Blood in semen: What are the causes?

What causes blood in semen?

- Debbie / No state given

Mayo Clinic endocrinologist and men's health specialist Todd Nippoldt, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.

Answer

Blood in ejaculated semen (hemospermia) is relatively uncommon and rarely serious. In most cases, the cause can't be determined, and the problem goes away without treatment. However, known causes of blood in semen include inflammation, infection, and blockage or injury to the prostate gland or seminal vesicles. Also, following a prostate biopsy, it is common to have blood-tinged semen for four or five subsequent ejaculations.

A doctor may be able to determine the cause of blood in semen based on: