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Hematospermia.com

Treatment

Treatment for blood in semen

Usually none is needed. When it is, it targets the cause.

By the Hematospermia.com editorial teamUpdated Medical review pending
Illustration of a pharmacy counter with an unlabeled medicine bottle, a blister pack of tablets and a glass of water.

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

On this page
  1. If no cause is found
  2. Treating the cause
  3. Self-care while it settles
  4. Sources

For most men, no treatment is needed. NHS advice is that blood in semen usually doesn't need treatment and often goes away by itself in a few days or weeks [NHS]. When a cause is found, treatment is aimed at the cause [review].

If no cause is found

Reassurance and watchful waiting is the standard approach when examination and tests are normal [AAFP] [NICE]. In one prospective study cited in a 2017 review, hematospermia without infection, inflammation or cancer resolved on its own in more than 88% of patients, with an average duration of about 1.5 months [review].

Treating the cause

CauseTypical approach
Urinary or sexually transmitted infectionAntibiotics. Sexual partners may also need testing and treatment [NHS] [NHS chlamydia].
ProstatitisAntibiotics. Chronic prostatitis may need specialist care [NHS].
After a procedureUsually just time. Expect it to resolve within about 3–4 weeks [NICE].
High blood pressure or a bleeding problemManaging the underlying condition [NICE].
Cysts, stones or obstructionSometimes a minor urological procedure [review].
Cancer (rare)Treatment of the cancer itself, managed by specialists [review].
About "empiric" antibiotics

Some clinicians prescribe antibiotics "just in case" for presumed prostatitis, but reviews describe this as controversial, because improvement may simply be the natural course [review]. Don't take leftover antibiotics. Get tested so treatment matches the cause.

Illustration of a relaxed man reading on a sofa at home.
Most cases settle with time and no treatment.

Self-care while it settles

  • Use condoms until infection has been ruled out.
  • Don't stop prescribed blood thinners without speaking to the prescriber.
  • Keep a short note of each episode to show your doctor.
  • Return if it's still happening after 3–4 weeks, or sooner if new symptoms appear [Mayo].

Sources

  1. Blood in semen NHS, reviewed Sep 2025
  2. Hematospermia: etiology, diagnosis, and treatment Review article, PubMed Central (PMC5904639)
  3. Evaluation and Treatment of Hematospermia American Family Physician, 2009;80(12):1421-1427
  4. Haematospermia: management NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries
  5. Etiologic classification, evaluation, and management of hematospermia Translational Andrology and Urology review, PubMed Central (PMC5673809)
  6. Chlamydia NHS
  7. Prostatitis NHS, reviewed Feb 2024
  8. Laboratory and clinical management of leukocytospermia and hematospermia: a review PubMed Central (PMC7290265)
  9. Blood in semen: when to see a doctor Mayo Clinic

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