Observing blood in the semen can make a man worried. Luckily, it’s not always a sign of a big medical problem. Generally, in men younger than 40 with no associated symptoms and no risk factors for underlying medical conditions, blood in semen normally goes away on its own. However, for men 40 and above, probabilities are higher that blood in the semen needs evaluation and treatment. This is particularly true for men who have:
Blood in the semen can come from several different sources:
Infection and Inflammation is the most common cause of blood in the semen. Blood may come in any of the glands, tubes, or ducts that generate and move semen from the body. These include Prostate, Urethra, Epididymis and vas deferens and Seminal vesicles.
It may also come from a sexually transmitted infection like gonorrhea or chlamydia, or from any other viral or bacterial infection.
Blood in the semen can occur after medical procedures like a prostate biopsy, treatment for urinary problems, radiation therapy, vasectomy, or injections for hemorrhoids, etc. It may also occur due to physical upset to the sex organs after pelvic fracture, injury to the testicles, extremely rigorous sexual activity or masturbation, or any other injury.
When any of the small tubes or ducts in the reproductive tract is blocked, it can cause blood vessels to break and release small amounts of blood. The condition causes the prostate to become enlarged and pinch the urethra. It is also linked to blood in semen.
Tumors and polyps can cause blood in semen. Blood in semen can also be related to cancer of the testicles, bladder, and other reproductive and urinary tract organs. Polyps in the reproductive region, which are benign growths which don't cause any medical issue, can also cause blood in semen.
The above mentioned and other medical conditions are also associated with blood in semen.