HAEMATOSPERMIA: CAUSES AND ASSOCIATED CHANGES IN SEMEN ANALYSIS IN NORTH OF IRAQ.

Haematospermia is the medical term used to describe the presence of blood in semen. It can occur due to a variety of reasons and can be a benign or serious condition. The present study aimed to identify the prevalence and characterization of haematospermia in patients visiting hospital clinics. To do so, a total of 44 patients were recruited and characterized regarding their demographic variation, symptoms, severity, associated diseases, and measured prostate-specific-antigen (PSA). Results confirmed that patients were middle-aged (around 40 years) and the duration (days) of haematospermia is around 16±12. Only a few of these patients have shown an association with chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes or other vascular diseases. Less than 50% of these patients have shown past-surgical history and few of them were using anticoagulants 16±12. The majority of patients had painless haematospermia while only (13.6%) had painful haematospermia, irritative urinary symptoms were found in (13.6%) while obstructive urinary symptoms in (4.5%). Ultrasound (US) examination of the abdomen, pelvis, and scrotum was normal in more than 50% of them while others have shown prostatic involvement. Few of these patients experienced pus on laboratory examination. To sum up, haematospermia is represented as an inconvenient disease in our sample leading to interference with daily quality of life, with no clear understanding aetiology of the disease and its progression.

Haemospermia in the Real- Life Setting: A New High-Risk Stratification.

OBJECTIVE: To (i) identify a novel risk stratification for patients complaining of haemospermia; and, (ii) compare its predictive ability to select high-risk patients by retrospectively validating the EAU guidelines classification. METHODS: Data from 283 consecutive patients complaining of a single episode/recurrent haemospermia were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were stratified into low vs high-risk according to EAU guidelines, whose diagnostic performance was then validated. We identified a new risk stratification model based on clinical factors associated with (i) positive semen culture and (ii) prostate cancer (PCa) and bladder cancer (BC). Diagnostic accuracy of the two predictive models (EAU vs New) was assessed and decision curve analyses (DCA) tested their clinical benefit. RESULTS: Overall, 259 (91.5%) were high-risk and 24 (8.5%) low risk according to the EAU guidelines. Recurrent haemospermia was reported by 134 (47.4%) patients. 126 (44.5%) had baseline CCI score ≥ 1. At MVA logistic regression analysis, history of recurrent genito - urinary tract infections was identified as a predictor for positive semen culture (OR: 3.39, 95% CI: 1.77 - 6.57, P =.002). Likewise, baseline CCI ≥ 1 was identified as a predictor for PCa and BC (OR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.17 - 2.04, P =.009). Sensitivity, specificity, and AUC of the EAU guidelines were 13.3%, 89.2% and 51% respectively, whereas the new model performed substantially better: 98.9%, 58% and 78% respectively. CONCLUSION: The application of the EAU guidelines risk stratification does not ensure proper identification of high-risk patients complaining of haemospermia. We propose a novel, better performing and easily implementable risk stratification tool.

Altered microbiota profile in seminal vesicles of men presenting with refractory hematospermia.

BACKGROUND: Currently, no recognized evidence is known about the bacterial communities found within seminal vesicles (SV) of men presenting with refractory hematospermia. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fifteen male patients with refractory hematospermia or anejaculation were enrolled, and 15 SV-Infection (SV-In) samples from SV with hemorrhage and/or stones, 11 SV-Control (SV-C) samples from SV with non-infection, and 14 Urine (Urine) samples from posterior urethra were obtained via transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy. Then the high-throughput 16 S rRNA gene sequencing method was performed to characterize the microbiota profile. Finally, a total of 1535 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were found, 1295 OTUs were shared across three groups, 7 OTUs, 45 OTUs, and 48 OTUs were unique to SV-C group, SV-In group, and Urine group, respectively. The 5 top bacterial phyla (mean relative abundance) in all samples were Firmicutes (52.08%), Bacteroidetes (21.69%), Proteobacteria (12.72%), Actinobacteria (9.64%), and Fusobacteria (1.62%), the 5 top bacterial genera in all samples were Bacteroides (9.13%), Lactobacillus (5.38%), Bifidobacterium (5.35%), Faecalibacterium (5.10%), and Allobaculum (3.34%), of which Bifidobacterium had the highest level in SV-C samples and had a significant difference (P < 0.05) across all groups. Differential analysis showed genera Leuconostoc and LachnospiraceaeFCS020group were identified as biomarkers in the SV-In microbiota. CONCLUSION: Altered microbiota composition in seminal vesicles is related to refractory hematospermia in men, and the distribution of genus Leuconostoc or LachnospiraceaeFCS020group within seminal vesicles may interact with hematospermia. This study provides clues for the diagnosis and treatment of this urologic disorder.

Pelvic mass causing hematospermia: splenosis.

BACKGROUND: Most patients with splenosis have no clinical symptoms and do not need intervention. Hematospermia and testicular pain occurred in this patient, which was considered to be related to the huge pelvic implantation of the spleen, which was relatively rare in clinical practice, so we hereby report this case. CASE PRESENTATION: A 28-year-old male patient with a history of splenectomy was admitted to the Urology Department of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University with the chief complaint of "Hematospermia for 1 month and testicular pain for 2 days". Preoperative imaging examination indicated pelvic mass. Combined with the patient's history of splenectomy for splenic rupture in childhood, the possibility of pelvic spleen implantation was considered. Laparoscopic pelvic exploration was performed. During the operation, multiple grayish-brown nodular tissues were observed in the space between the posterior bladder and rectum, and a lobulated grayish-brown mass with a diameter of about 9 cm was observed in the posterior upper part of the prostate gland and seminal vesicle at the pelvic floor. Two nodular tissues were removed intraoperatively and sent for quick frozen pathology, which was reported as spleen tissue. Further resection of the huge mass was performed, and the postoperative pathological results were consistent with the diagnosis of splenosis. CONCLUSION: We report a rare case of splenosis presenting with hemospermia and testicular pain.

A Comparative Study on the Success Rates of Two Approaches for Seminal Vesiculoscopy.

This study aimed to compare the success rates of two approaches for seminal vesiculoscopy: through the interior of the prostatic utricle and through the neck of the prostatic utricle. The patients were divided into two groups based on the seminal vesiculoscopy used. Group A was an interior of the prostatic utricle group (152 cases), and group B was a neck of the prostatic utricle group (146 cases). The general clinical data, intraoperative conditions and surgical results of the two groups were compared. Compared with group A, group B had a higher surgical success rate (94.5% vs. 62.5%, p < .001), a shorter operation time (33 min vs. 45 min, p < .001), less blood loss (0.5 ml vs. 2 ml, p < .001), a higher pain relief rate (86.6% vs. 52.3%, p < .001), a higher remission rate of haemospermia (82.2% vs. 58.5%, p = .011), a lower recurrence rate of pain (10.4% vs. 35.4%, p < .001), a lower recurrence rate of haemospermia (15.6% vs. 37.7%, p = .014), a higher symptom remission rate of the lower urinary tract (90.9% vs. 50.0%, p = .030), a higher remission rate of scrotal moisture (84.6% vs. 45.5%, p = .042) and a higher remission rate of frequent spermatorrhea (80.0% vs. 55.6%, p = .033). Seminal vesiculoscopy undertaken through the neck of the prostatic utricle has the characteristics of high success rate, short operation time and good surgical effect and is worthy of promotion and application.

Intraoperative calculus or hemorrhage in transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy as a risk factor for recurrent hemospermia.

We have summarized our experience regarding transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy (TUSV) and analyzed both its recurrence status and the risk factors for recurrence. From January 2010 to December 2020, 48 patients with intractable hemospermia received successful TUSV at Taichung Invalids General Hospital. Upon analysis of the intraoperative findings, the five-year disease-free Survival rates (DFS) were 74.1% in the no calculus group compared to 37.1% in the calculus group with a significant difference (log-rank p = 0.015), 75.0% in the no hemorrhage or no blood clot group compared to 43.2% in the hemorrhage or blood clot group with significant difference (log-rank p = 0.032). Univariate analysis showed intraoperative calculus (p = 0.040; HR: 2.94, 95% CI: 1.05-8.21) to be significantly associated with recurrence (p < 0.05). Patients with intractable hemospermia who were diagnosed with stones or blood clots found during TUSV experienced a higher rate of hemospermia recurrence.

