Blood in the Semen
Blood in semen is called hematospermia. It is often temporary, but recurrent episodes or accompanying symptoms should be evaluated.
About blood in the semen
Blood in semen is called hematospermia. It is often temporary, but recurrent episodes or accompanying symptoms should be evaluated.
What can cause it?
Blood in semen may follow inflammation, infection, prostate or urinary procedures, vigorous sexual activity, or minor blood-vessel bleeding.
Less commonly, stones, bleeding disorders, or prostate and urinary disease are involved.
What a patient may notice
Symptoms vary from person to person. Possible signs may include:
- Pink, red, or brown semen
- Pain with ejaculation or urination
- Pelvic discomfort, fever, or blood in urine
How clinicians find the cause
Evaluation considers age, recurrence, pain, fever, blood in urine, urinary symptoms, trauma, procedures, sexual exposures, and medicines. Urine, STI, blood, prostate, ultrasound, or urology testing may be needed.
Treatment and next steps
- 1
A single brief episode without other symptoms may only need monitoring after clinical discussion.
- 2
Infection or inflammation is treated according to confirmed or likely cause.
- 3
Persistent, recurrent, or unexplained bleeding needs urology follow-up rather than repeated empiric treatment.
Supporting recovery
- Record the color, number of episodes, pain, urinary symptoms, and recent procedures or injury.
- Do not stop blood-thinning medicine without the prescriber's guidance.
- Avoid sexual activity temporarily if it worsens pain or bleeding.
What to expect
A brief episode of blood in the semen often clears within days to weeks, especially after irritation or a recent prostate procedure. The outlook depends on the cause. Recurrent, persistent, painful, or unexplained episodes need follow-up to identify prostate, urinary, infectious, or bleeding-related conditions.
Possible complications
- Persistent pain, urinary symptoms, or repeated bleeding from an untreated underlying condition
- Spread or worsening of a prostate, seminal-vesicle, urinary, or sexually transmitted infection
- Delayed diagnosis of an uncommon but important prostate or urinary disorder
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Arrange an evaluation when symptoms are new, worsening, interfering with normal activities, or not improving as expected.
Heavy bleeding, inability to urinate, severe pain, fainting, or fever with severe illness needs urgent evaluation.Get emergency help for severe trouble breathing, new chest pressure, fainting, seizure, sudden weakness on one side, uncontrolled bleeding, blue or gray lips, or a person who is difficult to wake.
Ways to lower risk
- Use protection against STIs and obtain testing when exposed.
- Follow aftercare instructions after prostate or urinary procedures.
Trusted health information
This CHS patient-education page uses original wording and links to MedlinePlus for additional information.