What are the causes of blood in semen? What are its symptoms?suggest its treatment
Blood in semen is known as hematospermia. It is not always noticed and so it is difficult to estimate its presence. Blood in semen can be a result of many diseases of the male genitourinary system. The affected areas include the bladder, testicles, urethra, tubes from the testicles and the prostate gland.
Causes
- Prostate biopsy is the most common cause of blood in semen which may last for 3-4 weeks after the operation. Similarly vasectomy can lead to blood in semen for about a week.
- Blood in semen can also be caused by many benign or malignant conditions of the male genital system including infections, anatomical abnormalities, inflammation or stones in any site of the genital system.
- Polyps in the reproductive tract can be another cause for blood in semen.Benign polyps or malignant tumors in the prostate, testicles, or seminal vesicles could lead to blood in the semen.
- Metastatic cancer that has spread from other parts of the body and located in the genital system.
- Sometimes ejaculation obstruction may lead to a show of blood in the semen.
- Stones in the prostate or seminal vesicles become the cause of blood.
- It can also come from sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhoea or chlamydia.
- Radiation therapy, vasectomy, and injections for haemorrhoids can lead to blood in the semen.
- Physical trauma to the sex organs after pelvic fracture, injury to the testicles, rigorous sexual activity or masturbation can cause blood in the semen.
- Blockage of the tiny tubes or ducts of the reproductive system can make the blood vessels break and release some blood.
- Some medical conditions like high blood pressure, liver disease or leukaemia can result to blood in semen.
- In many cases no causes are found and the condition disappears on its own.
Symptoms and diagnosis
The symptoms that can occasionally accompany blood in the semen may be painful urination, pain with ejaculation, fever, lower back pain tenderness and swelling in the testes or scrotum or in the groin area. Other symptoms include penis discharge, fast pulse and high blood pressure.
Blood in the semen can be diagnosed by the doctor by taking a complete medical history which will include recent sexual activity, physical examination of the genitals for any lumps or swelling. Urine culture can be done to reveal infections and other abnormalities. Sexually transmitted disease testing will also help. PSA testing is done to test for prostate cancer. Cystoscopy, ultrasound, CT scan and MRI will help in detailed diagnosis.
Treatment for blood in semen
Treatment of blood in semen can be treated after knowing the cause. The condition may appear startling and scary, but it must be remembered that in most cases it is nothing serious
Treatment at home
If the cause of blood is a known trauma, it can be treated with by simple resting and allowing the body to heal on its own. Swelling on the groin can be treated by applying a pack of ice. If there are just one or two episodes of blood in semen, they can be ignored. But if the episodes of blood in semen are repeated several times and are followed by pain in urination or during ejaculation orget worse it is better to consult a doctor immediately.
Medical treatment
- If thebloody semen is found to be caused by an infection, doctor will prescribe antibiotics.
- If the blood in semen is caused by a blockage in the genitourinary tract, surgery may be necessary.
- If the blockage is the result of a bladder stone, again surgery may be required to remove the stone.
- If cancer is causing the blood in semen, the treatment of cancer will have to be done.
- Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medicines are prescribed for infections and inflammations.
- Other diseases like STD, high blood pressure or liver disease will have to be handled separately.
- It the cause of semen is after a surgical procedure, no treatment is required. It will disappear on its own.
- Prostate cancer can develop in any age of men. That being the rime cause of blood in semen must be treated fast.
