Yellow semen is rarely cause for concern. It may be due to aging, abstinence or the presence of urine. Infections, including prostatitis, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and urinary tract infections (UTIs), can turn semen yellow. You should see a healthcare provider if you also have fever or pain when you urinate or ejaculate.
Glands in the male reproductive system make semen. This thick, jelly-like liquid protects sperm, which fertilizes a woman’s egg for conception. Men ejaculate semen during the orgasm part of the sexual response cycle.
Semen (or seminal fluid) is typically white, cream or light gray. But sometimes semen takes on a different hue. Often, this color change isn’t cause for concern. But some health problems can turn semen yellow. If you have yellow semen along with other symptoms, see your healthcare provider.
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Semen color can change for many reasons. Temporary or permanent causes may give semen a yellowish tint. In these cases, the resulting color change isn’t cause for concern.
You may be more likely to have yellow semen if you:
What conditions cause yellow semen?
Some medical conditions cause yellow semen. Problems that can cause yellow semen include:
You should see your healthcare provider any time you notice unusual body changes like yellow or brownish semen with specks. Brown or speckled semen may indicate blood in semen (hematospermia).
Yellow or brown semen may not be cause for concern. But it could indicate a problem that requires treatment.
Treatments vary depending on the underlying cause. They may include:
These steps may lower your chances of having yellow semen:
You should call your healthcare provider if you have yellow semen and you experience:
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Many factors and conditions can change normally white-gray semen to a yellow color. This color change may be temporary or permanent. Often, yellow semen is nothing to worry about. But sometimes, yellow semen indicates a problem. If you’re not sure why the color changed, see your healthcare provider, especially if you have other symptoms. You may need treatments for a health problem.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 06/25/2021.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy