Blood in Semen: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help

Three days ago, blood was found in the semen?

Hello, Dr.
Hsu: Three days ago, I noticed that my semen had a slightly yellow tint and contained small red streaks resembling blood.
The next day, I checked again, and the semen became even more yellow with dark blood.
I have been experiencing pain between my bladder and penis, which persists to this day.
Could this indicate a serious inflammation or bleeding? Since I am in Canada, I cannot see a specialist as easily as in Taiwan, so I visited a family doctor yesterday, but he only advised me to get a urinalysis.
I am unsure how long it will take to get the results.
Is it safe to engage in sexual activity or masturbation in the meantime? I was startled by the blood in my semen the next day and wanted to check again to see if the situation was the same, but seeing the blood made me feel scared.
Should I take a break for a while? Thank you.

xiang zhao da an..., 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/02/07

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Hello, if you are experiencing severe inflammation or bleeding, I cannot rule out my suggestion to check your semen for any infections and to assess the extent of the bleeding, which will serve as a basis for subsequent treatment.
Adequate rest can certainly aid in wound healing.
If there are any unclear points, feel free to ask again, and we can further discuss and research the matter.
Responses on the internet should only be considered as references; if necessary, it is important to seek medical attention at a healthcare facility.
This message is from Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai, Director of the Urology Department at Taitung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, who cares about your well-being.

Reply Date: 2016/02/07

More Info

Blood in semen, also known as hematospermia, can be a concerning symptom for many men. It can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from benign to more serious conditions. In your case, the presence of blood in your semen, along with the yellow coloration and pain between the bladder and penis, suggests that there may be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

Possible Causes of Blood in Semen
1. Infection or Inflammation: One of the most common causes of blood in semen is an infection or inflammation of the reproductive organs, such as prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate), epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis), or urethritis (inflammation of the urethra). These conditions can lead to pain and discomfort, as well as changes in the appearance of semen.

2. Trauma: Any recent trauma to the pelvic area, including vigorous sexual activity or injury, can result in bleeding that may be visible in the semen.

3. Vascular Issues: Conditions that affect blood vessels, such as varicoceles (enlarged veins in the scrotum) or other vascular malformations, can also lead to hematospermia.

4. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): In older men, an enlarged prostate can cause bleeding in the semen, especially if there is associated inflammation.

5. Malignancy: Although less common, blood in semen can be a sign of prostate cancer or other malignancies affecting the reproductive system.

When to Seek Help
Given your symptoms, it is important to monitor your condition closely. Since you have already seen a family doctor who has ordered a urinalysis, it is a good step toward identifying any potential infections or other issues. However, if you experience any of the following, you should seek immediate medical attention:
- Severe pain or discomfort that does not improve
- Fever or chills
- Persistent blood in semen over several days
- Difficulty urinating or blood in urine

Sexual Activity
Regarding sexual activity, it is generally advisable to refrain from sexual intercourse or masturbation until you have a clearer understanding of your condition. Engaging in sexual activity while experiencing symptoms like pain and blood in semen may exacerbate your symptoms or lead to further complications.

Next Steps
1. Follow-Up: Once you receive the results of your urinalysis, follow up with your doctor to discuss the findings and any necessary next steps. If the results are inconclusive or if your symptoms persist, you may need to see a urologist for further evaluation.

2. Avoid Self-Diagnosis: While it is natural to want to check your symptoms, avoid excessive self-examination or worry. Focus on getting the appropriate medical care and advice.

3. Stay Informed: Educate yourself about potential causes of your symptoms, but avoid jumping to conclusions without professional input.
In summary, while blood in semen can be alarming, it is important to approach the situation calmly and methodically. Follow your doctor's advice, wait for test results, and seek further evaluation if necessary. Your health is paramount, and addressing these symptoms promptly will help ensure the best outcome.

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