Semen color/consistency

    
      Re: Semen color/consistency
    


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Posted by HFHS M.D.-MS on March 02, 1998 at 12:03:24:

In Reply to: Semen color/consistency posted by rj on February 21, 1998 at 16:46:34:
  
   I have a question about the color and the consistency of ones ejaculate.
   If the color is a greenish/yellow and there is clear jelly like globs
   suspended in it does this indicate an infection or someother problem
   going on in ones reproductive system?... For years I was told that I had
   NSU but finally was treated for chlymedia which curred all my uretheral
   problems up but left me with off/on pain much like that of prostatitis.
   Docs have told me probably..scare tissue causing me discomfort..Doc
   had no confident  answer for my initial ? on color/consistency of semen.
   Comment/time much appreciated !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Regards RJ
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Dear RJ
Thanks for your question.
Semen is usually pearly white and homogeneous consistency.  It can vary in amount and color and heterogeneity especially if abstinence has been observed.  Infection can not be documented easily by microscopic examination without the use of selective  stains used to color the white cells.  This technique is used for men with infertility in which infection may play a role.  These men are usually asymptotic and have normal color semen. If infection is suspected some urologist may use a culture of the ejaculate to guide treatment with antibiotics.  Sperm from the epididymis during surgery for vasectomy  reversal can normally appear yellow but I would say green is a bit odd.  Green semen is not associated with other illnesses  or cancer except possibly infection.   Your physician may choose to perform a urinalysis and urine/semen culture for greenish semen.
    
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