Blood in your semen is called hematospermia. It may be stressful to see, but in many cases it's not a sign of a serious problem. It may be caused by an infection or inflammation. It's a common after-effect of a prostate biopsy, vasectomy, or other procedure. In some people, the cause isn't found but the bleeding stops over time.
Blood in semen may be caused by any of these:
- Enlarged vein in the prostate gland
- Enlarged prostate gland (benign prostate hyperplasia)
- Infection in any tube that sends fluid out of the penis
- Infection of the prostate gland
- Injury from prostate biopsy
- Injury to the pelvis or testicles
- Radiation therapy
- Sexually transmitted infection (STI)
- Vasectomy
In some cases, the bleeding may be caused by any of these:
- Bleeding disorder
- Frequent ejaculation
- Growth such as a polyp, cyst, or cancer tumor
- High blood pressure
- HIV
- Kidney disease
- Leukemia
- Liver disease
The health care team will ask you questions about your:
- Sexual history
- Recent injury
- Recent procedures
- Any other symptoms
To find the cause, a doctor will examine your penis. They will give you a digital rectal exam (DRE). This means a doctor uses their finger to feel for growths or other problems in the prostate area.
Home care
The bleeding may stop on its own in a few weeks, up to 2 months.
If you were given antibiotic medicine for infection, take it exactly as directed. Don't stop taking it if your symptoms stop. Take all the medicine until it's gone.
Follow-up care
Contact your doctor as advised. If you are over age 40 or at higher risk of cancer, you may need more tests. These may include:
- Blood test
- CT scan
- Cystoscopy
- MRI scan
- Ultrasound
- Urine test
You may be referred to a urologist. This is a doctor who focuses on problems in the urinary tract and male genitals.
When to get medical attention
Contact your doctor if you have any of these:
- Fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher, or as advised by your doctor
- Blood in your urine
- Pain when you urinate
- Trouble urinating
- Pain when semen comes out of the penis
- Fluid leaking from the tip of the penis
- Blood in semen longer than 2 months
Date Last Reviewed: 06/01/2023
© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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