What causes hematospermia?
Nov 08, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ma Fujun
Introduction
1. Transient hematospermia, caused by rupture of minute blood vessels due to sudden hyperemia and mechanical injury;
2. Seminal vesiculitis—resulting from inflammation and congestion of the seminal vesicles or associated pathological conditions such as calculi;
3. Chronic prostatitis—since prostatic fluid constitutes a major component of semen;
4. Tumor-related hematospermia—malignant tumors of the prostate, testes, or seminal vesicles may cause hematospermia.
Under normal circumstances, semen is grayish-white in color. When blood is present in the semen, this condition is termed “hematospermia.” Hematospermia is a relatively common male urological condition. Its primary clinical manifestation is red or coffee-colored semen; in more severe cases, patients may notice blood streaks or clots in their semen, as well as urinary symptoms such as increased urinary frequency, urgency, and dysuria. So, what causes hematospermia? Below, we address this question.
Causes of Hematospermia
1. Transient Hematospermia
If hematospermia occurs only occasionally and no specific abnormalities are found upon examination, it is likely due to minor vascular rupture caused by acute congestion and mechanical trauma to certain tissues during sexual intercourse. In such cases, abstaining from sexual activity for one to two weeks typically leads to complete resolution.
2. Seminal Vesiculitis
The seminal vesicles are a pair of tubular glandular structures located posterior to the prostate and adjacent to the posterior urethra. They communicate with the urethra via the ejaculatory ducts. Because the walls of the seminal vesicles are extremely thin, inflammation-induced congestion—or conditions such as calculi—can easily cause bleeding from the highly vascularized vesicular wall. Blood mixed into the secretions subsequently results in hematospermia upon ejaculation.
3. Chronic Prostatitis
Prostatic fluid constitutes a major component of semen. Inflammation-induced prostatic congestion and exudation, excessive sexual activity causing capillary rupture, or forceful contraction and relaxation of the prostate during ejaculation may all lead to blood-tinged prostatic fluid, thereby resulting in hematospermia.
4. Tumors Causing Hematospermia
Persistent and progressively worsening hematospermia may indicate an underlying neoplasm. Examples include ectopic prostatic tissue in the urethra, prostatic polyps, and proliferative urethritis—all of which can cause hematospermia. Additionally, malignant tumors of the prostate, testes, or seminal vesicles may also be responsible. Obstruction of the ejaculatory ducts can lead to proximal ductal dilation and distension, resulting in mucosal vascular rupture and subsequent bleeding.
The above outlines the potential causes of hematospermia. We hope this information is helpful to you.
