What are the symptoms of seminal vesiculitis?

Seminal vesiculitis is a common male urological condition with a high incidence rate. If left untreated, it poses significant health risks to affected individuals. Patients with seminal vesiculitis may experience itching in the affected area; upon close inspection, red papules may also be observed on the skin surface overlying the seminal vesicles. Consequently, seminal vesiculitis is often difficult to detect during its early stages. So, what are the common symptoms of seminal vesiculitis?

What Symptoms Does Seminal Vesiculitis Cause?

1. Hematuria

Hematuria may occur throughout urination (total hematuria), at the beginning (initial hematuria), or at the end (terminal hematuria). Notably, gross hematuria—particularly following ejaculation—is relatively common.

2. Pain

In acute cases, patients commonly experience lower abdominal pain, which may radiate to the perineum and bilateral inguinal regions. Chronic cases are typically associated with dull, persistent suprapubic pain and discomfort in the genital region. Pain often intensifies significantly during ejaculation.

3. Hematospermia

This symptom is often overlooked by patients, as blood-tinged semen may be mistakenly attributed to their female partner’s menstrual bleeding. Hematospermia—characterized by pinkish, reddish, or clotted semen—is especially noticeable during ejaculation. It tends to be more pronounced in acute cases.

4. Urinary Frequency, Dysuria, and Lumbar Pain

Acute seminal vesiculitis typically presents with marked urinary urgency and lumbar pain, often accompanied by dysuria or urinary hesitancy. In contrast, chronic cases are characterized by urinary frequency, urgency, difficulty voiding, and a prominent burning sensation during urination.

Seminal vesiculitis can also lead to male infertility. Aside from congenital abnormalities of the seminal vesicles, conditions such as ejaculatory duct stenosis or obstruction may result in oligospermia or azoospermia. Prolonged chronic seminal vesiculitis may cause seminal vesicle atrophy and severely impair seminal vesicle function, thereby reducing fertility. Some patients develop concurrent chronic epididymitis, further compromising sperm transport. Without timely prevention and treatment, seminal vesiculitis may ultimately lead to male infertility. Therefore, if men notice any symptoms suggestive of seminal vesiculitis, they should seek prompt, evidence-based medical evaluation and treatment.