Aetiology, diagnosis and management of haemospermia: a review.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an overview of the aetiology, investigations and the various treatment methods currently available in the management of haemospermia.


METHODS
Review of literature was effected through medline and index medicus search of major published indexed journals and books.


METHODS
Published data on haemospermia, hemospermia, haematospermia and semen over the last five decades (1967-2007) were utilised.


METHODS
Abstracts of selected articles were read and analysed to determine their possible contribution and relevance to this article.


RESULTS
All relevant articles were reviewed in full and contribution extracted for this review as necessary.


CONCLUSIONS
Haemospermia (haematospermia) is a relatively frequent, distressing and frightening symptom in sexually active men. It is usually a benign self-limiting condition resolving within several weeks except for the few with underlying aetiology including prostate malignancy and idiopathic. Patients presenting with haemospermia should have a detailed medical history, physical examillation including blood pressure measurement, genital and digital rectal examination. Persistent and recurrent haemospermia is best investigated by TRUS, CT, MRI, urethrocystoscopy, and biopsy and histological confirmation of malignancies. Specific treatment depends on the underlying pathological cause but often involves only minimal investigations and simple reassurance.
Magoha
G A O
GA
Department of Surgery, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, P. O. Box 19676-00202, Nairobi, Kenya.
Magoha
O B
OB
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D051516:Hemospermia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D012307:Risk Factors; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000150:complications; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents