When There's Blood in Your Sperm

What does it mean if there's blood in the semen? What should you do when you notice it?

Haemospermia shouldn't make you particularly anxious. Don't panic - it's probably nothing. (jlp)

Whenever there's blood, it usually sends shivers down your spine and you think of all the scenarios that you are most afraid of. To cheer you up, fear is often unnecessary and blood in the semen is about as serious as blood mixed in the discharge from the nose.

In some cases, however, it can indicate more serious problems. The origin and cause of blood in the semen is unknown in about 50 per cent of the cases. It is difficult to determine the origin of the problem because sperm cells stem from several organs. If there's blood in your sperm, this can be often attributed to the prostate or the glands which produce most semen. Blood in your semen most likely indicates that you have an inflammation or infection of the organs participating in semen production. However, it can also be the consequence of a long and wild sexual intercourse.

In rare cases, blood in the semen is a symptom of cancer.

If there's blood also in your urine, you need to see a urologist. (jlp)

Two groups of patients

Patients with haemospermia - i.e. men in whose semen we can find blood - are normally divided into two groups. The first group consists of those who have blood only in their semen. In men belonging to this group, blood usually disappears the same way it appeared. 17 per cent of men experience it as a one time event that never recurs (which is called one episode) and the symptoms disappear within three weeks. If there's blood in the semen afterwards, you need to see a physician.
The second group consists of men who have blood also in their urine. These patients need to have a thorough urological examination.