Hematospermia is rarely associated with urologic malignancy: Analysis of United States claims data.

BACKGROUND: Hematospermia is an alarming symptom and can cause significant patient distress, but work-up is often negative. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the clinical evaluation of hematospermia and its association with the diagnosis of urologic malignancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using MarketScan insurance claims database, we identified adult males 18-64 years old diagnosed with hematospermia from 2010 to 2018. Benign hematospermia was defined as the absence of hematuria and elevated prostate-specific antigen. Patients with urologic cancer prior to diagnosis of hematospermia were excluded. We identified those who were diagnosed with a urologic malignancy. RESULTS: The annual average incidence rate of hematospermia was 56.6 per 100,000 (95% confidence interval 55.4-57.8 per 100,000) in 2010 and increased to 73.6 per 100,000 (95% confidence interval 71.7-75.4 per 100,000) in 2018. A total of 56,157 patients presented with benign hematospermia. Most (57.5%) underwent at least one test, with the most common being urinalysis (51.7%), followed by prostate-specific antigen testing (11.9%). All other tests were performed in less than 3% of patients. Forty-seven patients were diagnosed with a urologic cancer, including 28 with prostate cancer (0.05%), nine with testicular cancer (0.016%), six with prostate carcinoma in situ (0.01%), and four with bladder cancer (0.007%). Stratified by age, there was only one cancer diagnosis (testicular) in 15,106 patients under 40 years (0.01%) and 46 cancer diagnoses in 40,611 patients 40 years old or above (0.11%). The median age of patients diagnosed with cancer was 56 years (interquartile range 52-61). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: A small minority of patients with benign hematospermia were later diagnosed with urologic cancer in a large nationally representative sample. After excluding hematuria with urinalysis, physicians should conservatively manage and reassure patients with hematospermia, especially those under 40 years of age.

Hematospermia Etiology, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Sexual Ramifications: A Narrative Review.

INTRODUCTION: Hematospermia (HS) is the presence of blood in ejaculatory fluid. It is a rare condition that is historically idiopathic or associated with sexual behavior. Technological advances have identified many of the etiologies behind HS, improving treatment. Though often benign, HS remains a source of considerable sexual anxiety for patients. Few papers have outlined a diagnostic and therapeutic approach to HS, and none have explicitly addressed its sexual consequences. OBJECTIVES: To provide a comprehensive overview of HS, emphasizing its sexual ramifications. METHODS: A PubMed literature search was performed through May 2021 to identify all relevant publications related to etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and sexual effects of HS. Original research and reviews were analyzed, and pertinent studies were included in this review. RESULTS: Iatrogenic interventions (eg, transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsies) are the most common cause of HS. Infection and/or nonspecific inflammation is the most common non-iatrogenic etiology. Malignancies, including prostate, testicular, and other genitourinary cancers, are rarely the cause of HS. Diagnostic approaches to HS can be organized according to patient age (less than or greater than 40 years old), persistence of bleeding, and the presence/absence of concerning symptoms. Though HS often spontaneously resolves, treatment may require various medications (eg, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories) or surgical interventions. HS has several sexual ramifications, including libido-affecting anxiety, social repercussions from sexual partners and non-sexual affiliates, increased risk of erectile dysfunction or transmission of sexual infections, and compromised fertility, especially when cryopreservation is utilized. CONCLUSION: HS may significantly affect sexual health through several mechanisms, though there is a paucity of formal data on this subject. Further research is needed to fully understand the severity and extent of HS's effect on sexual well-being, especially in those with refractory bleeding. Drury RH, King B, Herzog B, et al. Hematospermia Etiology, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Sexual Ramifications: A Narrative Review. Sex Med Rev. 2022;10:669-680.

Hematospermia Etiology, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Sexual Ramifications: A Narrative Review.

