Blood in semen

Blood in your semen is commonly caused by an infection or other conditions. Though not normal, blood in your semen is usually not a sign of a severe illness. If you are younger than 40 years of age blood in your semen will usually go away on its own without treatment. If you are older, you should see your healthcare provider for a proper evaluation.

In most people, following appropriate treatment and care, the blood in semen will go away without any complications. In people with cancer, early treatment and taking action to reduce other risks may improve the outcomes.

The following conditions may cause blood in your semen:

• Irritation or infections. Your semen is a combination of fluids produced by different organs in your body. If any of these organs become irritated or infected, it can lead to blood leaking into your semen. Examples are a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or stones in your organs.
• A tumour can cause the tubes carrying blood around your private parts to break and leak blood into your semen.
• If  you injure your private parts this can cause the arteries carrying blood to break and cause blood in your semen. This injury may be caused by a medical procedure. For example, a test for prostate cancer.
• If you have a blood clotting disorder you will bleed excessively due to minor injuries or even bleed without injuries. This may cause blood in your semen.

Seeing blood in your semen may be distressing, but it will usually go away on its own. However, it may be a sign of a severe condition. You should visit your healthcare provider if any of the following apply:

• If you are older than 40 years of age. Conditions such as prostate cancer are more common in older men older.
• If you feel pain or find it difficult to pee, it may signify a blockage in your urinal tract. This may be a sign of a tumour or an infection.
• If you have a discharge from your penis. The discharge may look like pus or may be watery and bloody. This may point to an infection.
• If you notice a swelling in your balls (testicles). This may be a sign of an infection in your testicles or a collection of fluid around them. 
• Back pain may be a sign of many things, including prostate cancer. 

You cannot prevent some causes of blood in your semen. However, you can do the following to reduce your chances of having blood in your semen:

• Practice safe sex. Using latex condoms and staying faithful to one sexual partner can significantly reduce your chances of having sexually transmitted infections.
• Live healthily. You can reduce your chances of having conditions such as cancer by living healthily. Avoid smoking, eat a balanced diet and live an active life.
• Protect your private parts from injuries or accidents. When you play sports, you may wear appropriate protective gear.

Blood in your semen will mostly go away without treatment, depending on the cause. Below are some tips to help relieve your symptoms.

Self-care tips

You can do the following at home to relieve your symptoms:

• Take some time to rest and take your mind off your worries. This will calm your mind and reduce your blood pressure.
• If you feel any pain, you can buy over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol.
• You can soothe any swelling by applying an ice pack. Leave the ice pack in place for about 10 minutes (no longer).

Treatment options

Your healthcare provider will recommend treatment based on what caused blood in your semen. They may recommend medicines that kill bacteria if it's an infection or surgery to remove a tumour.

Seeing blood in your semen is not usually a sign of a severe condition and it will most likely go away by itself. Therefore, there is no need for you to panic. If you notice any of the alarm symptoms listed above or are worried, do not hesitate to visit your healthcare provider. Your treatment may require you to continue taking the medicines long after the blood in your semen stops, do not discontinue the treatment.