Patient's question:
I had my period just two days ago and when I had sex with my husband, I noticed that the semen he released was light red. What could be the reason for this?Doctor's answer:
When blood in semen is discovered, it is important to identify the underlying cause as soon as possible and then treat the root of the problem. For conditions like prostatitis or seminal vesiculitis, the primary focus should be on treating the inflammation. If the cause is tuberculosis, anti-tubercular therapy should be the main approach. In cases where the blood in semen is due to a tumor, surgical treatment should be considered. For cases with an unknown cause, antibiotics, sulfonamides, or quinolone drugs may be used for infection control.In some cases, massage of the seminal vesicles and prostate may be employed to allow any bacteria-laden fluid in the seminal vesicles to be expelled early, facilitating recovery. If the bleeding does not stop, electrocautery under urethralscopy may be performed to stop the bleeding. During acute periods, the blood appears bright red, and the first step is to cease sexual activity and rest for 1-2 weeks. As the amount of blood in semen begins to decrease and the color becomes dark brown (indicating old blood), attempts to resume sexual activity 1-2 times may be made, but the frequency should not be too high, and the movements should not be too forceful.
The reason for not recommending complete abstinence from sexual activity is that stagnant, infected semen or blood in the seminal vesicles or prostate needs a "" (an outlet) to be expelled promptly, preventing further infection or spread. Additionally, the duration of each sexual encounter should not be too long, with the goal of expelling old semen stagnation, to avoid exacerbating congestion in the prostate, which could worsen or relapse bleeding. During sexual activity, it is advisable to remain calm and avoid excessive excitement, with movements that should be gentle and not forceful. At the same time, the intake of irritating foods, such as alcohol and spicy dishes, should be reduced to prevent further congestion of the affected area.