4 minutes read4 minutes readThis article first appeared 10/11/2023. Last updated 18/07/2025.
Our bodies produce all sorts of discharge, fluids, and smells. It can be hard to know what’s normal and what’s not.
This becomes particularly challenging when it comes to the things our genitals produce. Lots of people still feel a lot of shame and embarrassment when talking about their sexual health.
But at Better2Know, we believe that knowledge is power. Making responsible decisions for your sexual health means getting accurate, reliable information.
So, if you’ve got yellow sperm, we’re here to help.
In this blog, we’ll explore the causes of yellow semen, whether it’s a symptom of a sexually transmitted infection (STI), and how to prioritise your sexual health.
Keep reading to find out more.
Understanding semen colour and healthy semen
Small changes in your semen can be pretty common. It may sound odd, but semen can actually vary quite a bit in colour, texture, and even smell.
These changes can be caused by a combination of things, including diet, hydration, and overall health. Typically, a healthy, normal semen colour ranges from a cloudy white to a light grey, and minor deviations are often normal.
It’s important to pay attention to any changes in the colour, texture, and smell of your semen. If any of these is suddenly or significantly different from what’s normal for you, you may want to see a doctor.
What causes yellow semen?
Yellow sperm can be caused by many things. Some of them aren’t a big deal, but others could be a sign of an underlying condition.
Age
As we get older, our semen can change colour. It’s normal for sperm to take on a yellow tint as we age.
Not masturbating
When you go long periods without ejaculating, unused sperm are broken down by the body. This can turn your semen yellow.
Diet
It turns out your mum was right – you are what you eat.
Your diet can affect the colour of your semen. Consuming foods high in pigment, such as beets, carrots, turmeric, garlic, asparagus, or foods with artificial dyes can turn your semen yellow.
Dehydration
Not drinking enough water can lead to concentrated urine, which can mix with semen and give it a yellowish tint.
Prostate infection
A prostate infection (prostatitis) can cause yellow semen. This can occur when bacteria from your urinary tract enter your prostate gland. Prostatitis has four types:
- Acute bacterial prostatitis is a urinary tract infection (UTI) affecting the prostate gland.
- Chronic bacterial prostatitis is a recurring UTI caused by bacteria in the prostate.
- Chronic pelvic pain syndrome is a long-term pain condition resulting from inflammation of the prostate gland.
- Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis is a form of prostate inflammation that presents no symptoms.
Other symptoms of a prostate infection may include:
- Fever
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Pain during urination
- Difficulty urinating
- Pain during ejaculation
Jaundice
Jaundice occurs when too much bilirubin, a pigment that builds up when the liver breaks down red blood cells, builds up in your body. Jaundice is most commonly identified by yellow skin or whites of the eyes. Jaundice can also turn your semen yellow.
Smoking and alcohol
Certain lifestyle factors, like consuming alcohol and smoking, can change the colour of your semen.
Certain medications and supplements
As with changes in your diet, changes in levels of vitamins and minerals can affect the colour of your semen. Supplements like vitamin B and certain antibiotics can make your semen turn yellow or orange.
Pyospermia
Pyospermia occurs when there are too many white blood cells in your semen. White blood cells damage the sperm, causing your semen to turn yellow.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
Bacterial infections like Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea can cause discharge from the penis that can be yellowish-green in colour. This discharge could mix with your semen upon ejaculation, causing a change in colour.
How can I fix it?
Any fix for yellow sperm will depend on what’s causing it. It may not be a cause for concern. But it could also indicate a problem that needs treatment.
Discuss possible treatment options with your doctor.
Will it go away on its own?
It might. Sometimes, semen can revert to its normal colour on its own. If there are no other symptoms, wait a few days to see if it becomes whitish-grey again. If your semen still looks yellow, you may want to seek medical attention.
When should I go to the doctor?
You should see your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Abdominal pain
- Signs of infection, including a fever and chills
- Foul-smelling urine or semen
- Feeling extremely tired (fatigue)
- Pain or a stinging/burning sensation when you urinate (dysuria)
- Pain during ejaculation (dysorgasmia or orgasmalgia)
- Urinating more frequently
- Yellow eyes or skin
Final thoughts
Yellow semen can be a source of worry, but it’s essential to consider all possible causes before jumping to conclusions. While it might not directly indicate an STI, it’s always a good idea to stay informed about your sexual health.
If you think your yellow sperm may be caused by an STI, don’t hesitate to contact Better2Know for professional and confidential testing services.
