Blood in semen

Blood in the semen can be caused by inflammation, injury or infection in the reproductive system. Inflammation of the glands (seminal vesicles) that produce a lot of the fluid in semen is called vesiculitis, and small stones in this area can also cause blood in the semen.

Inflammation of the prostate gland (where semen is produced) called prostatitis, recent surgery on any part of the urinary and reproductive system such as the bladder or prostate, as well as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can also lead to blood in the semen.

Less common but more concerning conditions that may cause haematospermia include an inability of your blood to form clots properly, cancer of any part of the urinary and reproductive system, very high blood pressure and rough sex.

Blood in your semen is a symptom you should always tell your doctor about, usually in a routine appointment. They are the best person to discuss what the most likely cause is, and to decide whether any further investigations or treatments are needed.

Your doctor will take a thorough history from you, including recent sexual contacts or infections, and they will need to check your blood pressure, examine your tummy, genitals and prostate gland (this is done by inserting a finger into your back passage). They may ask you to provide a urine sample to rule out a urine infection or STI, and it will also show if there is blood in the urine.

If your doctor has any concerns, they will refer you to a specialist doctor called a urologist for further review.

Any treatment depends on the cause. Generally, most cases of haematospermia improve by themselves without any need for treatmentn, but some may require antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medication. If the underlying cause is concerning, your doctor will refer you to a specialist for appropriate treatment.

If the underlying cause is due to an STI, then it is likely to be infectious and can pass onto a sexual partner through sexual intercourse until you have both been fully treated.