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Hematospermia.com

After a procedure

Blood in semen after a prostate biopsy

Expected for up to about four weeks. What's normal and what needs a call.

By the Hematospermia.com editorial teamUpdated Medical review pending
Illustration of a wall calendar with a few days marked and a cup of tea, suggesting the weeks of recovery.

Educational information only, not a diagnosis. Know when to get help.

On this page
  1. How long it can last
  2. Why it happens
  3. When to get help after a biopsy
  4. Waiting for results?
  5. Sources

Blood in semen is very common after a prostate biopsy. The MSD Manual lists prostate biopsy as the most common known cause of hematospermia [MSD Manual], and AAFP notes it is the most common cause in men 40 and older [AAFP].

How long it can last

Cleveland Clinic says you may see blood in your semen for up to four weeks after a prostate biopsy [Cleveland Clinic], and NICE advises reassuring men that blood in semen after a recent prostate procedure should resolve within three to four weeks [NICE CKS]. It often turns from red to rust or brown over that time.

Timeline showing blood in semen is often seen for up to about four weeks after a prostate biopsy or vasectomy, with advice to contact a clinician if it persists beyond three to four weeks.
What to expect after a procedure. Based on Cleveland Clinic, NICE CKS and Mayo Clinic guidance.

Why it happens

A biopsy uses a fine needle to take small samples from the prostate, either through the rectum (transrectal) or the skin between the scrotum and anus (transperineal). The small wounds can bleed into the fluid the prostate adds to semen. Blood in the urine and from the back passage can also occur for a short time.

When to get help after a biopsy

Get urgent care if you have
  • A high temperature, shivering or feeling very unwell, which may be signs of a serious infection. Contact your care team urgently or seek emergency care.
  • You can't pass urine.
  • Heavy bleeding or large clots in your urine.

Follow the emergency instructions your biopsy team gave you. These symptoms need same-day care.

Contact your urology team, non-urgently, if blood in your semen lasts longer than about 4 weeks or gets worse rather than better [NICE] [Mayo].

Illustration of a calm clinic room with a laptop showing a flowchart and a stethoscope on the desk.
Results usually come back from your urology team; ask how and when you'll hear.

Waiting for results?

Blood in your semen after the biopsy is caused by the procedure itself. It doesn't tell you anything about what the biopsy will show. The NHS explains the tests used to diagnose prostate problems, including PSA, MRI and biopsy [NHS].

Sources

  1. Hematospermia MSD Manual Professional Edition
  2. Evaluation and Treatment of Hematospermia American Family Physician, 2009;80(12):1421-1427
  3. Blood in Semen (Hematospermia) Cleveland Clinic Health Library, reviewed Jan 2024
  4. Haematospermia: management NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries
  5. Blood in semen: when to see a doctor Mayo Clinic
  6. Prostate cancer: tests and diagnosis NHS

We link to primary medical sources so you can check our work. See the editorial policy and the full reference list.