Blood in semen can be caused by many conditions affecting the male genitourinary system. Areas affected include the bladder, urethra, the testicles, the tubes that distribute semen from the testicles (known as the seminal vesicles), the epididymis (a segment of the spermatic ducts that serves to store, mature and transport sperm), and the prostate gland.

Blood in the semen is most commonly a result of a prostate-gland biopsy. More than 80% of men who undergo a prostate biopsy may have some blood in their semen that persists for three to four weeks. Likewise, vasectomy can lead to bloody semen for about one week after the procedure.

Herbal prescriptions for blood in the semen
Herbal treatment for blood in the semen is guided by principles for bleeding symptoms, which employ methods such as cooling blood, nourish blood, replenish qi or activate blood to stop the bleeding. In addition, the underlying disharmony should be identified and treated accordingly. Below are the common disharmony patterns that involve blood in the semen.标题加粗  Yin deficiency leading to virtual fire
Bright red blood mixed in sticky semen, individuals may also accompany with pain with ejaculation, distending and retracting sensations in the groin area, lumbar soreness, knee weakness, excessive libido, nocturnal emission, warm palms and soles, dizziness, ear ringing, night sweats, irritability and mouth dryness. The tongue is red with little coating, and the pulse is thready and rapid. The remedy should aim to nourish yin, check virtual fire, cool blood and stop bleeding.

Sample prescription: Great Tonify the Yin Pill plus glossy privet fruit, yerbadetajo herb, pagoda tree flower, thistle herbs, couch grass rhizome and rehmannia root

Damp-heat in lower burner
Dark red or brown colored semen, individuals may accompany with pain with ejaculation, distending pain in the lower abdomen, testes or groin area, wet and itchy scrotums, or pain and itchiness in the penis. There may also have pain and burning sensations during urination, irritability, a bitter taste in the mouth or mouth dryness. The tongue is red and covered by yellow greasy coating, the pulse is taut and rolling. The remedy should aim to clear heat, promote urination, cool blood and stop bleeding.

Sample prescription: Gentian Liver-Purging Decoction plus thistle herbs, yerbadetajo herb, couch grass rhizome and oriental arborvitae leafy-twig

Blood stasis obstruction
Dark red colored semen, or blood clots in the semen, individuals may accompany with stabbing pain with ejaculation, distending pain in the lower abdomen, insomnia or dream-disturbed sleep, and depression. The tongue is dark-purplish, or has purple spots on it, and the pulse is deep and hesitant. The remedy should aim to activate blood, resolve stasis, unblock blood vessels and stop bleeding.

Sample prescription: Remove Stasis in the Blood System Decoction plus couch grass rhizome, notoginseng, glossy privet fruit, yerbadetajo herb and hairyvein agrimonia herb