INTRODUCTION: Hematospermia (HS) is the presence of blood in ejaculatory fluid. It is a rare condition that is historically idiopathic or associated with sexual behavior. Technological advances have identified many of the etiologies behind HS, improving treatment. Though often benign, HS remains a source of considerable sexual anxiety for patients. Few papers have outlined a diagnostic and therapeutic approach to HS, and none have explicitly addressed its sexual consequences. OBJECTIVES: To provide a comprehensive overview of HS, emphasizing its sexual ramifications. METHODS: A PubMed literature search was performed through May 2021 to identify all relevant publications related to etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and sexual effects of HS. Original research and reviews were analyzed, and pertinent studies were included in this review. RESULTS: Iatrogenic interventions (eg, transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsies) are the most common cause of HS. Infection and/or nonspecific inflammation is the most common non-iatrogenic etiology. Malignancies, including prostate, testicular, and other genitourinary cancers, are rarely the cause of HS. Diagnostic approaches to HS can be organized according to patient age (less than or greater than 40 years old), persistence of bleeding, and the presence/absence of concerning symptoms. Though HS often spontaneously resolves, treatment may require various medications (eg, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories) or surgical interventions. HS has several sexual ramifications, including libido-affecting anxiety, social repercussions from sexual partners and non-sexual affiliates, increased risk of erectile dysfunction or transmission of sexual infections, and compromised fertility, especially when cryopreservation is utilized. CONCLUSION: HS may significantly affect sexual health through several mechanisms, though there is a paucity of formal data on this subject. Further research is needed to fully understand the severity and extent of HS's effect on sexual well-being, especially in those with refractory bleeding.

European Association of Urology Guidelines on Sexual and Reproductive Health-2021 Update: Male Sexual Dysfunction.

CONTEXT: The present summary of the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines is based on the latest guidelines on male sexual health published in March 2021, with a last comprehensive update in January 2021. OBJECTIVE: To present a summary of the 2021 version of the EAU guidelines on sexual and reproductive health. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A literature review was performed up to January 2021. The guidelines were updated, and a strength rating for each recommendation was included based on either a systematic review of the evidence or a consensus opinion from the expert panel. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Late-onset hypogonadism is a clinical condition in the ageing male combining low levels of circulating testosterone and specific symptoms associated with impaired hormone production and/or action. A comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic work-up, along with screening recommendations and contraindications, is provided. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the persistent inability to attain and maintain an erection sufficient to permit satisfactory sexual performance. Along with a detailed basic and advanced diagnostic approach, a novel decision-making algorithm for treating ED in order to better tailor therapy to individual patients is provided. The EAU guidelines have adopted the definition of premature ejaculation (PE), which has been developed by the International Society for Sexual Medicine. After the subtype of PE has been defined, patient's expectations should be discussed thoroughly and pharmacotherapy must be considered as the first-line treatment for patients with lifelong PE, whereas treating the underlying cause must be the initial goal for patients with acquired PE. Haemospermia is defined as the appearance of blood in the ejaculate. Several reasons of haemospermia have been acknowledged; the primary goal over the management work-up is to exclude malignant conditions and treat any other underlying cause. CONCLUSIONS: The 2021 guidelines on sexual and reproductive health summarise the most recent findings, and advise in terms of diagnosis and treatment of male hypogonadism and sexual dysfunction for their use in clinical practice. These guidelines reflect the multidisciplinary nature of their management. PATIENT SUMMARY: Updated European Association of Urology guidelines on sexual and reproductive health are presented, addressing the diagnosis and treatment of the most prevalent conditions in men. Patients must be fully informed of all relevant diagnostic and therapeutic options and, together with their treating physicians, decide on optimal personalised management strategies.

