More Urology Answers
Question Library
Ask a question about Urology
Volunteer
Experts of the Month
Expert Login
Awards
About Us
Tell friends
Link to Us
Disclaimer
|
| |
|
|
| |
| | | |
About Arthur Goldstein, M.D.
Expertise
Any problems or questions related to the field of urology; ie urinary stone disease, urinary cancers (kidney, bladder, prostate, testis, etc.), urinary infections, impotency, etc.
Experience
I am retired from the active practice of urology. My 34 years was totally in the clinical field and involved the entire gamut of genitourinary problems, with special interest in male impotence and endourology.
Organizations
American Medical Association, American Urological Association, American College of Surgeons
| | |
| |
You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Urology > Urology > dark blood dripping from penis
Expert: Arthur Goldstein, M.D.
Date: 8/11/2008
Subject: dark blood dripping from penis
Question
I'm 48, about 40 lbs. over weight (for the first time in my life), never smoked, always been in excellent health. Was on a business trip for about a week, spent about 12 hours in the airport and found dark blood in my underwear when I got home. No pain, no inflamation, no sexual intercourse for about 2 weeks, No spicy food, taking no medications for months, but I have little sleep this past week and caring heavy luggage running through the airport today.
Other than that, all I can think of that is different is I spent 4 weeks in India a year ago and they asked me to keep an eye on everything that happens to me for 12-18 months.
I live in Yorba Linda, CA
Answer
Dean, although this type of bleeding can come from any part of the urethra, it usually comes from the prostate gland. It is due to a tear in one of the fragile veins of the prostate (prostatic varices). It may occur from straining with bowel movements, or during urination or ejaculation. In your case, not having sex for a few weeks can predispose your prostate to congestion. This combined with sitting for long periods of time (when you sit there is excessive pressure on the prostate gland) can initiate such bleeding.
The prostate is the organ that produces the majority of the seminal fluid in response to sexual stimulation. When the prostate contracts at the time of ejaculation, a vein may tear and blood mixes with the semen (hematospermia). Red blood indicates new and dark (brownish) discoloration indicates previous bleeding. In addition, prostatic bleeding frequently is associated with gross blood during urination. This typically will occur with initiation or at the end of urination (as opposed to being throughout the entire stream). With the latter, it is often manifest as spots of blood on the underwear, pajamas or bed sheets. Irritation of the gland (prostatitis) can also cause it to become inflamed and predisposed to bleed. An inflamed or congested prostate gland, especially one with varices, can start bleeding if ones strains during a bowel movement. This occurs because hard stool can actually push on the adjacent gland precipitating bleeding or straining in itself may cause the varices to rupture. Some factors leading to inflammation include too frequent or too infrequent ejaculation, sexual arousal without ejaculation, withdraw at the time of ejaculation, excessive alcohol or spicy foods, prolonged sitting or bike riding, etc. The prostate may then become secondarily infected and require antibiotic therapy for cure. Sometimes as the prostate gradually enlarges with age, friable veins called varices develop on its surface. These are also prone to tearing. In such cases, Proscar or Avodart is sometimes prescribed to shrink both the prostate and the veins. Although hematospermia is not a typical sign of prostate cancer, its presence may indicate an increased risk of prostate cancer. Therefore, it is advisable to seek consultation with a urologist to evaluate this condition. Good luck.
Add to this Answer
Ask a Question
|
|
