Is It Normal to Experience Dark Red Fluid After Prostate Biopsy?

Q: Is It Normal to Experience Dark Red Fluid After Prostate Biopsy?

Hello： 1) It is possible for this situation to occur after a biopsy; some people may experience it for a longer time, while others may have a shorter duration. <br>2) The presence of blood in the semen can also be caused by the biopsy; however, if it persists for too long, such a

After a prostate biopsy surgery, it is normal for a few drops of dark red-brown thick fluid to be discharged from the penis during bowel movements. As for hematospermia (blood in semen), it can persist for several weeks following the procedure. If you have any concerns or if the symptoms worsen, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider?

Hello Doctor,
1.
Seven years ago, I underwent a self-paid comprehensive health check-up at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, where my PSA level was 8, and I was diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Due to the elevated levels, I have been undergoing regular follow-ups every six months, with my PSA levels consistently ranging between 4 and 8.
On March 1 of this year, following my physician's advice, I underwent a prostate biopsy, and the results were benign.
After the surgery, I only experienced mild hematuria for the first two days, and there were no abnormalities in the following days.
However, starting from the seventh day post-surgery, I noticed a few drops of dark red-brown viscous fluid leaking from my penis each time I defecated.
I immediately returned to the hospital for a urine test, which came back normal.
Could this phenomenon be due to residual blood or prostatic fluid being expelled from the biopsy? Is this normal? It has been over half a month, and the condition persists.
2.
After the surgery, my doctor advised against sexual activity for two weeks.
Due to normal physiological needs, I refrained until two weeks later when I masturbated.
However, I was alarmed to find that the ejaculate was dark red-brown and viscous.
A few days later, I wanted to check if the symptoms had improved, so I masturbated again, and the ejaculate was still dark red-brown.
I have not experienced any pain or discomfort in my urinary system, and my urination has been normal.
I also drink at least 2000 cc of water daily.
How long can I expect the hematospermia to last? Is this a normal phenomenon? Thank you, Doctor, for taking the time to answer my questions.

Kunrao de Xiongxiong, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/03/17

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: 1) It is possible for this situation to occur after a biopsy; some people may experience it for a longer time, while others may have a shorter duration.
2) The presence of blood in the semen can also be caused by the biopsy; however, if it persists for too long, such as a month, it is advisable to seek medical attention to determine if medication is necessary.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2018/03/17

More Info

Experiencing dark red fluid or blood in the semen (hematospermia) after a prostate biopsy can be concerning, but it is not uncommon. After a prostate biopsy, it is normal for some patients to notice blood in their urine or semen due to the trauma caused by the procedure. The prostate biopsy involves taking small samples of prostate tissue, which can lead to bleeding in the area. This bleeding may manifest as dark red or brownish fluid in the semen or urine, particularly in the days or weeks following the procedure.

In your case, you mentioned that you experienced light blood in your urine for the first two days after the biopsy, which is typical. The appearance of dark red fluid from the penis after a week, especially during bowel movements, could indeed be residual blood or prostate fluid being expelled. This is generally considered a normal part of the healing process, especially if there are no accompanying symptoms such as pain, discomfort, or significant changes in urination.

Regarding the duration of hematospermia, it can vary from person to person. Some individuals may notice blood in their semen for just a few days, while others may experience it for several weeks. If the condition persists beyond a month or if you start experiencing other symptoms, such as pain, difficulty urinating, or fever, it would be advisable to consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation. They may want to rule out any potential complications or infections that could be contributing to your symptoms.

As for the concern about ejaculation resulting in dark red fluid, this can also occur after a biopsy. The prostate and seminal vesicles can be affected by the procedure, leading to temporary changes in the appearance of semen. Again, if this continues for an extended period or is accompanied by other troubling symptoms, follow-up with your doctor is recommended.

It is also worth noting that while it is important to adhere to your doctor's advice regarding abstaining from sexual activity post-procedure, engaging in sexual activity or masturbation after the recommended period can sometimes help clear out residual blood or fluid. However, if you continue to see dark red fluid after ejaculation, it may be a sign that your body is still healing.

In summary, while the presence of dark red fluid after a prostate biopsy can be alarming, it is often a normal part of the healing process. Monitoring your symptoms and maintaining communication with your healthcare provider is key to ensuring that any potential complications are addressed promptly. If you have any concerns or if your symptoms change, do not hesitate to reach out to your doctor for further guidance.

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