What is the color and smell of healthy sperm?

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Normally, semen has a very light odor due to a combination of substances such as citric acid and calcium. Semen that has an unusual odor such as being too heavy or fishy can be a sign of a male health problem.

1. What does healthy semen smell like?

Normal semen is slightly alkaline, with a pH ranging from 7.2 to 7.8. This is the same pH as blood and slightly lower than seawater and baking soda. Some people experience a stronger odor similar to bleach or ammonia, which is normal.
Other chemicals present in semen can also affect odor. For example, some people may notice a sugary smell because semen contains fructose, a type of sugar found in fruit. Semen also contains magnesium and calcium, which can produce a slightly metallic or salty odor. Semen is mainly made up of water, so the smell is usually mild.

2. Unusual smell of semen and meaning

The smell of semen may change. Semen usually has a faint odor, but it also depends on what a man eats.
The smell of semen can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as a sexually transmitted infection, including:
Very strong-smelling semen: Bacteria and microorganisms can change the smell of semen Translate. If semen smells bad, or it's getting worse, it could be a sign of an infection or sexually transmitted disease. Sweet Smell: Normal semen can have a slightly sweet smell because of the fructose it contains. But semen that smells particularly sweet could be an early warning sign of diabetes. Fishy smell: A fishy smell is an unusual smell. Semen that has a fishy odor can be a sign of a sexually transmitted disease.

3. Is it possible to change the smell of semen?

Changes in diet can affect the smell of semen. To improve the smell of semen, men should avoid foods with strong odors, such as fish. They should also avoid foods that change the smell or color of other bodily fluids, such as asparagus.

4. Warning signs

Everyone's semen smells different. Some people may even notice a change in smell over time or with changes in diet, exercise, rest, and other lifestyle factors.
It is best to see a doctor when:
Semen suddenly has a strange smell The semen smells very sweet There is blood in the semen Pain during ejaculation Frequent urination, frequent urination or nighttime urination Itching Genital area Penis abnormal discharge Vaginal warts Besides the smell, the color of semen is also a factor to evaluate the quality of sperm in men.

5. Why does semen change color?

Semen is usually grayish-white with a jelly-like texture. This can vary slightly depending on your genes, diet, and overall health.
Unless you are experiencing other common symptoms, temporary changes in color are usually not cause for concern.
Each color of semen, like yellow, green, brown and others can indicate the condition of the semen, when to treat and more. The next section will provide information about the colors of semen and what they mean.

5.1 Colorless, white or gray semen

Clear, white or gray semen is considered normal. Your semen is made up of a variety of minerals, proteins, hormones, and enzymes, all of which contribute to the color and texture of semen.
The main substances responsible for this color are produced by the prostate gland, including:
citric acid phosphatase calcium sodium zinc potassium proteolytic enzyme fibrin factor Other components are derived from the seminal vesicles, glands onion - ureter and urethral gland.

5.2 Yellow or green semen

Yellow or green semen is usually caused by:

5.2.1 Urine in your semen

Urine can be left in your urethra - the tube that carries urine out of your bladder - after you urinate. Semen passing through the urethra can mix with residual urine, giving your semen a yellowish color. This often happens if you ejaculate right after you pee, and it's usually not a cause for concern.
Some causes may need treatment, including: Urinary tract infection Prostatitis Inflammation of the prostate gland or other reproductive organs.

5.2.2 Prostatitis

Yellow or greenish-yellow sperm can be caused by a prostate infection. This happens when bacteria from your urinary tract get into your prostate.
Other symptoms may include:
Difficulty urinating Pain when urinating Feeling the need to urinate often Lower abdominal pain Pain near the rectum Pain during ejaculation Feeling exhausted Fever Chills

5.2.3 Diet

Eating foods containing yellow dye can turn your semen yellow. Foods high in sulfur, such as onions and garlic, can also have a similar effect.
Drinking alcohol or using marijuana can also make semen yellow.

5.2.3 Pink, red, brown or orange semen

Pink or red color is usually a sign of fresh blood. Brown or orange color is usually a sign of old bleeding. Blood can turn this color after exposure to oxygen.
Bloody semen is called hematospermia, which is usually caused by: Surgery or a biopsy of the prostate gland ; diseases such as high blood pressure, sexually transmitted diseases, prostatitis.
In some cases, frequent ejaculation can cause blood to appear in your semen. Not having an orgasm for a long time, or stopping yourself before you ejaculate, can also cause blood to flow into the semen. This is usually nothing to worry about and should clear up on its own within a day or two.

5.2.4 Black semen

Black semen is usually caused by blood in semen. Black blood is usually old blood that has been in your body for a long time.
Black semen can also be caused by: Spinal cord injury, heavy metal contamination.
Your semen can change color throughout your life, even if you are in good health. But if you experience other unusual symptoms, see your doctor right away, including:
Difficulty urinating or not urinating Heaviness or swelling around the genital area Penis or scrotum rash or irritation Cloudy discharge Symptoms cold or flu-like symptoms Fever

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