Educational information only, not a diagnosis. Know when to get help.
The colour of blood in semen mostly tells you how fresh the bleeding is, not how serious the cause is.
| Colour | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Bright red | Recent bleeding [NHS]. |
| Pink | A small amount of fresh blood mixed with semen [CC]. |
| Brown, rust or reddish-brown | Older blood clearing out of the reproductive tract [NHS] [CC]. |
| With small clots | Can occur with either; mention it to your doctor [NHS]. |
Other colour changes
Yellowish semen can be temporary (from foods, smoking, certain medicines or supplements) or related to jaundice or infection. Semen can also become more yellow with age [CC]. Green or strong-smelling discharge from the penis may suggest infection and should be checked [NHS].
Whatever the colour, the same advice applies: get checked, and get seen sooner if you're 40+, it keeps happening, or there are other symptoms. See when to see a doctor.
Sources
- Blood in semen NHS, reviewed Sep 2025
- Blood in Semen (Hematospermia) Cleveland Clinic Health Library, reviewed Jan 2024
- Epididymitis NHS
We link to primary medical sources so you can check our work. See the editorial policy and the full reference list.