Hematospermia, also known as blood in the semen, is a condition where a man notices blood-stained or discolored semen. This can be alarming, but it is often benign and self-limiting. Hematospermia can have various causes, ranging from infections and inflammation to more serious conditions. Common causes include infections or inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis), seminal vesicles, urethra, or other parts of the male reproductive system. Other causes can be sexually transmitted infections (STIs), benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate), or recent medical procedures such as a prostate biopsy. Less commonly, hematospermia may be associated with systemic conditions like hypertension, bleeding disorders, or even malignancies such as prostate or testicular cancer. However, in many cases, especially in younger men without other symptoms, the exact cause remains unidentified, and the condition resolves on its own without treatment.
The treatment for hematospermia depends on its underlying cause. If an infection is identified, antibiotics or antiviral medications may be prescribed to treat the infection and reduce inflammation. For cases caused by inflammation alone, anti-inflammatory medications may be sufficient to alleviate symptoms. If a structural abnormality or a more serious condition like a tumor is suspected, further diagnostic tests such as ultrasound, MRI, or a biopsy may be necessary to guide treatment. In many cases, especially when hematospermia occurs sporadically and without other symptoms, reassurance and monitoring are often all that is needed, as the condition tends to resolve on its own. However, persistent or recurrent hematospermia, particularly in men over 40 or those with risk factors for cancer, warrants further evaluation by a healthcare provider to rule out more serious conditions.
