you ejaculate shortly after you pee.

Some causes may require medical attention, including:

urinary tract infection (UTI)
benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate)
bladder obstruction

Prostate infection (prostatitis)

Yellow semen can be caused by a prostate infection. This can happen when bacteria from your urinary tract gets into your prostate gland.

Other symptoms may include:

difficulty peeing
pain when peeing
feeling the need to pee often
lower abdominal pain
pain in your lower back
pain during ejaculation
fever or chills

Consult a healthcare professional if you suspect prostatitis.

Leukocytospermia

Leukocytospermia happens when too many white blood cells (leukocytes) are present in your semen. This can tint your semen yellow.

Causes include autoimmune disorders and bacterial or viral infections.

Consult a healthcare professional if you suspect leukocytospermia. Some causes, like certain STIs, can result in infertility if left untreated.

Jaundice

Jaundice happens when too much bilirubin builds up in your body. Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment left behind when your liver breaks down red blood cells.

The most common symptom is yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes, but it can turn your semen yellow, too. Your urine may also become darker than usual.

Other symptoms of jaundice include chills, fever, and abdominal pain.

Consult a healthcare professional if you suspect jaundice.

What causes pinkish-red or orange-brown semen?

A pink or red tinge is usually a symptom of fresh blood. A brownish or orange tinge is typically a symptom of older bloodshed. Blood may turn this color after it has been exposed to oxygen.

Bloody semen is known as hematospermia.

Infection, including STIs and prostatitis

Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and other STIs can cause blood to appear in your semen when left untreated.

Other STI symptoms can include:

pain or burning while peeing
pain or swelling in your testicles
itchy, irritating, or painful rash

Research indicates that prostatitis may also cause bloody semen.

Consult a healthcare professional if you suspect an underlying infection. Certain STIs can result in infertility if left untreated.

High blood pressure (hypertension)

High blood pressure can sometimes cause blood to appear in your semen, especially if the condition isn’t being treated.

In severe cases, you may also experience broken blood vessels in the eye, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, or headaches.

Consult a healthcare professional if you suspect hypertension.

Prostate biopsy or surgery

A biopsy involves taking a tissue sample from your prostate gland.

The procedure may introduce blood into your urinary tract or ejaculatory ducts, where it can mix with your semen and cause it to turn reddish, pinkish, or brownish.

Consult your physician if you have questions or concerns following a prostate procedure.

Prostate or testicular cancer

In rare cases, bloody semen may be a symptom of prostate or testicular cancer. These cancers are often treated successfully, even at later stages.

Early diagnosis and treatment are essential, so consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns.

What causes black semen?

Black semen is usually caused by hematospermia. Black blood is generally old blood that’s been in your body for a while.

Spinal cord injuries

Injuries to your spinal cord may result in dark brown- or black-colored semen.

Although the exact reason is unknown, research suggests that it may have something to do with a malfunction of the seminal vesicles. These glands produce some substances that make up semen.

If you haven’t already, consult a healthcare professional about your injury. They can assess whether it’s causing certain symptoms or if they’re the result of another underlying condition.

Heavy metals

An older study from 2013 of four test subjects found that high levels of heavy metals — such as lead, manganese, and nickel — in the blood may cause dark-colored semen.

This may result from exposure to contaminated food, water, or other environmental factors.

Consult a healthcare professional if you think you’ve been exposed.

What can cause a change in semen texture or consistency?

Healthy semen is typically viscous, or jelly-like. You may experience slight variances in texture depending on:

the length of time since you last ejaculated
your cannabis use
your alcohol consumption
your diet

Unless you’re experiencing other unusual symptoms, a temporary change in texture usually isn’t cause for concern.

Thick or chunky semen

Thick semen could be an indication of severe dehydration, hormonal imbalance, or infection.

Very thick semen can result in infertility because it prevents the sperm from moving effectively toward the egg.

Thin or watery semen

Watery semen may be a symptom of vitamin deficiency or infertility.

The semen may look translucent or clearer than normal, indicating it contains a very small amount of sperm.

When should you consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional?

Consult a healthcare professional if you’re concerned about STIs or if your semen is accompanied by one or more of the following symptoms:

burning during urination
difficulty or complete inability to urinate
heat, heaviness, or swelling around your genital area
rash or irritation on your penis or scrotum
discharge that isn’t pre-ejaculate or ejaculate
strong, foul genital odor

Your clinician may perform a penile and testicular exam and swab the tip of the penis to take a fluid sample for lab testing. They may also ask for a blood, urine, or semen sample.

The bottom line

Your semen may show slight color changes throughout your life, even when you’re in good health.

If your semen changes significantly in color, consistency, amount, or smell, consult a healthcare professional. Likewise, if your ejaculate is accompanied by an itch or pelvic pain, it’s time to consult a clinician.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

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Medically reviewed by Roger Bielinski, MD FACS — Written by Tim Jewell — Updated on April 24, 2025

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