Differential Diagnosis for Blood in Semen
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Prostatitis: This is often the most common cause of hematospermia (blood in semen), especially in younger men. Prostatitis, which is inflammation of the prostate gland, can cause bleeding into the semen.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Enlargement of the prostate can lead to bleeding into the semen, especially in older men.
- Ejaculatory Duct Obstruction: Blockage of the ejaculatory ducts can cause blood to appear in the semen.
- Urethritis: Inflammation of the urethra can lead to bleeding, which may then be present in the semen.
- Seminal Vesiculitis: Inflammation of the seminal vesicles can cause hematospermia.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Prostate Cancer: Although less common, prostate cancer can cause bleeding into the semen. It's crucial to rule out this potentially life-threatening condition.
- Testicular Cancer: Though rare, testicular cancer can also lead to hematospermia and must be considered to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.
- Genitourinary Trauma: Trauma to the genital or urinary tract can cause bleeding into the semen and may require urgent medical attention.
- Rare diagnoses
- Amyloidosis: A condition characterized by the deposition of amyloid (a protein) in various tissues, which can rarely cause hematospermia.
- Tuberculosis of the Genitourinary Tract: Although rare in many parts of the world, genitourinary tuberculosis can cause a variety of symptoms, including hematospermia.
- Vasculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels can rarely affect the genital tract and cause bleeding into the semen.