Blood in the semen

In people under 40 years old, no cause can be found in about one-third and the problem usually goes away in about a month. Trauma, such as a kick in the groin, may be the reason in some of these men. In the remaining two-thirds, the cause is an infection (such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea or trichomoniasis. Over 500 people with blood in the semen were involved in the scientific studies, and cancer was not a cause in anyone under 40 years of age, which means it is very unlikely, but not impossible.

 

In people over the age of 40, a cause can usually be found. It might be infection or a prostate problem, or some other cause. Prostate cancer has to be considered, especially in older people, but is not a common cause of blood in the semen.

 

Could the blood have come from you partner, and not from you? This is particularly likely if she is at the beginning or end of her period and the bleeding is not noticeable to her. If she is not menstruating, but you think the blood is from her, she may need a check-up. Use a condom the next few times you have sex. This will enable you to examine the semen and be sure the bleeding is from you.

 

The male reproductive system has a lot of tubing and the source of bleeding could be anywhere in the system. If the blood is red or pink, it most probably comes from the urethra (the tube inside the penis). If it is dark, it may come from further back (such as the prostate or an area called the seminal vesicles). Because one for the most common causes is inflammation in the urethra or prostate gland, sometimes caused by an infection, it would be sensible to have a check-up at your local genitourinary medicine clinic. Otherwise, see your family doctor.
 

Written by: Dr Margaret Stearn
Edited by: Dr Margaret Stearn
Last updated: Friday, February 26th 2010

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Comments on this article

Posted by Bob on 07/03/2010 at 05:02:46 pm

Circumsized. No cuts/damage to exterior of penis. No chance of sexually transmitted disease. Vascectomied 30 years ago. No longer sexually active. Known age related prostate problem. Occasional masturbation. Not ejaculated for 12 years, but rather had an emmission, as apposed to a jet! I "arrived"!(sorry)The production has reduced over time. Sensation declined from 'normal' to hardly noticed! Last masturbation produced a minute ammount of seminal fluid - and some blood. First known occurance. Worried, hence here! Will talk to GP.

Posted by Anonymous on 13/01/2010 at 08:15:00 pm

My boyfriend had this.. Scary for me! He went to see a doctor and it was a tear in the foreskin..

Posted by SDC on 09/01/2010 at 11:20:00 pm

I was shocked to see my sperm was red with blood. After reading this i am more relaxed and i will see my physician asap. I migth have a std

Posted by Bob on 07/01/2010 at 07:23:00 pm

I too have had blood in semen just noticed today. went on internet to find out more,Found this website thanks for your messages. I dont care how embarrising it is to bring a sperm sample to the doctor i am doing it for long lasting peace of mind.

Posted by ATS13 on 23/12/2009 at 10:20:00 am

I have had a light pink colour in my cum I'm going to the doctors tomorrow I'm freacking out I'm 24 yrs off age if anyone else has had this problem please write back could use ur help thanks heaps only write back if u have had the same problem...... Thanks in advance.

Posted by justin on 23/12/2009 at 08:00:00 am

I was scared i didnt know what to do but i had found alot of blood in my semen wen i had ejaculated

Posted by Chris Bigueras on 04/12/2009 at 10:18:00 pm

I have problem there blood on my semen when I release sperm and I'm scared

Posted by Anonymous on 24/09/2009 at 09:37:00 am

In my late teens, I woke one morning and found my right testicle was twice the size of my left! I have seen lots of GP's and specialists over the years and have had 2 - 3 scans and all looks normal, none of the doctors have been able to explain why or how this occurred, one suggested a blockage in my vas-deferens but did not pursue it any further! My semen looks normal (i.e. no blood or discoloration). A few days ago, I woke up and noticed blood stains in my underpants, it was light in colour and in several places, as I had no stains on me, I assumed the blood came from my penis. I went to my GP and was examined, again all looks well but I will be sent for another scan. My "large" testicle does ache now and again and I sometimes find relief after ejaculation, this problem has been bothering me most of my life and I've got to the stage where I would gladly have the offending ball surgically removed. If any urologists read this post and would like a challenge and a very cooperative "guinea-pig" to operate on and film for training purposes, please let me know.

Posted by Anonymous on 08/09/2009 at 08:47:00 pm

dark blood in semen after masturbating, no pain.this is the first time it has happened. what should i do?

Posted by steve oneal on 09/08/2009 at 11:29:00 pm

i hate to talk about this ,but as most guys do,i masturbated this morning and it was red,is that something i should be concerned about

Posted by michael on 22/04/2009 at 04:44:00 pm

My semen is often light brown in colour Any suggestions as to the cause-I am otherwise healthy

Posted by brian on 21/04/2009 at 09:45:00 am

i am shit scared i have blood all the time and it is pure blood not seemen, i have seen the urologist on a number of occasions i have been put to sleep for cystcopy and trus and massage of the prostate and also i have been advised i have a cyst on the prostate and calcium particles in the prostate no cancer was discovered my psa level is 1.8 they cannot give me an answer as to what is causing all this blood i am still scared out of my life and it is also very unpleasnt to see.