Clinical characteristics and endoscopic treatment of hematospermia with postcoital hematuria.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent hematospermia accompanied by postejaculatory hematuria is a very rare phenomenon, has not been well understood in the clinical setting, and usually leads to misdiagnosis and mistreatment. The aim of this study was to summarize the clinical characteristics, etiologic diagnosis, and endoscopic treatment of hematospermia with postcoital hematuria. METHODS: We collected the clinical data from 39 patients of hematospermia with postcoital hematuria, who were admitted to our hospital from May 2014 to October 2019. The etiologic diagnostic process and endoscopic surgery were analyzed retrospectively, and we observed and evaluated the efficacy and any complications during follow-up. RESULTS: The average age of the 39 patients was 44.1 years (range, 18-61 years), and the disease history ranged from 1 month to 20 years, with a median duration of 24 months. All of the patients were observed by urethrocystoscopy, which showed 38 cases of posterior urethral hemangioma (PUH) or abnormal varicose vessels, and 1 case of anterior urethral hemangioma. Of these, 18 patients underwent transurethral resection of urethral hemangioma, and 21 patients underwent transurethral electrocauterization. Postoperative follow-up ranged from 1 to 56 months, with a median of 16 months. The symptoms disappeared in 37 patients and recurred in 2 patients two to 3 months after the operation. The two recurrent patients were treated again by transurethral electrocauterization, and their symptoms then disappeared. CONCLUSIONS: PUH is the most common cause of hematospermia with postejaculatory hematuria. Herein, we demonstrated that transurethral resection or electrocauterization provides a safe, effective, and minimally invasive method for the treatment of PUH.

Transperineal Free-hand mpMRI Fusion-targeted Biopsies Under Local Anesthesia: Technique and Feasibility From a Single-center Prospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of "in-office" TPFBx under local anesthesia (LA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively screened for eligibility data of 724 consecutive men undergoing either TPFBx (target and systematic cores) or TPSBx (systematic cores only) from September 2016 to June 2018 due to suspicion of prostate cancer (CaP), according to predefined exclusion criteria. RESULTS: We included 459 men (TPFBx n = 279 including n = 338 mpMRI lesions, Pi-RADS 4 in 63.6%; TPSBx n = 180). Median procedural time and maximum pain were 19 minutes and 5 numeric rating scale (NRS) points; pain was highest at the time of LA. Only 1 major complication occurred (Clavien 3a). Hematuria and hematospermia were frequent (72.6% and 54.2%). Vaso-vagal reactions and AUR were rare (0.7% and 0.4%). No cases of UTI and 1 case of fever were recorded. No significant changes in erectile and urinary functions were noted from baseline compared to 40 days after TPFBx (P = .86 and P = .89). In comparison with TPSBx the sole differences were pain during prostatic sampling (P = .03), duration of hematospermia (P <.0001) and procedural time (P <.001) all higher for TPFBx. Clinically significant (cs) CaP was detected in n = 150 (53.8%) patients in the TPFBx group (34.9%, 51.7%, and 75% of Pirads 3, 4, and 5, respectively). Addition of systematic cores detected n = 25 csCaP that were missed by targeted cores (17.4% of all csCaP). CONCLUSION: TPFBx under LA are feasible, yielding high tolerability, low complications, no impact on erectile and urinary function and good csCaP detection. Addition of systematic to targeted cores remains recommended. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings.

The management and composition of symptomatic seminal vesicle calculi: aetiological analysis and current research.

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience in the diagnosis, minimally invasive treatment, and composition of seminal vesicle calculi (SVC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In the present study, we evaluated 20 patients who were admitted to our hospital from January 2013 to January 2018. All the patients were diagnosed with intractable haematospermia and SVC. The diagnosis was further confirmed by seminal vesiculoscopy. SVC were removed by basket extraction; with larger SVC fragmented by holmium laser before extraction. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and infrared spectroscopy were used to determine the SVC composition. RESULTS: All operations were completed successfully without surgical complications. SVC were mostly composed of hydroxyapatite and protein, suggesting that they were produced by infections. CONCLUSIONS: Seminal vesiculoscopy is a simple, minimally invasive technique that can be used for diagnostic confirmation and treatment of seminal vesiculitis with SVC. This study improves our understanding of SVC and provides a theoretical basis for the prevention of postoperative recurrence of SVC.

