Stone issues
Hello, doctor.
This morning, I noticed two red, hard lumps about 0.1 cm in size that looked like stones on the tissue after ejaculation.
Are these stones? When I squeezed them with my fingers, they broke apart.
I would like to know if it is normal for stones to be expelled with semen during ejaculation.
I have been experiencing gout flare-ups recently and have been taking medication, drinking 4000 cc of water daily.
Is this a normal expulsion of stones, or could there be other factors involved? This is the first time I have seen stones expelled with semen, and the fact that they are red makes me a bit worried.
Could you please clarify this for me?
Ayou, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/03/12
Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: It should not be the case; stones are typically expelled through urine.
Clinically, I have seen harder masses that do not resemble stones.
Wishing you good health.
Reply Date: 2021/03/12
More Info
The presence of hard, stone-like substances in semen can be concerning and warrants a thorough understanding of potential causes and implications. Based on your description of finding two small, red, hard lumps in your semen, it is important to consider several factors.
Firstly, it is essential to clarify that what you observed may not necessarily be "stones" in the traditional sense, such as kidney stones or gallstones. The term "stones" typically refers to solid masses formed from minerals and salts in the body, often found in the kidneys or gallbladder. However, in the context of semen, the appearance of hard particles could be due to several other reasons.
One possibility is the presence of prostatic calculi, which are small calcifications that can form in the prostate gland. These calcifications can sometimes be expelled during ejaculation, leading to the appearance of hard particles in the semen. Prostatic calculi are generally benign and may not cause any significant health issues, but they can be associated with conditions like prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Another potential explanation for the red color of the particles could be the presence of blood, which may indicate a condition known as hematospermia. Hematospermia can result from various factors, including inflammation, infection, or trauma to the reproductive tract. If the particles you observed were indeed blood clots, it would be advisable to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.
Your mention of having gout and taking medication, along with increased fluid intake, raises additional considerations. Gout is characterized by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, which can lead to the formation of uric acid crystals. While these crystals typically accumulate in joints, they can also affect other areas of the body. However, it is less common for gout-related crystals to appear in semen.
The fact that the particles broke apart when you squeezed them could suggest that they are not true stones but rather some form of debris or calcification. It is also worth noting that the increased hydration from drinking 4000cc of water daily is generally beneficial for overall health and can help dilute substances in the urine, potentially reducing the risk of stone formation.
In conclusion, while the presence of hard, red particles in your semen can be alarming, it is crucial to approach this situation with a comprehensive understanding. It is advisable to seek medical attention to undergo a thorough examination, including a physical assessment and possibly imaging studies or laboratory tests. This will help determine the exact nature of the particles and rule out any underlying conditions that may require treatment. Your healthcare provider can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and current symptoms, ensuring that any potential issues are addressed appropriately.
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