Does Blood in Your Sperm Mean Problems For Male Fertility?

BLOODY SEMEN - WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

Blood in the semen, which is technically known as hematospermia shows up as anything from wispy pinkish red strands in the seminal fluid to brown or rusty colored semen. The brighter the color of the blood the newer it is, the older blood is a darker color.

The first thing to remember is do not panic! This may be easier said than done, but generally speaking bloody semen is not the sign of a serious underlying medical condition. Nor is it going to affect your fertility - though some conditions should be treated before you continue sexual relations.

REASONS FOR BLOOD IN YOUR SEMEN:

* Urinary tract infections;
* Prostatitis;
* Sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea or chlamydia; if you suspect you have a sexually transmitted disease it is essential that you cease any unprotected sexual activity and have a test performed by your doctor.
* Benign prostate hypertrophy;
* Surgical procedures such as prostate biopsy or bladder catheterization;
* Trauma to the testicles or prostate;
* Cancer of the prostate, bladder or reproductive organs.

WHEN TO GO AND SEE YOU DOCTOR:

If blood appears in your semen more than three times, or if the bloody semen is accompanied by pain in the area between your anus and your genitals. If you have a frequent and/or urgent need to urinate or if you are more than fifty years old.

WHAT WILL YOUR DOCTOR TEST FOR?

Your doctor will ask you about your medical history and perform a physical examination. Diagnostic tests of your urine or semen may be undertaken and if it is suspected that you have a sexually transmitted disease, cultures will be tested. If necessary, MRIs or ultrasounds will be performed to check for tumors or any other abnormalities.

WHAT IS THE OUTLOOK FOR PATIENTS WITH BLOOD IN THE SEMEN?

Most cases of hematospermia are benign and can be resolved without treatment. Cancer is rarely the cause of blood in the semen, in most cases it is not related to cancer, especially in younger men.

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