Blood in Semen (Hematospermia)

Blood in your semen is called hematospermia. It may be stressful to see, but in many cases it's not a sign of a serious problem. It may be caused by an infection or inflammation. It's a common after-effect of a prostate biopsy, vasectomy, or other procedure. In some people, the cause isn't found but the bleeding stops over time.

Blood in semen may be caused by any of these:

• Enlarged vein in the prostate gland
• Enlarged prostate gland (benign prostate hyperplasia)
• Infection in any tube that sends fluid out of the penis
• Infection of the prostate gland
• Injury from prostate biopsy
• Injury to the pelvis or testicles
• Radiation therapy
• Sexually transmitted infection (STI)
• Vasectomy

In some cases, the bleeding may be caused by any of these:

• Bleeding disorder
• Frequent ejaculation
• Growth such as a polyp, cyst, or cancer tumor
• High blood pressure
• HIV
• Kidney disease
• Leukemia
• Liver disease

The health care team will ask you questions about your:

• Sexual history
• Recent injury
• Recent procedures
• Any other symptoms

To find the cause, a doctor will examine your penis. They will give you a digital rectal exam (DRE). This means a doctor uses their finger to feel for growths or other problems in the prostate area.

The bleeding may stop on its own in a few weeks, up to 2 months.

If you were given antibiotic medicine for infection, take it exactly as directed. Don't stop taking it if your symptoms stop. Take all the medicine until it's gone.

Contact your doctor as advised. If you are over age 40 or at higher risk of cancer, you may need more tests. These may include:

• Blood test
• CT scan
• Cystoscopy
• MRI scan
• Ultrasound
• Urine test

You may be referred to a urologist. This is a doctor who focuses on problems in the urinary tract and male genitals.

Contact your doctor if you have any of these:

• Fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher, or as advised by your doctor
• Blood in your urine
• Pain when you urinate
• Trouble urinating
• Pain when semen comes out of the penis
• Fluid leaking from the tip of the penis
• Blood in semen longer than 2 months