Usually white, sometimes the semen turns yellow. Most often involved, a transient and benign oxidation.

Semen is usually whitish, transparent in color, sometimes very light yellow in color.

Just like its consistency and smell, the color of sperm can however vary between men but also at times, depending on the proportion of the different components of the sperm, and in particular proteins.

oxidation

The most common cause of a yellow sperm is oxidation of spermine, this protein contained in the sperm which gives it its color but also its more or less pungent odor. This oxidation of spermine can have different causes:

• abstinence: if the semen is not ejaculated, it is stored in the seminal vesicles because the cycle of spermatogenesis is quite long (72 days). As semen stagnates, the spermine it contains, a protein particularly sensitive to oxidation, can oxidize and give the semen a yellow color. After a period of abstinence, semen is usually thicker and more fragrant as well. Conversely in the event of frequent ejaculations, it will be more transparent, more liquid;
• certain foods: foods rich in sulfur (garlic, onion, cabbage, etc.) can also lead, if consumed in large quantities, to oxidation of spermine.

An infection

A yellow semen may be a sign of an infection (chlamydia, gonococci, mycoplasmas, enterobacteriaceae). Also faced with this persistent symptom, it is advisable to consult your doctor or specialist in order to carry out a sperm culture, a bacteriological examination of the sperm. The man collects his semen in a vial, then takes it to a laboratory for analysis.

This symptom is mild and transient when due to a diet rich in sulfur or a period of abstinence.

In the event of infection, however, the quality of sperm may be impaired, and therefore fertility.

Regular ejaculation, during sexual intercourse or by masturbation, renews the sperm which will then regain its normal color.

In case of infection, antibiotic treatment will be prescribed.