The appearance of bloody sperm or hematospermia does seem scary. However, you don't need to worry too much because this condition is not always a sign of a serious problem and can be treated according to the underlying cause.
Complaints of bloody sperm or hematospermia usually go away on their own and do not need to be examined or given medication. However, if bloody sperm occurs in men aged over 40 years, occurs repeatedly, and is accompanied by complaints when urinating or a history of certain diseases, this condition needs to be checked by a doctor.
Various Causes of Bleeding Sperm
The following are some of the causes of bloody sperm that you need to know.
1. Inflammation
Inflammation is the most common cause of bloody sperm. Bleeding sperm can be caused by inflammation of the glands or ducts of sperm in the body, such as the prostate gland, urethra, epididymis, and seminal vesicles.
2. Infection
Bleeding sperm is also commonly caused by infection, whether it is a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection. One example is a sexually transmitted infection that tends to be accompanied by symptoms of pain when urinating.
3. Blockage
Small ducts in the reproductive system can become blocked and cause blood vessels to burst. This causes the sperm that passes through the channel to mix with the blood.
One of the conditions that can cause blockage is: benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In BPH, the prostate enlarges and pinches the urinary tract through which sperm pass, causing the sperm to bleed.
4. Medical action or injury
Bleeding sperm can occur as a side effect of medical procedures, such as procedures to treat urinary problems, radiation therapy, vasectomy, and biopsy of the prostate gland.
In addition, injuries in the genital area, for example from kicking, bumping, or excessive sexual activity or masturbation, can also cause sperm to bleed.
5. Tumor or cancer
Tumors in the prostate, testes, epididymis or seminal vesicles can also cause sperm to bleed. Although the occurrence is quite rare, bloody sperm can be caused by cancer, such as testicular cancer or bladder cancer. This condition needs to be watched out for in the elderly, especially those who have a family history of cancer.
In addition to the above conditions, bloody sperm can also be caused by several factors, such as benign polyps in the reproductive tract, vascular cysts, high blood pressure, liver disease, leukemia, hemophilia, or prostate cancer.
How to Overcome Bloody Sperm
Most complaints of bloody sperm can heal by itself. Therefore, you do not need to go straight to the doctor. If bloody sperm appears after an injury, you are advised to rest enough so that the source of the bleeding can heal quickly.
If the bloody sperm is accompanied by swelling in the groin area, you can compress the area for 10–20 minutes with a cold compress.
However, if the complaint does not improve or bloody sperm persists for more than a month, you need to see a doctor for this condition. The doctor will give medication according to the cause of the bleeding sperm.
The following are drugs that may be given to treat bloody sperm:
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Anti-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory drugs are usually prescribed by doctors to treat bloody sperm caused by inflammation or bloody sperm accompanied by swelling.
Antibiotic drug
If the bleeding sperm is caused by a bacterial infection, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics. If you are receiving antibiotics, it is important to remember that you should take these drugs as directed by your doctor.
Operation
If the bleeding sperm is caused by a blockage in the urinary or reproductive tract, whether caused by a tumor or bladder stone, the doctor may suggest surgery.
The appearance of bloody sperm can indeed be troubling. However, these symptoms are generally harmless and will go away on their own. So, you don't need to panic just yet.
If the bloody sperm you experience is accompanied by other disturbing symptoms and occurs continuously or has been recurring for a long time, immediately consult a doctor to find out the cause and how to treat it.