Hemospermia or blood in the semen

The hemospermia or blood in the semen is a sign that causes alarm in men but, fortunately, in most cases the cause is not too important.

The presence of blood in the sperm is usually a consequence of the breakage of a capillary or small-caliber vessel in some section of the sperm's path, that is, said blood can come from the testicles, the prostate, the seminal vesicles or the. Any injury to these structures of the male reproductive system can visibly stain the semen with blood, even if this bleeding is minimal.

Causes of blood in semen

The main causes Of the presence of blood in the sperm are usually, that they make the tissues more inflamed, so that the capillaries, with a greater supply of blood so that defense cells arrive to fight the infection, can be broken more easily.

Infections

The most common infections in men are prostatitis, the orchitis (infection of the testicle), epididymitis wave urethritis. As a general rule, hemospermia usually occurs in isolation, but may be accompanied by symptom typical of the involvement of the infected organ, such as pain and inflammation at the testicular level in the case of epididymitis, pain at the perineal level if it is prostatitis, or in case of serious infections fever, discomfort when urinating, blood in the urine (hematuria) or pain when having a bowel movement.

Cysts

Other less common causes of blood in sperm can be presence of cysts in the seminal vesicles, which are benign and generally well-irrigated. When the vesicles produce the secretion that they contribute to the sperm, the blood accumulated in these cysts leaves with it, giving the semen a brown color, since this blood is usually old and not fresh, which also happens when the blood comes from an infected prostate.

Due to trauma

A trauma to the testicles, perineum, or penis It could cause bleeding from broken capillaries. If one occurs shortly after said trauma or it occurs during sex, it is likely that the sperm will then be stained with fresh and red blood, its presence being even more striking.

Development of a tumor

Finally, although it is not usually a common symptom, tumors at the level of the prostate or testicles They can cause blood to appear in the sperm because these tumors create a network of new, malformed blood vessels to feed tumor cell growth. These are arteries, veins and capillaries more susceptible to rupture and, consequently, to stain the sperm with blood.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis will be based on the presence of blood in the sperm, either by visualizing it or by questioning the patient. It will be necessary to carry out a genital physical examination complete examination and a rectal examination to rule out acute prostate or tumor disease, trauma, or orchioepididymitis.

One should be performed to assess whether there is infection, in the same way that, if the infectious cause is suspected, a urine and sperm culture can be performed. If necessary, a testicular or transrectal ultrasound to assess the testes, seminal vesicles, and prostate. General Medicine Specialist