Blood in the semen
Definition
Blood in the semen, called hematospermia, may be undetectable (microscopic) or visible in the ejaculation fluid.
Alternative Names
Semen - bloody; Blood in ejaculation
Considerations
Associated symptoms may include:
- Pain with urination
- Pain with ejaculation
- Pain with bowel movement
- Tenderness in the scrotum
- Swelling in scrotum
- Swelling or tenderness in groin area
- Lower back pain
- Fever or chills
- Blood in urine
Causes
Blood in the semen may be caused by inflammation, infection, blockage, or injury anywhere along the male reproductive tract. It may indicate disease or a problem within the urethra, testicles, epididymis, or prostate.
Blood in the semen is usually the result of inflammation of the seminal vesicles, and will almost always go away on its own. Often, the cause cannot be determined. If the blood does not clear and ejaculate is persistently stained with blood, more tests should be done. These tests may include urinalysis and culture, semen analysis and culture, and ultrasound of the seminal vesicles.
Home Care
Minor injuries may be treated with rest, applying ice, and monitoring symptoms. Major injuries may require reconstructive 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 typically treated with surgery. If cancerous tumors are the source of obstruction, radiation or chemotherapy may also be indicated.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Always call your doctor if you notice any blood in semen.
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
The health care provider will perform a physical examination, and will look for fever, swollen lymph nodes, a swollen or tender scrotum, discharge from the urethra, or an enlarged or tender prostate.
To help diagnose the cause of the problem, your health care provider will ask medical history questions, such as:
- How much blood was in the semen?
- Was microscopic blood ever noticed in the past when the semen was examined for another reason?
- When did you first notice this problem? Is it present all the time?
- Is there anything that seems to have caused this symptom?
- What other symptoms do you have?
Tests that may be done include:
- Prostate exam
- PSA blood test
- Urinalysis
- Urine culture
- Semen analysis
- Semen culture
- Ultrasound of pelvis and scrotum
References
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.
Reviewed 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.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website, and its associated websites, is provided as a benefit to the local community, and the Internet community in general; it does not constitute medical advice. We try to provide quality information, but we make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this website and its associated sites. As medical advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each patient and healthcare is constantly changing, nothing provided herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of a competent physician. Furthermore, in providing this service, Adventist HealthCare does not condone or support all of the content covered in this site. As an Adventist health care organization, Adventist HealthCare acts in accordance with the ethical and religious directives for Adventist health care services.
Adventist HealthCare · 301-315-3030 · 1801 Research BLVD, Suite 400, Rockville, MD 20850
Get Care
Health & Wellness
Patient Information
Website Information
Ways of Giving
