Blood in the semen: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Seek emergency care for sudden severe testicular pain, especially with swelling or nausea.

   Get emergency help if you cannot pass urine, have had a major pelvic or genital injury, or have heavy bleeding with weakness, faintness, or dizziness.

   Without these features, blood in the semen does not usually require emergency care.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek same-day medical care if blood in the semen occurs with:

   • Fever or chills
   • Pelvic, lower abdominal, or testicular pain
   • Difficulty passing urine
   • Increasing swelling or redness of the scrotum
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Arrange a routine appointment for unexplained blood in the semen, particularly if it happens more than once, continues for several weeks, or first occurs after age 40.

   Also seek advice for pain during ejaculation, burning when urinating, genital discharge, a testicular lump, or blood in your urine.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Blood in the semen. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.