What causes red substances in semen and what should be done?
Nov 08, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Cao Zhiqiang
Introduction
In general, semen with red discoloration may be caused by factors such as unhealthy lifestyle habits, prolonged abstinence, seminal vesicle calculi, seminal vesiculitis, or prostatitis, and appropriate management depends on the specific situation. If semen consistently appears red over a long period, prompt medical evaluation and diagnosis at a hospital are necessary to identify the underlying cause and initiate targeted treatment, so as to avoid delaying the condition.
Generally, the presence of red substances in semen may be caused by unhealthy lifestyle habits, prolonged abstinence, seminal vesicle stones, seminal vesiculitis, prostatitis, or other conditions, and appropriate management should be based on the specific situation.
1. Unhealthy lifestyle habits: Long-term excessive sexual activity or frequent masturbation can cause repeated congestion of the reproductive organs, easily leading to mucosal damage and bleeding in areas such as the seminal vesicles and prostate, resulting in the presence of red substances in semen. It is recommended to adjust lifestyle habits, avoid excessive sexual activity and frequent masturbation, and maintain a moderate sexual frequency.
2. Prolonged abstinence: If a male has not engaged in sexual activity for a long time, semen may be stored in the body for an extended period, gradually increasing the pressure within the seminal vesicles. This may cause small blood vessels in the vesicle walls to rupture and bleed, resulting in red substances in the semen. It is recommended to resume regular sexual activity and avoid excessive abstinence.
3. Seminal Vesicle Stones: Small stones within the seminal vesicles can chronically irritate the mucous membrane, causing mucosal injury and bleeding, which may lead to hematospermia (blood in semen). Smaller seminal vesicle stones may be managed conservatively, such as through regular monitoring and symptomatic treatment. If the stones are large, cause significant symptoms, or affect fertility, they may be removed via vesiculoscopy with lithotripsy and stone extraction under a doctor's guidance.
4. Seminal Vesiculitis: Infections caused by pathogens such as bacteria can lead to inflammatory responses in the seminal vesicles. Inflammation causes congestion, swelling of the mucous membranes, and rupture of small blood vessels, resulting in red substances in the semen. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as cefuroxime axetil granules or levofloxacin tablets for treatment.
5. Prostatitis: The prostate and seminal vesicles are closely adjacent anatomically. When inflammation occurs in the prostate, it can easily spread to the seminal vesicles, causing seminal vesiculitis and resulting in hematospermia. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as azithromycin capsules or tamsulosin hydrochloride for treatment.
If semen consistently contains red substances over a prolonged period, it is important to seek timely medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and receive targeted treatment to prevent delays in managing the condition.
