What Does Presence Of Blood In Semen Indicate?

Posted on Tue, 4 Aug 2015

Question: For several months there has been blood in my sperm ejaculate. At times completely dark red brownish ejaculate. I am 74 years old. I went to my local clinic which referred me to a urologist. I was told to wait for a call from the urologist. When the office called, I described my situation and was told it was not serious by the person who answered the phone. She said she'd talk to the urologist and if he thought it necessary, he'd get back to me. That was 2 weeks ago. I'm being given the sense that this is not serious. However, my partner does not want me to make love to her... understandably. So, I'm a bit confused as to what to do??? It certainly seems serious to me.

Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
cause must be determined.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM.
I can understand your concerns.

Blood in semen is not normal and the cause must be determined.

The common causes which can cause this symptom are prostate inflammation, STDs, hypertension and liver disease and tumors in rare cases.

Do you have painful erection?
Is the urination painful or blood stained?
Any discharge, itching from penis?
Sustained any local trauma?
Do you take any medicines?

Although, Many of these cases are self-limiting and the blood in the semen goes away by itself without medical treatment. But your problem has persisted for months now.

I think you need to get some investigations done to rule out a serious cause of this.

Kindly reply back with details to above questions so that we can work out an investigation plan for you.

Hope to hear from you soon.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Shubham Mehta (5 hours later)

Do you have painful erection?
-- No, though I cannot hold an erection as long as I use to be able to

Is the urination painful or blood stained?
-- Neither painful nor blood stained, though the doctor I saw did say there was a bit of blood in my urine. However, I do not notice it when I urinate.

Any discharge, itching from penis?
-- No discharge. No itching.

Sustained any local trauma?
-- No.

Do you take any medicines?
-- I use 6 to 8 tramadol pills per day for pain in joints. I use Ambien on occasion. I use 1 50 mg Atenolol daily for blood pressure. And I use Cialis occasionally to help hold erection.

Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
urinanalysis, semenanalysis, prostate examination.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again.
Sorry for the late response.

Blood in semen has no cause in almost 70% cases.

However, In my opinion, Blood in semen at your age must be evaluated.

Urinanalysis, semenanalysis and prostate specific antigen and digital rectal examination for prostate status should atleast be done.

Also, if the blood pressure is not controlled, this could also be the reason for blood in semen. Monitor your blood pressure regularly.

Kindly discuss these issues with your doctor.

Hope this helps.
Take care.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shubham Mehta (5 hours later)

Thank you for your response.

Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
happy to help.

Detailed Answer:
You are most welcome.
Kindly close the discussion if you have no more queries and give your valuable feedback.

Take care.
Thanks.

Note: Consult a Urologist online for consultation about prostate and bladder problems, sexual dysfunction, kidney stones, prostate enlargement, urinary incontinence, impotence and erectile dysfunction - Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar