It is not common for blood to appear in semen during ejaculation, and if it does, there is no need to worry! This condition is usually temporary, and the causes are rarely serious. Semen, which is produced by the prostate and other reproductive glands, consists of sperm, and passes through a set of tubes until it reaches the urethra during ejaculation. The pressure from the semen may cause some blood vessels to rupture in this path, causing blood to appear in the semen. Although the presence of blood may be disturbing, it is often the result of non-serious causes, and usually goes away on its own. In the following lines, we will review Dalili Medical the most important causes in my medical guide that lead to the appearance of blood in the semen and ways to treat them.
Infection, trauma, or prostate problems can be among the possible causes.
Symptoms can include a change in the color of the semen and feeling pain during ejaculation.
Diagnosis usually involves reviewing the medical history and performing some laboratory tests.
Treatment focuses on treating the underlying cause that led to the symptoms.
This may indicate the need for additional evaluation to rule out serious health conditions.
Blood in semen does not affect sexual intercourse, and in many cases it may not be noticed.
In many cases, blood in semen is not dangerous, and does not require concern and disappears on its own, especially if you are under 40 years old, and if the appearance of blood in semen is not accompanied by other symptoms. However, if the bleeding continues for more than a month, or if there is pain in the bladder or pain when urinating or a lump in the testicle; In this case, a doctor should be consulted.
Blood in semen is not a disease in itself, but rather is often a sign of certain conditions. There are many reasons that may lead to the appearance of blood in semen, the most prominent of which are:
**Infection:**Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections in the urinary or reproductive system are among the main causes of blood in semen. This infection is often the most common cause of blood in men under the age of 40, and is often accompanied by pain during urination.
**Cancer**Bladder, kidney, or prostate cancer can cause blood in the urine in men. Hematuria occurs when a tumor grows in the affected organ, causing the surrounding blood vessels to weaken until they rupture and begin to bleed. Bladder cancer is the most common cause of blood in the urine. Hematuria is often observed in people with advanced prostate cancer.
In addition to blood in the urine, other common symptoms of urinary tract cancer include:
- Frequent urination.
- Pain during urination.
- Feeling the need to urinate even though the bladder is empty.
- Increased frequency of urination at night.
- Difficulty urinating.
- Lower back pain on one side.
- Abdominal pain.
- Bone pain or pain when touched.
Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite.
Swelling in the feet.
Feeling very tired.
Blood in the semen.
Pain during ejaculation.
**Infections:** The appearance of blood in the urine can be caused by inflammation of the tubes and ducts through which semen passes, starting with prostatitis, passing through inflammation of the seminal tubules, and reaching inflammation of the epididymis and urethra.
**Prostate biopsy:** In some cases where a biopsy or sample is taken from the prostate, blood may appear in the semen. Blood may continue to appear in the semen for a period ranging from 3 to 4 weeks after the biopsy, making it one of the most common causes of this phenomenon.
**Blood vessel rupture:** When semen leaves the body during ejaculation, it passes through a set of tubes. Pressure on these tubes may put pressure on some blood vessels, which may cause them to burst and lead to bleeding or blood in the semen.
**Some types of cancer:** In some rare cases, blood in the semen can be the result of certain types of cancer, such as prostate cancer. It can also be the result of cancerous tumors in the urinary system, such as bladder tumors, or in some parts of the reproductive system, such as testicular tumors. Cases of blood in the semen are more common among men over the age of 40.
**Prostate enlargement:**
Benign prostatic hyperplasia may sometimes be accompanied by blood in the semen.
**Some medical conditions:** Sometimes, the presence of blood in the semen can be associated with some diseases, such as high blood pressure or blood clotting disorders (hemophilia). This symptom may also appear in some liver patients and HIV patients.
**Injury:**A trauma or blow to the sensitive area can rupture some blood vessels, causing blood to appear in the semen.
**Prostatitis:**Prostatitis can cause pain, problems urinating, and decreased sexual ability.
**Epididymitis:**Inflammation of the epididymis, the coiled tube behind the testicle that stores sperm, is often caused by a bacterial infection, including a sexually transmitted infection such as herpesGonorrhea and chlamydia. Symptoms of epididymitis include redness or swelling in the scrotum, pain in one testicle, discharge from the urethra, and pain during urination.
**Urethritis:** Urethritis can cause pain during urination, itching and burning at the opening of the penis, or discharge from the urethra.
**Irritation from stones:** Inflammation can also result from irritation from stones in the prostate, seminal vesicles, bladder, or urethra.
**Infection** Infections act similarly to inflammation, as an infection in a gland, duct, tube, or part of the male reproductive system can cause blood in semen. Sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes can cause blood in semen, as can infections caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi.
**Obstruction**When the ejaculatory duct becomes blocked, the surrounding blood vessels become enlarged and damaged. If the prostate enlarges, it presses on the urethra, causing blood to leak into the semen.
**Vascular disease**Vascular disease in the male reproductive organs, such as vascular cysts, can explain the presence of blood in the semen.
