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What is Hematospermia?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Also known as hemospermia, hematospermia is a condition in which blood is ejaculated along with semen. While the occurrence of blood in the semen can be alarming, the origin of the problem is normally minor in nature and can be corrected easily. In some cases, the appearance of blood in the semen is short-term and clears up without any treatment at all.

There are several reasons why hematospermia may occur. One of the more common origins of the condition is due to an infection of the prostate. When this is the case, medication can quickly cure the infection and eliminate the appearance of blood.

Surgical procedures involving the prostate may also lead to hematospermia. This is especially true after a biopsy on the prostate. As the trauma to the prostate passes, the incidence of blood mixed into the ejaculate will disappear.

A urinalysis is performed when diagnosing hematospermia.
A urinalysis is performed when diagnosing hematospermia.

Hematospermia causes also include inflammation of the urethra. As with a prostate infection, medication will usually heal the problem in a short period of time. In the event there is some sort of blockage in the urethra or seminal vesicles, a physician can normally identify the problem with examination and take action to clear the blockage.

Other than blood present in the semen, there are no real hematospermia symptoms that are likely to appear. Unlike other situations, there is usually no pain involved or any type of soreness in the penis or testicles. If the condition is due to a prostate infection, there may be some low-grade pain, although few men experience any discomfort at all.

A prostate biopsy can sometimes lead to hematospermia.
A prostate biopsy can sometimes lead to hematospermia.

Along with medication, hematospermia treatment may include such strategies as prostatic massage. Depending on the origins of the problem, a physician may recommend no treatment at all. For example, if the appearance of blood in the semen is shortly after a prostate biopsy, the doctor may run tests to make sure no infection is present. If not infection is found, the physician is likely to advise the patient that the blood will dissipate over time, usually after four or five additional ejaculations have occurred.

Hematospermia may include inflammation of the urethra, but will not cause soreness in the penis or testicles.
Hematospermia may include inflammation of the urethra, but will not cause soreness in the penis or testicles.

While hematospermia is rarely a sign of any type of serious health issue, it is important for men to see a doctor after noticing blood in the semen. By running a urinalysis, examining the prostate for possible infection or trauma, and checking the urethra for blockage, the issue can be quickly resolved before there is the chance for additional complications to take place. Even if no treatment is required, the reassurance obtained from the doctor that there is nothing seriously wrong will provide a great deal of emotional relief to the patient.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including TheHealthBoard, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including TheHealthBoard, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

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    • A urinalysis is performed when diagnosing hematospermia.
      By: Darren Baker
      A urinalysis is performed when diagnosing hematospermia.
    • A prostate biopsy can sometimes lead to hematospermia.
      By: peterjunaidy
      A prostate biopsy can sometimes lead to hematospermia.
    • Hematospermia may include inflammation of the urethra, but will not cause soreness in the penis or testicles.
      By: isyste
      Hematospermia may include inflammation of the urethra, but will not cause soreness in the penis or testicles.
    • A doctor may run tests to ensure that no infection is present that may be creating blood in sperm.
      By: nito
      A doctor may run tests to ensure that no infection is present that may be creating blood in sperm.
    • Tissue removed during a prostate biopsy will be checked under a microscope for abnormalities.
      By: luchschen_shutter
      Tissue removed during a prostate biopsy will be checked under a microscope for abnormalities.
    • Some patients suffering from prostate issues may only feel comfortable seeing a male doctor.
      By: Monkey Business
      Some patients suffering from prostate issues may only feel comfortable seeing a male doctor.
    • Regular prostate exams are essential to maintaining good health after reaching the age of 40.
      By: Tyler Olson
      Regular prostate exams are essential to maintaining good health after reaching the age of 40.