Blood in ejaculation
Key points
- Blood in the semen, called hematospermia, may be undetectable (microscopic) or visible in the ejaculation fluid.
- Blood in the semen may be caused by inflammation, infection, blockage, or injury anywhere along the male reproductive tract.
- Minor injuries may be treated with rest, applying ice, and monitoring symptoms.
- The doctor will perform a physical examination, looking especially for fever swollen lymph nodes, a swollen or tender scrotum, discharge from your urethra, or an enlarged or tender prostate.
Alternative names
Semen - bloody; Blood in the semen
Definition
Blood in the semen, called hematospermia, may be undetectable (microscopic) or visible in the ejaculation fluid.
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
Common 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 usually go away spontaneously. Often, the cause can not be determined. If the blood does not clear and ejaculate is persistently stained with blood, more extensive tests should be done, such as 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 are typically treated with surgery. If cancerous tumors are the source of obstruction, radiation and/or chemotherapy may also be indicated.
Call your health care provider if
Always call your doctor if you notice any blood in semen.
What to expect at your health care provider's office
The doctor will perform a physical examination, looking especially for fever swollen lymph nodes, a swollen or tender scrotum, discharge from your urethra, or an enlarged or tender prostate.
To help diagnose the cause of the problem, your doctor will ask medical history questions, such as:
- How much blood was in the semen?
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.