Blood in Semen – Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment at Emirates Hospitals Group
Blood in semen, medically termed hematospermia, can be a concerning symptom, although it’s often benign, especially in men under 40. It can manifest as a small streak of blood or a more noticeable reddish or brownish discoloration of the ejaculate. While sometimes alarming, hematospermia frequently resolves on its own.
Several potential causes exist for blood in semen:
- In younger men, common culprits include infections of the urinary tract or prostate, often sexually transmitted.
- Inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis) or seminal vesicles can also lead to hematospermia.
- Urethral strictures, or narrowing of the urethra, can cause bleeding.
- Sometimes, vigorous sexual activity or trauma to the groin area can result in temporary hematospermia.
- In older men, the risk of more serious conditions, such as prostate cancer or bladder cancer, increases, although these are less common causes of hematospermia.
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), an enlarged prostate, can also contribute.
- In some cases, the cause remains unknown, termed idiopathic hematospermia.
Diagnosing the cause of blood in semen involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and potentially some tests:
- A urine analysis can check for infection.
- Testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may be recommended.
- A digital rectal exam (DRE) allows the doctor to feel the prostate for abnormalities.
- In older men, a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test may be performed to screen for prostate cancer, although an elevated PSA doesn’t necessarily mean cancer.
- Further imaging, such as a transrectal ultrasound of the prostate or a cystoscopy (examination of the bladder and urethra with a scope), might be necessary in some cases to visualize the structures and identify any abnormalities.
Treatment for hematospermia depends on the underlying cause:
- If an infection is present, antibiotics will be prescribed.
- For prostatitis, treatment may involve antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, or alpha-blockers to relax the prostate muscles.
- If a structural abnormality like a urethral stricture is identified, a urologist may perform a procedure to widen the urethra.
- In cases where a more serious condition, like cancer, is diagnosed, treatment will be tailored to the specific cancer.
- Often, in younger men with no identifiable cause, and in the absence of other concerning symptoms, a “watch and wait” approach may be adopted, as the condition often resolves spontaneously.
It’s crucial to consult a doctor to determine the cause of hematospermia and receive appropriate management.
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