| Subject | Contents |
| Definition | This condition occurs when microscopic or visible blood is present within semen. (The fluid discharged upon ejaculation.) |
| Alternative Names | Semen - bloody; Blood in ejaculation; Bloody sperm |
| Considerations | Preventative measures are specific to what causes the symptom. Associated symptoms may include: Pain with urinationPain with ejaculation Pain with bowel movement Tenderness in scrotum Swelling in scrotum Swelling or tenderness in groin area Lower back painFever or chills Blood in urine |
| Common Causes | Blood in the semen may be caused by inflammation, infection, obstructive processes, or trauma anywhere along the male reproductive tract. It may indicate disease or a problem within the urethra, testicles , epididymis, or prostate. |
| Home Care | Treatment depends on the cause. Minor trauma may be treated by supportive measures such as rest, ice applications, and monitoring symptoms. Major trauma may require reconstructive surgery. Some of the causes may require emotional support and psychological counseling in conjunction with other treatments. Infections can often be treated with antibiotics taken by mouth (or intravenous antibiotics if symptoms are severe). Obstructions are typically treated with surgery. If cancerous tumors are the source of obstruction, radiation and/or chemotherapy may also be indicated. |
| Call your health care provider if | There is any blood in the semen |
| What to expect at your health care provider's office | The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination will be performed. Medical history questions include: Quality Is the semen grossly bloody? Was microscopic blood noticed when the semen was examined for another reason? What was that reason? Time pattern When was this first noticed? Is it present all the time? Is there anything that seems to have caused this symptom? Other What other symptoms are present? A physical examination may be completely normal or reveal: Fever Enlarged or tender inguinal (groin area) lymph nodes ( swollen lymph nodes ) Scrotal swelling or tenderness Urethral discharge Prostate enlargement or tenderness Diagnostic tests: Triple-void urine specimens are collected for urinalysis and urine culture : #1 initial stream #2 midstream #3 after prostatic massage** by examiner Semen analysis Semen culture Ultrasound of pelvis and scrotum Possible findings: Urinalysis reveals increased white blood cells (WBCs) and bacterial growth upon culture of urine #3 Prostatic secretions contain increased levels of WBCs ** Your health care provider may choose not to perform prostatic massage in an acute condition where the prostate is obviously swollen and tender because massage may potentially spread the infection, causing bacteremia or sepsis (generalized infection in which bacteria are present in the bloodstream, rather than localized to one specific part of the body). |
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