Blood in the semen, called hematospermia, is blood that is either too small to be seen (microscopic) or visible in the ejaculation fluid.
Symptoms that may occur with this condition include:
Blood in the semen is usually caused by inflammation of the seminal vesicles. It may also be caused by:
It may be a sign of disease or a problem in the urethra, testicles, epididymis, or prostate.
Often, the cause cannot be found.
You can treat minor injuries by resting, applying ice, and monitoring your symptoms. For major injuries you may need surgery.
Infections can often be treated with antibiotics taken by mouth (or intravenous antibiotics if symptoms are severe).
Blockages of the urinary tract system are usually treated with surgery. If cancerous tumors are causing the blockage, you may need radiation or chemotherapy.
Always call your doctor if you notice any blood in your semen.
The health care provider will perform a physical examination, looking for signs of:
To diagnose the cause of the problem, your health care provider will ask medical history questions, such as:
Tests that may be done include:
If the blood does not clear, more tests should be done. These tests may include:
Semen - bloody; Blood in ejaculation
Barry MJ, Collins MM. Benign prostate disease and prostatitis. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011: chap 131.
Gerber GS, Brendler CB. Evaluation of the urologic patient: History, physical examination, and the urinalysis. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 3.
Small EJ. Prostate cancer. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011: chap 207.
Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Scott Miller, MD, Urologist in private practice in Atlanta, Georgia. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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