It is natural to feel very anxious about noticing blood in semen. However, this condition, known as Hematospermia, isn’t uncommon. Approximately 1 in every 500 urological patients may have it. It is more commonly observed in men younger than 40 years old.1

First off, though it can be alarming, most cases are not serious. It resolves on its own within a few weeks. 

The primary symptom of this condition is the presence of blood in the semen, which may be noticed during ejaculation, and the blood may appear pink, red, or brown. It is essential to get it checked out by a doctor to rule out any underlying issues.

There are many reasons why it might happen, and many are easily treatable. In this article, we’ll explore the cause, diagnosis, and treatment options. 

Symptoms to watch out for

In some cases, there may be no other noticeable symptoms apart from bloody semen. In other cases, there may be some additional symptoms due to underlying health issues. These include:

  • Pain or burning during urination
  • Painful ejaculation
  • Frequent urination
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Pelvic pain
  • Fever or chills
  • Lower back pain

5 common causes of blood in semen

Blood in semen can stem from several causes. Here are a few common causes of Hematospermia:

Infections

Infections of the prostate, seminal vesicles, or other reproductive organs can lead to bleeding in the semen. Some of the infections that can cause blood in semen include Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs).

Warning:
Do not delay getting a medical evaluation if you are 40 and often find blood in your semen. It can be an early warning sign of Cancer in the reproductive organs.

Inflammation

Inflammation of the prostate (Prostatitis) or seminal vesicles can result in Hematospermia. Blood vessels along the path of semen can break due to inflammation and leak blood into the semen. In some cases, inflammation may occur without an identified cause.

Trauma or injury

Trauma or injury to the genital area can cause blood vessels to rupture. This can lead to blood in the semen.

Specifically, a ruptured blood vessel in the prostate or seminal vesicles can cause blood to appear in the semen during or after sex or ejaculation. This can happen especially if the person is taking blood-thinning medications.

Medical procedures

Certain medical procedures, such as prostate biopsy or surgery, may cause temporary bleeding in the semen. Tests like Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP), a cystoscopy, or a vasectomy can also result in blood in semen. These procedures can cause mild trauma that results in blood in the semen or Hematospermia. 

The duration of the appearance of blood in semen after a medical procedure varies depending on the specific procedure and the individual’s response to treatment. For example, after a prostate biopsy, it may take up to 20 ejaculations for blood to stop appearing in semen.

Fact:
The average incidence rate of Hematospermia increased during recent years and ranged between 56.6 and 73.6 per 100,000 adult males.

Health conditions

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement condition of the prostate gland. It can be associated with Hematospermia. Conditions like Hypertension, bleeding disorders, or liver disease can contribute to blood in semen.

Hypertension, or High Blood Pressure, can cause Hematospermia due to the increased pressure in the blood vessels, which can lead to leakage into the semen. Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder that can cause excessive bleeding, including in the semen. Chronic liver disease, such as Cirrhosis, can cause coagulation disorders that can result in bleeding in various parts of the body, including the semen

Diagnosing bloody semen

Diagnosing bloody semen
Doctor Diagnosing bloody semen

If you are experiencing blood in your semen, it is necessary to consult a healthcare provider., Your doctor will ask for a detailed medical history, including sexual history and recent activities that might contribute to the condition.

Physical examination will assess the genital and pelvic area for signs of infection, inflammation, or trauma. Your doctor may suggest laboratory tests like Urinalysis and blood tests to identify infections or other underlying conditions. Ultrasound or other imaging studies can check the reproductive organs and identify any abnormalities.

Blood in semen treatment options

The approach to treating Hematospermia is dependent on factors such as age, symptoms, and the identified cause. Treatment is done to address underlying issues determined through examination and testing.

When a cause is identified, specific treatments may include:

  • Antibiotics, if the infection is the cause
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs for inflammation
  • Finasteride (Proscar) is effective for Hematospermia caused by fragile blood vessels on the prostate
  • Medication for underlying conditions

If you are under 40, experience no urinary symptoms, and have no risk factors, a single episode of blood in semen may not necessitate treatment. Often, the symptom resolves on its own.

Conclusion

Hematospermia, or blood in semen, can be unsettling. The primary symptom is the presence of blood during ejaculation. There may be additional symptoms like pain or burning during urination, painful ejaculation, and frequent urination. If you observe blood in semen, it can be due to infections, inflammation, trauma, or underlying health conditions. 

A diagnosis can reveal the reason behind Hematospermia. Diagnosis involves a detailed medical history, physical examination, and various tests. Your treatment for blood in semen will depend on the identified cause and may include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, or medications. If you experience persistent symptoms, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider promptly for personalized guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes blood Why is there blood coming out of my sperm?

Blood in sperm can be caused by several factors. It can result from infections, inflammation, trauma, medical procedures, and health conditions such as BPH. It is important to diagnose the condition by a doctor for treatment.

What is Hematospermia?

Hematospermia is the presence of blood in semen. This condition is often benign. It can be attributed to various factors, including infections, inflammation, trauma, and underlying health conditions.

How to diagnose blood in semen?

Diagnosis involves a detailed medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests like urinalysis and blood tests. Imaging studies, such as ultrasound, may be conducted to identify abnormalities in the reproductive organs.

What are the treatment options for blood in semen?

Treatment varies based on age, symptoms, and identified causes. Specific treatments include antibiotics for infections, anti-inflammatory drugs for inflammation, and Finasteride for fragile blood vessels in the prostate.

Citations:
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