Hematospermia refers to the presence of blood in semen. While discovering blood in semen can be alarming, it is typically a benign condition that often resolves without specific medical intervention.
Understanding Hematospermia
Blood in ejaculated fluid can manifest in various ways. The color of the semen might range from reddish, indicating fresh blood, to brownish or blackish, which suggests older blood. This condition can occur at any age, though it is observed more frequently in men over 40 years old. Despite its appearance, hematospermia is rarely a sign of a serious underlying health problem and often resolves on its own.
Typical Duration and Common Causes
When blood appears in semen, it typically lasts for a short period, often resolving within a few days to a few weeks. After certain medical procedures, like a prostate biopsy, blood in semen can persist for up to four weeks or even longer as a known, temporary side effect. Common causes are often benign, including inflammation or infection within the seminal tract, such as the prostate (prostatitis), seminal vesicles, or urethra (urethritis). These inflammatory processes can cause small blood vessels in these areas to become fragile and bleed during ejaculation. Recent medical procedures, vigorous sexual activity, or minor injuries to the genital area are additional common reasons for short-lived bleeding.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While often benign, certain signs indicate that hematospermia might be a symptom of a more significant condition, warranting medical consultation. Persistent hematospermia, defined as lasting longer than a few weeks, especially in men over 40, should prompt further investigation. Recurrent episodes, where the blood reappears after initially clearing, are also a reason to consult a doctor. It is important to seek medical attention if hematospermia is accompanied by other symptoms. These include pain during ejaculation or urination, difficulties with urination, fever, chills, unexplained weight loss, or blood in the urine (hematuria). Such accompanying symptoms could suggest conditions like certain infections, bleeding disorders, or, rarely, cancers of the prostate, bladder, or other reproductive organs.
Diagnosis and Management
When seeking medical attention for hematospermia, a doctor will typically begin with a thorough review of your medical history and a physical examination, including a digital rectal exam to assess the prostate. Initial diagnostic tests often include a urinalysis to check for infection or blood in the urine, and blood tests, such as a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test for men over 40, to screen for prostate issues. If a more serious cause is suspected, particularly with persistent symptoms or in older men, imaging tests like a transrectal ultrasound of the prostate and seminal vesicles may be used. An MRI or cystoscopy might also be considered for a more detailed view.
Management depends on identifying the underlying cause. Many benign cases may only require observation, as the condition often resolves spontaneously. If an infection is identified, antibiotics might be prescribed. For other specific causes, targeted interventions may be necessary to address the root issue.