**Physical injuries or medical procedures**Some physical injuries, such as being hit in the testicles during sports, can cause blood to leak from the blood vessels. Some medical procedures, such as a prostate exam, biopsy, or vasectomy, can also cause blood to be present in the semen.
**Kidney infection**A kidney infection, also known as pyelonephritis, is usually caused by a bacterial infection of the kidneys. This infection can be acute (short-term) or chronic (lasting three months or longer).
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the main cause of most kidney infections, as this bacteria usually lives in the intestines. The infection usually begins when the bacteria enters through the urethra, then travels through the urinary tract to infect the bladder and then the kidneys.
Kidney infections may be accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Pus or blood in the urine.
- Foul-smelling urine.
- Increased frequency of urination.
- Pain during urination.
- Pain in the back, side or thigh.
- High temperature.
- Chills.
- Nausea and vomiting.
**Kidney or bladder stones** Kidney stones are hard deposits made up of calcium and uric acid crystals, which form inside the kidneys.
In men, stones can also form in the ureter and bladder. The main symptoms of kidney or bladder stones are as follows:
- Blood in the urine.
- Pain in the flank area.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Fever and chills.
- Weak urine flow.
- Pain during urination.
- Difficulty urinating.
There are many causes of kidney and bladder stones, including infections, trauma, drug poisoning, enlarged esophageal veins (varicose veins), and not drinking enough water.
Semen is usually white, but if blood is present, it may turn red.
The amount of blood that may appear with semen varies, as it may be a small amount that is difficult to notice or a large amount that makes the semen completely red.
The symptoms associated with the appearance of blood in semen vary depending on the underlying cause. The most prominent symptoms that may accompany this condition are:
- Feeling pain during urination, often due to an infection, which is the most common cause among young people.
- Pain during ejaculation.
- Pain in the lower back.
- Difficulty emptying the bladder completely with a feeling of fullness.
In many cases, blood in semen is not a cause for concern, especially in young men, and the blood often goes away on its own.
**Symptoms Associated with Blood in Semen**
Although blood in semen is the primary sign of oligospermia, it is often accompanied by other clinical symptoms. Patients may experience:
- Hematuria (blood in the urine)
- Dysuria (painful urination)
- Pain in the pelvic or perineal area
- Fever or chills, which may indicate an infection
- Pain during ejaculation
These symptoms can provide important clues about the possible cause of blood in semen and should be carefully evaluated by a healthcare professional.
**Diagnosis of Blood in Semen**
The process of diagnosing blood in semen involves a comprehensive evaluation to determine the underlying cause of the condition. Medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests play a key role in this process.
**Medical History and Physical Examination**Gathering a comprehensive medical history is the first step in diagnosing blood in sperm. Patients should provide information about the duration and frequency of symptoms, any associated pain, recent medical procedures, and any history of infection or trauma. A physical examination, including a digital rectal exam, is often performed to assess the condition of the prostate.
**Laboratory Tests and Imaging**
- **Urine and Semen Analysis**: These tests help identify infection, inflammation, or other abnormalities in the urinary and reproductive systems. They are necessary to rule out infection as the primary cause of blood in sperm.
- **Blood Tests**: Blood tests may be performed to assess general health conditions, such as bleeding disorders or high blood pressure, that may contribute to blood in sperm.
- **Imaging Studies**: These include ultrasound or MRI scans to provide a clearer picture of the condition.
The extent to which a doctor should be seen depends on several factors.Factors, including:
- **Age**: The presence of blood in the semen after the age of forty may be a sign of the possibility of developing prostate cancer, so the doctor should be informed when blood is noticed.
- **Continued bleeding**: A doctor should be consulted if blood in the semen continues for more than a month without stopping naturally.
- **Other symptoms**: Attention should be paid to any symptoms accompanying the bleeding, such as:
- Feeling pain during ejaculation or urination.
- Scrotal swelling.
- Feeling pain in the lower back.
- **Family or personal history**: Having a family or personal history of tumors, especially reproductive system tumors or sexually transmitted diseases, requires consulting a doctor.
**Treatment options for sperm bleeding**
Treatment of sperm bleeding depends on identifying the underlying cause behind its occurrence. After determining the cause, appropriate measures can be taken.
**Treatment of infections**If infection is the main cause, antibiotics are prescribed to eliminate the causative agent. It is essential to complete the full course of treatment to avoid recurrence and ensure complete resolution of symptoms.
**Treatment of Prostate Problems** In cases of prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia, medications may be required to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms. In rare cases, such as prostate cancer, more aggressive treatment options, such as surgery or radiation therapy, may be needed.
**Management of Trauma and Side Effects After Surgery** Sperm bleeding from trauma usually resolves spontaneously as the tissue heals. For sperm bleeding after surgery, reassurance and observation may be sufficient, as symptoms tend to resolve without the need for further intervention.
**Treatment of Systemic Conditions** If systemic conditions are contributing to the bleeding, management of these conditions is essential.