Men's Health - Blood in Semen

When men spot blood in their semen, they automatically panic thinking that something is wrong. Blood in semen, called hematospermia, is uncommon but rarely serious. The blood can be bright red, clot or just brown-tinged. While the presence of blood in semen, for the most part, is usually no need for concern, it can sometimes be the result of other serious medical conditions. In most cases, blood in semen is caused by conditions affecting the tubes that distribute semen from the testicles. Most causes cannot be found and the blood will go away without treatment. The most common cause for hematospermia is inflammation of the seminal vesicles or prostate gland. Blood can also enter the semen when a small blood vessel tears during ejaculation or straining with constipation. In about 2% of men, there could be a more serious medical condition causing the bleeding. These conditions could include an infection in the prostate, a congenital bleeding disorder, blockage or injury to the prostate gland or seminal vesicles, or tumor. Men who have had prostate biopsies may also experience some bleeding.

While hematospermia can occur at any time in a man's life, men under 40 usually experience only one episode and the bleeding does not come from anything serious. Men over 40 may require a more thorough workup to make sure there are no medical reasons for the blood. Hematospermia is usually painless in most men, but a small percentage may experience some pain. This pain can come with urination, ejaculation, or bowel movement. There may also be swelling in the scrotum or groin area or there may be blood in the urine.