Hematospermia is defined as blood in the semen. While often perceived as a symptom of little significance, blood in the ejaculate can cause great concern to the men who experience it. The condition is common, and many episodes go unnoticed; therefore, the prevalence of hematospermia remains unknown. In most patients with hematospermia, the condition is self-limited and no further diagnostic workup is needed; however, in some patients, hematospermia may be the first indicator of other urologic diseases.

Hematospermia has been written about for centuries. Hippocrates, Galen, Pare, Morgagni, and Fournier all commented on this condition. The first American report appeared in 1894, and Fletcher, Leary, Marshall, and Ganabathi have subsequently published excellent contemporary reviews on the subject.

The advent of newer imaging modalities has altered both the diagnosis and the treatment of hematospermia. Aslam et al have developed an algorithm to guide the management of these patients.