Blood in semen
If you have blood in your semen or ejaculate (‘cum’) this turns it from a normal white-cream color to a red-pink or brown color after sex or masturbation. There are a number of causes of blood ending up in the semen, or hematospermia, as it's medically known. This can affect men of any age after puberty but is more commonly seen between the ages of 30 and 40, and also in men over the age of 55 who have benign (harmless) enlargement of their prostate gland.
Although it can be quite alarming to see blood in your ejaculate, it’s usually nothing to worry about and clears up by itself without any treatment. However, it should always be checked out by your doctor if it occurs.
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What causes blood in semen?
Blood in the semen can be caused by inflammation, injury or infection in the reproductive system. Inflammation of the glands (seminal vesicles) that produce a lot of the fluid in semen is called vesiculitis, and small stones in this area can also cause blood in the semen.
Inflammation of the prostate gland (where semen is produced) called prostatitis, recent surgery on any part of the urinary and reproductive system such as the bladder or prostate, as well as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can also lead to blood in the semen.
Less common but more concerning conditions that may cause hematospermia include an inability of your blood to form clots properly, cancer of any part of the urinary and reproductive system, very high blood pressure and rough sex.
When should I see my doctor?
Blood in your semen is reason to see your doctor, usually in a routine appointment. They are the best person to discuss what is the most likely cause, decide on any further investigations to determine the cause, or if any treatment is needed.
What will my doctor do?
Your doctor will take a thorough history from you, including recent sexual contacts or infections, and they will need to check your blood pressure, examine your tummy, genitals and prostate gland (this is done by inserting a finger into your rectum). They may ask you to provide a urine sample to rule out a urine infection or STI, and it will also show if there is blood in the urine.
If your doctor has any concerns, they will refer you to a specialist doctor called a urologist for further review.
How is hematospermia managed?
Any treatment depends on the cause. Generally, most cases of hematospermia improve by themselves without any need for treatment, but some may require antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medication. If the underlying cause is concerning, your doctor will refer you to a specialist for appropriate treatment.
If the underlying cause is due to an STI, then it is likely to be infectious and can pass onto a sexual partner through sexual intercourse until you have both been fully treated.
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