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When to see a doctor about blood in semen

Always worth mentioning to a clinician. Here's how to judge how soon.

By the Hematospermia.com editorial teamUpdated Medical review pending
Illustration of a man sitting at his kitchen table in the evening, calling for medical advice.

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

On this page
  1. Get urgent or emergency care if
  2. Book a prompt appointment if
  3. Mention it at a routine visit if
  4. Who to see
  5. Prepare for your appointment
  6. Sources

Medical sources agree on two things: blood in semen usually isn't serious, and it's still worth getting checked [NHS] [Mayo Clinic]. What changes is how soon.

Get urgent or emergency care if

Same day
  • You can't pass urine, or can only pass a little with great difficulty [NHS].
  • You have a high temperature or shivering together with pain when peeing, pelvic or testicle pain [NHS].
  • You have sudden, severe pain in a testicle.
  • You've had an injury to the genitals or pelvis.
  • There is heavy bleeding, or large clots in your urine.
  • You feel confused, very unwell or faint.
Illustration of a man checking in at a calm clinic reception desk.
For anything that isn't urgent, a regular appointment with a primary care clinician is the usual first step.

Book a prompt appointment if

  • You are 40 or older [NICE] [healthdirect].
  • It lasts longer than 3 to 4 weeks, or you keep seeing it [Mayo].
  • You also have pain when urinating or ejaculating [Mayo].
  • You see blood in your urine too [NHS].
  • You've had sex that could expose you to an STI [Mayo].
  • You have a history of cancer, a bleeding disorder, or take blood thinners [Mayo].
  • You've lost weight without trying, have bone pain, or have a family history of prostate cancer [healthdirect] [RACGP].
  • You notice a lump or swelling in a testicle [NHS].

Mention it at a routine visit if

You're under 40, it happened once, you feel well, and there are no other symptoms. Or you've recently had a vasectomy or prostate biopsy and it's fading within the expected window. In these situations it's very likely to settle without treatment [AAFP] [NICE], but a quick check (and a urine or STI test) is still reasonable [Mayo].

Who to see

Start with your GP or primary care clinician. Most cases can be managed in primary care [AAFP]. They'll refer you to a urologist if needed, for example if you're over 40 with no cause found, it keeps recurring, or tests are abnormal [NICE]. A sexual health clinic is a good option if you think an STI is possible [NHS].

Illustration of a man writing notes in a notebook at his desk to prepare for an appointment.
Jotting down dates, symptoms and recent procedures makes the appointment quicker.

Prepare for your appointment

  • When you first noticed it, and how many times since.
  • Colour (bright red, pink, brown) and any clots.
  • Recent procedures, injuries, or vigorous sexual activity.
  • Any urinary symptoms, pain, fever or weight change.
  • Medicines, especially aspirin, anticoagulants or supplements.
  • Sexual history and any new partners. This is routine and confidential.
  • Family history of prostate cancer or bleeding disorders.

Your doctor will likely ask these same questions [Cleveland Clinic]. See what tests to expect.

Sources

  1. Blood in semen NHS, reviewed Sep 2025
  2. Blood in semen: when to see a doctor Mayo Clinic
  3. Prostatitis NHS, reviewed Feb 2024
  4. Haematospermia: management NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries
  5. Blood in semen (haematospermia) healthdirect Australia
  6. Blood in urine NHS
  7. Haematospermia Australian Family Physician (RACGP), Dec 2015
  8. Testicular cancer NHS
  9. Evaluation and Treatment of Hematospermia American Family Physician, 2009;80(12):1421-1427
  10. Blood in Semen (Hematospermia) Cleveland Clinic Health Library, reviewed Jan 2024

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