When to see a doctor

By Mayo Clinic Staff

If you're under age 40 and see blood in semen, you probably don't need to see the doctor as long as:

  • You have no other symptoms
  • You've had a recent prostate exam or vasectomy, which could explain short-term bleeding
  • There isn't a lot of blood in the semen and it happens infrequently, then goes away

Make an appointment with your doctor if:

  • You're 40 or older
  • Blood in semen persists longer than three to four weeks
  • The blood repeatedly recurs
  • You have other signs and symptoms, such as painful urination
  • You have other risk factors, such as a history of cancer, bleeding disorders or genital or urinary system malformation, or you've recently engaged in behaviors that put you at risk of sexually transmitted infections
Aug. 04, 2015