Sometimes we get a little scared when we see changes in our bodies, especially when it comes to reproductive health. Have you ever noticed that your semen has changed color and turned yellow? Or have you ever had problems trying to conceive? One of the reasons for this is a condition called Pyospermia. Although the name may sound strange, this is an important topic that we need to talk about. So don't worry, let's talk about it in detail, very simply.
What is Pyospermia?
Simply put, Pyospermia is an abnormally high number of white blood cells in your semen.
Now let's explain this a little. The fluid that comes out of your penis when you have an orgasm is called semen. This is where the male reproductive cells, or sperm, are found. Not only that, but it also contains proteins, vitamins, and minerals that give the sperm the energy it needs.
White blood cells (Leukocytes) are like the body's security guards. Their main job is to fight germs that enter the body and protect us from diseases. During this fight, white blood cells release a powerful chemical called Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). These ROS destroy germs. But the problem is, these ROS can sometimes damage not only germs, but also our healthy cells, especially sperm.
The damage that ROS can cause to sperm is:
- It damages the sperm membrane.
- It weakens sperm movement.
- It damages the DNA in sperm.
Another name doctors use for this condition called Pyospermia is Leukocytospermia.
Is pyospermia a serious condition?
If you are expecting a baby, a condition called pyospermia may be something to be concerned about. However, its severity depends on the severity of the condition. If the white blood cell count is too high, it can affect your fertility, that is, your ability to have children.
However, some people may have asymptomatic pyospermia, meaning that even though they have high levels of white blood cells in their semen, it does not cause any symptoms or affect fertility.
Most importantly, it is normal to have some white blood cells in your semen. Pyospermia is defined as having more than one million white blood cells per milliliter (mL) of semen (1 million/mL).
What are the symptoms of pyospermia?
Most of the time, people with Pyospermia do not experience any symptoms. However, if the underlying cause of the condition is an infection, you may experience symptoms related to that infection. The table below shows some of the common symptoms that may occur during such a situation.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Fever | A common sign of an infection in the body. |
| Swelling | Swelling may occur, especially in the testicles or surrounding areas. |
| Pain during urination (Dysuria) | Burning or pain when urinating due to a urinary tract infection. |
| Yellowing of semen | Normally white or light gray semen can turn yellow due to an increase in white blood cells. |
Why is my sperm yellow and jelly-like?
This is a problem that many people face. Normally, semen is white or light gray in color. When white blood cells fight off foreign cells in the body, such as during an infection, semen can turn yellow. There are other reasons why semen can turn yellow.
- Infections: Bacterial or other germ infections.
- Time of last ejaculation: If you haven't ejaculated in a few days, the color of your semen may change slightly.
- Urine mixing: When semen is released, a few drops of urine remaining in the urethra may mix with it.
The most important thing is that if you notice a change in the color, smell, or consistency of your semen that wasn't there before , don't worry about it and see your doctor immediately for advice.
What are the causes of pyospermia?
There is no single cause of pyospermia. There can be many causes. Let's look at some of the main causes in the table below.
| Reason | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Infections | Bacterial infections of the reproductive system or urinary tract (e.g. E.coli). This is the most common cause. |
| Inflammation | Non-infectious swelling or inflammation of the urethra (Urethritis) or prostate gland (Prostatitis). |
| Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) | Social diseases such as Herpes, Gonorrhea, and Chlamydia. |
| Varicoceles (varicoceles) | The veins around the testicles swell and become knotted, causing an increase in temperature and inflammation. |
| Autoimmune diseases | Disease conditions in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells. |
| Urethral stricture | Narrowing of the urinary tract due to an accident or infection. |
| Lifestyle | Tobacco products, cannabis use, and excessive alcohol consumption. |
| Sexual abstinence for a long time | Infrequent ejaculation causes old cells to accumulate in the semen. |
Is pyospermia contagious?
No. Pyospermia is not directly transmitted from one person to another.
But the important thing here is that some of the infections (especially STIs) that cause pyospermia can be transmitted. For example, if you have pyospermia due to a sexually transmitted infection like chlamydia, you can pass that infection on to your partner.
Therefore, if the cause is an STI, it is not enough for you to get treatment alone, your partner must also undergo a medical examination and receive the necessary treatment. Otherwise, the infection can continue to spread between you.
How to diagnose this condition?
If you have these symptoms or are having difficulty conceiving, you should see a doctor who specializes in the urinary tract and reproductive system (urologist) or a doctor who specializes in the male reproductive system (andrologist). This is how the doctor will examine you and make a diagnosis.
- Ask about your medical history and symptoms.
- Asking questions about your sexual health.
- Doing a physical examination.
- Then, several tests are ordered to confirm the disease.
What tests are performed?
The most important and essential test is a semen analysis . This involves examining a sample of your semen under a microscope to determine the number of white blood cells in it. A special test called a Myeloperoxidase (MPO) stain is used to confirm the presence of pyospermia.
In addition, these tests can be done to find the underlying cause of Pyospermia:
- Urinalysis: To check for urinary tract infections.
- Urine flow tests: Check for urinary tract obstruction.
- Imaging tests: X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI scan can help you see the inside of your reproductive system more clearly.
What are the treatments for pyospermia?
Treatment depends on the cause of pyospermia. Sometimes, the condition can resolve on its own without any treatment.
Removing white blood cells from semen can improve sperm function and increase fertility.
- Antibiotics: Even if your lab results don't show any bacteria, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics because there may be an underlying infection. The most important thing is to take the medication for the full course of days your doctor prescribes. If you stop taking it halfway, the infection may come back and be harder to treat.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which reduce pain and swelling, may help improve sperm count.
How to reduce the risk of pyospermia?
There are several things you can do to reduce the risk of this condition.
- Protection against sexually transmitted infections:
- Always use a condom during any type of sexual intercourse.
- If you suspect your partner has an STD, avoid having sex.
- Get tested for STDs regularly. It is very important for both partners to be tested before starting a new relationship.
- Lifestyle changes:
- Completely avoid tobacco products and marijuana use.
- Control your alcohol consumption (reduce or stop as much as possible).
Will I be unable to have children if I have Pyospermia?
Having pyospermia can make it a bit challenging to have a child, but it's not impossible.
If you and your partner have been trying for more than a year and haven't conceived, there may be other reasons besides pyospermia. In such cases, your doctor may refer you to fertility treatments that are right for you. These may include In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) or Intrauterine Insemination (IUI).
You may feel embarrassed or uncomfortable talking to a doctor about these types of reproductive health issues. But remember, you are not alone, there are many people with similar issues. Doctors are there to help you. So, without holding back your feelings, it is wise to see a doctor and talk openly.
Take-Home Message
- Pyospermia is not a disease, but a sign of another underlying problem (often an infection). It is an increase in the number of white blood cells in the semen.
- Yellowing of semen may be one symptom, but many people do not experience any symptoms.
- This condition can affect male fertility, but with proper treatment, it can often be cured.
- The most common causes are infections (including sexually transmitted diseases) and inflammations of the reproductive system.
- If you notice a change in your semen or are having trouble conceiving, don't be shy and see a doctor. Prompt treatment can prevent complications.
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