Understanding Hematospermia: What Causes Blood In Semen?

Is that blood in my semen?! It is one of those panic-stricken moments when loads of questions run through your mind. But before jumping to any conclusions, take a deep breath and relax. That is because many men find themselves facing some relatively rare yet very intimidating situations when it comes to their reproductive health. One such condition is Hematospermia-the presence of blood in semen. However in most cases, it's not as scary as it seems.

So, let's know all about hematospermia, its causes, and the steps to take if it happens to you.

What Is Blood In Semen (Hematospermia)

Let's first understand what hematospermia really is before digging up the causes.

In simple words, hematospermia is a condition in which semen (men's ejaculate) appears coloured due to the presence of blood. Normal semen is whitish or yellowish in colour. When blood combines with the semen, it may look reddish, brownish, or pink. The appearance of blood in semen naturally freaks people out, but don't let the fear take over just yet. That's because, in many cases, this condition tends to resolve spontaneously on its own ^{1 2 3}. 

Possible Causes Of Hematospermia

Reasons for blood in semen range from simple infections to far more serious medical conditions. Below are some of the most frequent causes:

1. Infection & Inflammation

The most common causes of hematospermia are infections and  inflammation that occur in the reproductive organs. Other causes include prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate), UTIs and epididymitis (inflammation in the coiled tube behind the testicle where sperm matures). These conditions cause the small blood vessels to break and result in blood in semen^{1 2 3}. 

2. Physiological Injury

If you have had a recent medical intervention, for example, a prostate biopsy or a vasectomy, or if you've been actively sexually involved, the expectation would be that you may see blood in your sperm. Injury to the male sexual organ by surgery or physical stress can temporarily rupture blood vessels ^{1 2}.

3. Prostatitis 

In men over 40 years, hematospermia can also result from prostate conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and infections, including even prostate cancer. These conditions affect the prostate gland causing it to enlarge which plays a key role in semen production, thus contributing to blood in semen ³.

4. High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure or hypertension weakens the blood vessels everywhere in the body, even those found in the reproductive system. In some cases, this may lead to leakage of blood into the semen, thereby causing hematospermia ^{1 3 4}.

5. Obstructions in the Reproductive System 

Obstructions or cysts in the seminal vesicles or ejaculatory ducts may cause blood in semen. These obstructions may prevent normal fluid flow and increase pressures that will eventually rupture the blood vessels ^{1 3}. 

6. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) 

STIs such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea infection, may cause an inflammation and infection of the reproductive organs to cause blood in semen ³.

Hematospermia Symptoms

Generally, in most cases, hematospermia does not have any other symptom, except blood in the semen. However, depending on the causes, other symptoms may include:

• Dysuria (painful urination)
• Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
• Swelling or tenderness of genital areas
• Blood in urine 

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms alongside blood in semen, it’s essential to consult a doctor for further investigation⁶.

Should I Worry About Blood In My Semen?

Seeing blood in semen can certainly be alarming but in most cases, it is not a symptom of something dangerous. In fact, most hematospermia cases are benign and are not associated with any major health conditions. Blood in semen is usually an infection, minor trauma or some other harmless condition. However, if the condition lingers, always seek your doctor’s help¹.

How Common Is Hematospermia In Men?

Hematospermia or blood in the semen, is relatively uncommon but not rare, especially afflicting men under 40. It is usually benign and spontaneously resolving. However men over 40 may require evaluation for possible prostate-related disorders​⁷. 

How Is Blood In Semen Diagnosed?

If you observe blood in your semen, your doctor will likely take a complete physical examination. They may use these diagnostic tests to rule out the problem:

• Urinalysis: Detects infections of the urinary tract or female reproductive system.
• Imaging Techniques: Ultrasound or MRI can reveal blockages, cysts, and other structural problems in the reproductive organs.
• Digital Rectal Exam: Checks prostate for swelling, tenderness or a lump.
• STI Test: Detects the presence of any sexually transmitted infections.

How To Treat Blood In Semen

Treatment of hematospermia depends upon its causes. In most cases, no treatment is necessary, and the condition self-remits. However, for those who require treatment, it may include :

• Antibiotics: If the hematospermia is due to a bacterial infection or a sexually transmitted infection, the problem is cleared up with a course of antibiotics.
• Prostate Problem Treatment: Men with prostate-related conditions, such as BPH or infections, may need medication or other treatments to address their condition and prevent further recurrence.
• Rest: If the blood in semen is the cause of trauma or overexertion, rest and avoiding strenuous exercises and sexual intercourse can be beneficial. 
  Complications Related To Untreated Hematospermia

While blood in semen often clears up on its own, neglecting it can result in the spread of infections, such as STIs, or further complicate prostate problems1. Therefore prompt treatment is important to prevent severe complications.

When To Call A Doctor?

You should seek medical advice if1:

• Hematospermia lasts more than a few weeks.
• Pain, swelling, or fever accompanies the presence of blood in semen.
• You’re over 40 and have experienced blood in semen multiple times.
• Have a history of prostate conditions in your family.

The Final Say On Hematospermia

That's a wrap! Hopefully, this article has shed some light on hematospermia or blood in semen and its causes. While possibly sounding startling, it's not dangerous in most circumstances. In fact, hematospermia is generally harmless and tends to resolve on its own, provided it's not ignored. Still, it's always a good idea to run this by a doc to be sure everything is okay and get the proper treatment if it's needed. So, stay informed, stay healthy, and rest assured you’ll be back to your best in no time.

FAQs

Q1. Can Hernia Cause Blood In My Semen?

No, hernia generally does not cause blood in semen. Hernias imply organs bulging through muscle or tissue and do not typically cause hematospermia directly ⁸.

Q2. What Exactly Is Brown Blood In Semen?

The brown colour in semen is caused due to old blood, which has been there for a period of time inside the male reproductive tract. This can be caused due to infection, inflammation, or old trauma ⁹.

Q3. Is It Normal To See Blood In Semen?

Occasional seeing of blood in semen is often not a serious condition and can clear up on its own. However, if this condition continues to persist or you’re >40 years of age, it is necessary to see a doctor to rule out the condition³.