Aetiology of haemospermia

Andrologia. 2003 Oct;35(5):317-20.

Abstract

There are several unknown factors which cause haemospermia. An earlier developed diagnostic scheme has been expended by novel imaging techniques and biopsy methods. A detailed case history, physical examination and microscopic analysis of the ejaculate is required. In haemo-pyospermia a complete microbiological analysis must be escalated. Noninvasive imaging techniques (ultrasound, computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging) help in detecting calculous and malignant diseases. So far, as a precise diagnosis has not been available, urethroscopy has been performed. Malignancies (prostate, seminal vesicles) must be histologically verified by biopsies. In contempt of our efforts the practice shows a part of haemospermia remaining essential. Analysing two time periods we found prostatic calculi, chronic prostatitis and carcinoma of the prostate unequivocally as most frequent causes. Considering the rare genital malignancies we find more than 10% frequency. Notably, in our study only 2.4% of the malignancies occurred in patients under 40 years of age. Hence a detailed diagnosis is advocated in haemospermia patients over 40 years. Finally, we may state that in contempt of the applied modern imaging techniques 15% of patients with haemospermia had unknown aetiology.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Genital Diseases, Male / diagnosis
  • Genital Diseases, Male / etiology*
  • Hemorrhage / diagnosis
  • Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Spermatozoa*