The penis has 3 tubes inside which carry urine and sperm out of the body. These are the glans penis, corpora cavernosa and urethra.
Blood in the urethra is called hematuria and may be caused by many conditions. It is important to see a doctor if this occurs.
A broken blood vessel in the groin may result in pain and bleeding. It is important to visit a GP for assessment and treatment to avoid permanent damage.
Trauma
Seeing blood where it isn’t supposed to be can be terrifying. Although blood in the penis is not always a sign of something serious, it’s important to know the causes of penile bleeding and seek medical help when needed.
Bleeding from the penis may be caused by an injury to the skin, blood vessels or urethra. It can also be caused by a fall or other trauma to the groin such as from a sports injury or automobile accident. A blow to the groin can also cause a condition known as paraphimosis or phimosis, where the foreskin becomes tight and prevents the penis from falling back into place. This can be painful and needs to be treated with a prescription antibiotic.
Kidney disease can cause the kidneys to lose blood, which can lead to penile bleeding. This is because the kidneys are responsible for filtering waste from the body, including excess salt and water. Kidney disease can also affect the ability of the kidneys to make urine, leading to a build-up of fluid in the kidneys. This can then leak out through the urethra.
The most common reason for blood in the penis is a urinary tract infection (UTI). This can be due to the bladder, prostate or seminal vesicle. In some cases, a tumour can be the cause of blood in the semen.
Infection
A small amount of blood in the urine or semen is not usually cause for alarm, but it should be looked at by a healthcare professional to check for underlying issues. If the bleeding is due to an injury or a condition that affects blood flow to the penis, immediate medical attention is necessary.
Bleeding from the penis is sometimes a result of an infection that can damage the skin and blood vessels in the area. Some conditions that can lead to penile infection include urethritis (inflammation of the urethra), gonorrhea, and chlamydia. These infections may be caused by STIs, but they can also be the result of poor hygiene or other causes that increase risk of infection.
Kidney disease can also cause bleeding from the penis. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste out of the body, and a lack of ability to do this can cause damage to the blood vessels and tissues in the area.
Infections of the genital area can be painful and uncomfortable. A GP can examine the penis and treat the underlying cause of the problem to help alleviate symptoms. In some cases, the GP may refer the patient to a specialist who will assess and treat the condition that is causing the bleeding from the penis. This can often lead to a quick resolution of the issue and a return to normal life.
High impact exercise
Exercise induced bleeding in the penis is referred to as exercise-related hematuria. If you are suffering from this, it will usually only last a short time and may be relieved by drinking plenty of water. However, if it is persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms it should be checked out by a doctor. Blood in urine can also be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Blood in the vagina following sexual intercourse is more likely to be caused by rough sex or a medical condition.
Sex
If you find blood on your clothes, sheets, or toilet paper after sexual activity, it can be frightening. But you should relax because bleeding after sex is very common and can result from many behavioral and medical causes, most of which are not serious.
During orgasm, sperm and fluid travel through the testicles to the urethra, which exits the tip of the penis. Sometimes a male may have a small amount of blood in his semen (hematospermia) that appears brown or red, usually after ejaculation. This is normal and doesn’t put the male partner at any increased risk of disease. If a man experiences pain in the penis during orgasm and then finds he has blood in his semen, he should see a doctor to evaluate his sexual positions, toys, and methods and to determine whether any treatment is needed.
Blood in the urethra or urine can also occur due to infection, serious illness, or injury to organs such as the kidneys, bladder, prostate, or lungs. It can also be a symptom of diseases such as tuberculosis, leukemia, lymphoma, and severe uncontrolled hypertension.
In some cases, both women and men may see blood in their urine or semen as a symptom of a sexually transmitted infection such as gonorrhoea, herpes, or chlamydia. It can also be a symptom in both men and women of benign growths or lesions on the cervix, vagina, or uterus that bleed when they are touched, stretched, or irritated.