Seeing blood in your semen can be such a nerve-wracking experience. Naturally, you’ll think that maybe you have a serious medical condition since it’s uncommon to have blood mixed in your semen. However, experts say that it rarely indicates a serious medical condition. Hematospermia (blood in semen) doesn’t last long and goes away without you doing anything about it.
However, some factors may signal that you’re at risk of a life-threatening disease. This is why it’s crucial to know what blood in semen means and when you should get yourself checked at an STD clinic in Singapore.
Possible causes of blood in semen
A number of things can cause blood vessels along the tubes on the urethra to break and leak blood.
Here are some of the possible causes.
- Inflammation – inflammation of the duct, tube, gland, or any organ involved in the male genitalia can cause blood to mix in the semen. This can be due to prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland), epididymitis (inflammation of the coiled tube in the back of the testicle), or urethritis (inflammation of the urethra).
- Trauma – being hit in the testicles, for example, can cause blood to leak. A prostate exam and vasectomy may also cause lead to this condition.
- Infections – sexually transmitted diseases, like gonorrhoea, chlamydia, or herpes, can cause blood in semen. Also, infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses can lead to this.
- Obstruction – if the prostate is enlarged, the urethra becomes pressured, causing bloody semen. Also, the same can happen if the ejaculatory duct is blocked.
- Tumour – benign or malignant tumours in the testicles, seminal vesicles, epididymis, or prostate can also cause blood in semen.
- Vascular abnormalities – vascular cysts or other abnormalities in the male genitals can also explain the presence of blood in semen.
Signs that you need to see a doctor
As a rule of thumb, you need to get STD testing in Singapore if you see blood in your semen and you or someone in your family has a history of STIs or cancers. This is especially true if you are…
Over 40 years old
If you’re over 40, you’re at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer and other illnesses. Because of this, it’s essential to get yourself checked right away if you see blood in your semen. Your doctor may recommend an STD test in Singapore and other examinations to rule out certain medical conditions.
Sexually active
People who are sexually active or have multiple sexual partners have a higher risk of getting STDs. While blood in semen might not be 100% indicative of contracting an STD, it is one of the possible symptoms, and it is better to get confirmation and any required changes in lifestyles or treatments.
However, if you are under 40 years old
If you’re under 40 and are not experiencing any symptoms other than the presence of blood in your semen, you can wait it out for a few days to see if the blood goes away on its own. However, if the occurrence persists and you experience pain, fever, or other symptoms, you should get yourself checked right away. You may be advised to get a prostate exam or a semen and urine analysis to determine the source of the problem.
Conclusion
While having ample rest and drinking lots of fluid may help, especially if the bloody semen is caused by trauma, make sure to check for other symptoms that may indicate a more serious problem, which includes pain, fever, swelling, etc.
Elyon Family Clinic & Surgery specialises in women’s and men’s reproductive health, infectious diseases, and testosterone deficiency in Singapore. We are an accredited clinic experienced in treating STIs and performing various screenings related to STDs. Contact us today to find out more about our services.
