What is hematospermia?

Hematospermia is a disease term used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It refers to a kidney-related disorder caused by heat invading the seminal vesicles or by deficiency of spleen and kidney Qi, resulting in damage to the blood vessels within the seminal vesicles, extravasation of blood from the vessels, and subsequent appearance of blood in the semen. Clinically, it is primarily characterized by semen appearing pink, red, brownish-red, or containing visible blood streaks. In Western medicine, this condition is termed “seminal vesiculitis.”

What Is Hematospermia?

Hematospermia mainly refers to the visible presence of blood in the ejaculate observed by male patients during ejaculation—hence the name “hematospermia.” There are two primary underlying causes: (1) inflammation, and (2) calculi (stones) or space-occupying lesions within the seminal vesicles. The most common cause is infection of the genitourinary system, whereby external bacteria enter the seminal vesicles via the prostatic ejaculatory ducts, leading to seminal vesiculitis.

Thus, patients may experience hematospermia alongside the presence of seminal vesicle stones. During physical activity, such stones may rub against the mucosal lining of the seminal vesicles, causing rupture of capillaries and leakage of red blood cells into the semen—resulting in hematospermia. Patients should consult a urologist or andrologist for evaluation. If seminal vesiculitis is confirmed, oral antibiotics—such as quinolones or cephalosporins—are typically prescribed for two weeks, along with increased fluid intake and frequent urination.

Specific medications and treatment regimens must be determined based on individual circumstances under the guidance of a qualified physician.

If hematospermia persists and progressively worsens, malignancy must be ruled out. In rare cases, patients may present with widespread systemic bleeding tendencies—suggesting a hematologic disorder such as leukemia or thrombocytopenia—rather than a localized pathological process. In such instances, the TCM formula “Liang Xue Huo Jing Fang” (Cooling-Blood and Activating-Sperm Decoction), taken orally as a decoction, may be employed. This formula exerts anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, cools the blood and stops bleeding, tonifies the kidneys and nourishes the liver, and nourishes yin while clearing fire—demonstrating significant therapeutic efficacy for hematospermia.

We hope the above information is helpful. Wishing you good health and happiness!