The appearance of blood in semen can be an indication of some infection, inflammation, blockage, or injury in the male reproductive system. Medically, this phenomenon is termed Haematospermia, which is not considered to be serious.
The presence of blood in the semen might make it appear brownish-red or red. Although it is not serious, it is not common either.
Is traces of blood in semen common?
Haematospermia is a condition, generally considered to be uncommon but not rare. It can occur at any age, but it is most commonly observed among younger males, especially those below 40 years of age.
The condition may improve on its own with time, without the need for treatment. However, if you see blood in the semen quite frequently, then this can be an alarming sign.
Although, in most cases, it could be benign, and not necessarily indicate a major problem, it is still a matter of concern. It is necessary to consult a healthcare professional and seek medical evaluation.
They will suggest you get some tests done, which will rule out any underlying causes. The assessment will help identify the reason for the appearance of blood in semen but not urine.
Based on the outcomes, the healthcare provider will determine the course of action in line with the treatment and appropriate management of the symptoms.
Reasons for Blood in semen but not urine
The occurrence of blood in semen once in a while may not be a major problem, however, if it happens frequently, then this is a cause of concern. Here are the top reasons why you may spot blood in semen:
Infections
The appearance of blood in semen can be a result of some infection associated with the genitourinary tract. The bleeding can happen because of the inflammation of the parts of the reproductive system.
Prostatitis, an infection of the prostate gland might lead to bleeding, hence the appearance of blood in semen. The semen may look brownish-red or red in color.
Besides, this may also be a result of infections to the seminal vesicles, urinary tract, or other parts of the reproductive system. Urinary tract infections (UTIs), involving the bladder or urethra can also cause blood to appear in the semen.
Injury and trauma
An injury or trauma in the reproductive organs may happen because of accidents or sexually aggressive acts, which can cause bleeding. As a result of this, blood may appear in the ejaculation.
An injury may also occur during surgical medical procedures involving the prostate gland or genitourinary tract. Surgeries involve incision and cutting, the injury can accidentally occur while carrying out the procedure. The leakage of blood may happen, which mixes up with the seminal fluid.
Benign conditions
Sometimes, the reason for the appearance of blood in semen is benign growth or cysts. The abnormal growth can happen in the prostate gland, leading to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or in seminal vesicles, contributing to cyst formation.
Blood vessel abnormalities
The blood vessels present in the reproductive system might get affected, leading to abnormalities. They may either get ruptured or deformed, which can potentiate the chances of the appearance of blood in the semen.
Moreover, vascular abnormalities may also trigger some issues with erection function. Some men may develop erection difficulties and experience erectile dysfunction.
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer might cause the appearance of blood in semen. Although it may happen in some rare cases, the possibility cannot be denied.
Medication side effects
Certain types of medications, including anticoagulants, also known as blood thinners, or antiplatelet medications can enhance the risk of bleeding and may cause blood to appear in the semen.
Seek medical attention
Even though it might not cause any pain or discomfort but if you see blood in the semen, it is essential to seek medical evaluation. Sometimes, this can be a sign of some underlying health condition that requires timely attention.
It is advisable to see a healthcare professional immediately. They will perform your thorough evaluation to identify the cause of haematospermia.
Once the exact cause is revealed through assessments and diagnostic evaluation tests, they will recommend appropriate treatment based on the underlying cause.
Tests and treatment for blood in semen
Your healthcare provider will conduct a thorough evaluation with a physical examination, and order some test reports for urine samples, semen analysis, and suggest imaging tests like ultrasound, etc.
These tests will reveal the underlying cause of hematospermia, which will enable the healthcare provider to create a treatment plan to address the underlying issues that are contributing to the appearance of blood in semen.
