Differential Diagnosis for Yellow Jelly-like Semen
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Urethritis or Epididymitis: The sudden onset of yellow jelly-like semen, especially after a history of unprotected oral sex, suggests an infection of the urethra or epididymis. This could be due to a sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, which can cause changes in semen appearance and consistency.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland can lead to changes in semen, including its color and consistency. This condition can also be caused by bacterial infections, which might be related to the previous unprotected oral sex.
- Semen Infection or Inflammation: Various infections or inflammatory conditions affecting the seminal vesicles or other parts of the male reproductive system could result in abnormal semen characteristics.
- STIs (other than gonorrhea or chlamydia): Other sexually transmitted infections could potentially cause changes in semen, although they might be less common causes of this specific symptom.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Testicular Cancer: Although rare and less likely, testicular cancer can cause changes in the testicles or epididymis that might lead to unusual semen characteristics. It's crucial to rule out this potentially life-threatening condition.
- Gonorrhea with Complications: Untreated gonorrhea can lead to serious complications, including epididymitis, which might present with abnormal semen. Given the history of unprotected sex, it's essential to consider and treat gonorrhea aggressively to prevent long-term consequences.
Rare Diagnoses
- Amyloidosis: A rare condition characterized by the deposition of amyloid proteins in various tissues, which can potentially affect the reproductive system and lead to unusual semen characteristics.
- Sjögren's Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation in various parts of the body, including the reproductive system, potentially leading to changes in semen.
- Genetic Disorders: Certain genetic conditions can affect the male reproductive system and lead to abnormalities in semen production or characteristics, although these would be very rare causes of sudden changes in semen appearance.