Observing green semen is an abnormal occurrence that signals an underlying health concern. Healthy semen usually appears as a cloudy white or grayish liquid with a consistency similar to a raw egg or runny jelly. While minor, temporary changes in semen color can happen, a distinct green hue signals a medical issue that needs evaluation.
What Causes Green Semen?
Normal semen is composed of sperm cells and fluids from reproductive glands, which give it a milky-white to slightly grayish color and nourish sperm. When semen appears green, it can be due to several factors. One possibility is the mixing of semen with urine, especially if ejaculation occurs shortly after urination.
Infections are a common cause of green semen. This can include sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, or other infections affecting the reproductive system like prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland), epididymitis (inflammation of the tube that stores sperm), or urethritis (inflammation of the urethra). These infections can lead to an accumulation of white blood cells in the semen, a condition known as leukocytospermia, which can give it a yellowish or greenish tint. Jaundice, a condition with excess bilirubin in the body, a yellow pigment from red blood cell breakdown, can also cause semen to appear green, similar to how it yellows the skin. Although less common, certain dietary factors or medications and supplements can also influence semen color due to the breakdown of their metabolites.
Accompanying Symptoms and When to Seek Medical Attention
When semen appears green, it may be accompanied by other symptoms that can help indicate the underlying cause. These symptoms might include pain or discomfort during urination or ejaculation, a foul odor from the semen, or unusual discharge from the penis. Fever, chills, swelling in the groin area, or general discomfort could also be present, pointing towards an infection or inflammation.
Any persistent change in semen color, especially to green, warrants a consultation with a healthcare professional. Seek medical advice if the green color does not resolve within a few days or if it is accompanied by symptoms like pain, burning, swelling, or an unusual odor. Early attention can help identify and treat underlying issues before they worsen.
Diagnosis and Treatment
When seeking medical attention for green semen, a doctor will begin with a physical examination and ask about your medical history and symptoms. Common diagnostic steps include a urinalysis, which checks for signs of infection, and a semen analysis, which examines the semen for abnormalities like white blood cells. Tests for sexually transmitted infections may also be conducted to rule out or identify an STI as the cause.
Treatment for green semen depends on the underlying cause identified during diagnosis. If a bacterial infection is present, such as a prostate infection or an STI, antibiotics will be prescribed to clear the infection. For other conditions like jaundice, treatment focuses on managing the liver issue causing bilirubin buildup. The goal is to address the root cause, which should resolve the semen discoloration.