In this Article

• What is blood in the semen?
• What are the causes of blood in the semen?
• What are the symptoms of blood in the semen?
• How is blood in the semen evaluated?
• How is blood in the semen treated?
• What is the prognosis (outlook) for patients with blood in the semen?
• Blood in Semen At A Glance
• Blood In Semen Glossary
• Blood In Semen Index

What are the symptoms of blood in the semen?

The symptoms that accompany blood in the semen may be any of the following, depending upon the cause (these are not all inclusive):

• painful urination,



• pain with ejaculation,



• blood in urine,



• lower back pain,



• fever,



• tenderness in the testes and/or scrotum,



• swelling in the testes and/or scrotum, or



• swelling or tenderness in the groin area.

How is blood in the semen evaluated?

A number of diagnostic tests may be performed after the clinical history is evaluated and a physical examination is performed. Some of the most commonly performed diagnostic tests are a urinalysis and cultures to identify any sexually transmitted or other infections. When indicated, imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI may reveal tumors or other abnormalities. In some cases, a semen analysis may be recommended.

How is blood in the semen treated?

Treatment of blood in the semen is directed toward the underlying cause if a cause has been found. Sometimes, treatment with antibiotics for a presumptive diagnosis of prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland) is given, since some studies have shown that up to about one-fourth of men with hematospermia have prostatitis. However, the benefit of such treatment has not been definitively established.

In many cases, if blood in the semen is not associated with any known abnormality of other troubling symptoms, no treatment is given, and the condition usually resolves on its own with time in these situations. Persistent hematospermia (for a month or more) even in the absence of other symptoms warrants further or follow-up evaluation.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Urinalysis - Learn about the urinalysis test. Diseases and conditions such as urinary tract or kidney infection, kidney stones, kidney failure, diabetes, or high blood pressure can be diagnosed or monitored.
• Lower Back Pain - Get information on causes of lower back pain (arthritis, pregnancy, herniated disc, sciatica, spinal stenosis, endometriosis, ovarian cysts), includes back pain treatment and diagnosis.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan) - Medical information on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) used in detecting structural abnormalities of the body. Learn uses, risks, and how to prepare for an MRI scan

Read more Blood In Semen related articles »

Latest Medical News

• Boomers Doomed to Disability?
• Gender Divorce Gap After Illness Strikes
• Cigarette Smoking's Decline Levels Off
• 22 Million Cases of Swine Flu in U.S.