Successful treatment with pollen extract of hematospermia in patients with xanthogranolomatous prostatitis.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to report our experience in the management of hematospermia observed in 16 patients suffering from xanthogranulomatous prostatitis. METHODS: Recurrent episodes of hematospermia were the onset symptom in all patients, and in 25% of patients it was combined with fever. All patients reported PSA value elevation and the digital rectal examination (DRE) revealed an increase of the gland size and of its consistency in all cases. In all patients, the hematospermia was treated with the oral administration of two tablets of pollen extract in a single (1 g) dose daily for 30 days. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were observed between 2008 and 2016, referring hematospermia, progressive lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), and serum PSA level increase. To exclude the prostate cancer presence all patients were submitted to transperineal TRUS guided biopsy. In all the patients complete resolution of hematospermia was achieved treatment with pollen extract. All patients were subsequently treated for LUTS (alpha-adrenergic blockers), but none reported any significant improvement of symptoms. Basing on these pieces of evidence, after 90 days of alpha-blockers therapy, all patients underwent bipolar TURP. Histological examination of resected prostatic tissue revealed in all patients the diagnosis of xanthogranulomatous prostatitis. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with xanthogranulomatous prostatitis especially experience irritative symptoms, sometimes combined with fever or hematospermia. Hematospermia as the onset symptom has not been reported so far. The administration of the pollen extract for 30 days was associated with a complete resolution of hematospermia.

[F4.8 visual miniature nephroscope for the diagnosis and treatment of hematospermia].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the practicability and safety of the F4.8 visual miniature nephroscope in the diagnosis and treatment of hematospermia. METHODS: This study included 12 cases of refractory hematospermia accompanied by perineal or lower abdominal pain and discomfort. All the patients failed to respond to two months of systemic anti-inflammatory medication and local physiotherapy. Seminal vesicle tumor and tuberculosis were excluded preoperatively by rectal seminal vesicle ultrasonography, MRI or CT. Under epidural anesthesia, microscopic examination was performed with the F4.8 miniature nephroscope through the urethra and ejaculatory duct orifice into the seminal vesicle cavity, the blood clots washed out with normal saline, the seminal vesicle stones extracted by holmium laser lithotripsy and with the reticular basket, the seminal vesicle polyps removed by holmium laser ablation and vaporization, and the seminal vesicle cavity rinsed with diluted iodophor after operation. RESULTS: Of the 10 patients subjected to bilateral seminal vesiculoscopy, 3 with unilateral and 2 with bilateral seminal vesicle stones were treated by holmium laser lithotripsy, saline flushing and reticular-basket removal, 2 with seminal vesicle polyps by holmium laser ablation and vaporization, and the other 3 with blood clots in the seminal vesicle cavity by saline flushing for complete clearance. The 2 patients subjected to unilateral seminal vesiculoscopy both received flushing of the seminal vesicle cavity for clearance of the blood clots. The operations lasted 10－55 (25 ± 6) minutes. There were no such intra- or post-operative complications as rectal injury, peripheral organ injury, and external urethral sphincter injury. The urethral catheter was removed at 24 hours, anti-infection medication withdrawn at 72 hours, and regular sex achieved at 2 weeks postoperatively. The patients were followed up for 6－20 (7 ± 2.3) months, during which hematospermia and related symptoms disappeared in 10 cases at 3 months and recurrence was observed in the other 2 at 4 months after surgery but improved after antibiotic medication. CONCLUSIONS: The F4.8 visual miniature nephroscope can be applied to the examination of the seminal vesicle cavity and treatment of seminal vesicle stones and polyps, with the advantages of minimal invasiveness, safety and reliability.

For Debate: Should We Worry about Hematospermia in Adolescents and Young Men? A Report of Six Cases and Review of the Literature.

Hematospermia or hemospermia is defined as the presence of blood in ejaculate. The true prevalence of the condition is unknown because many cases escape the patient's notice, and remain unrecognized and unreported. There are two main aims in the patient evaluation: first, to ensure that there is no specific condition that is treatable; second, to reassure the patient's parents that no causative factor is present. Many physicians are unfamiliar with this disorder and this forms the basis for our current review. We performed an essentially English language search (Medline since 1966 to present and reference list of articles) for "hematospermia", or "hemospermia" in combination with "adolescents", "young adults", "genital diseases", "management" and "review". The authors' personal experience with 6 adolescents and young men (up to the age of 20 years) is also reported. Several anatomical structures contributing to the ejaculate may be the source of the hematospermia: seminal vesicles, prostate, testis and epididymis. Hematospermia is a generally benign and self-limited condition that is infrequently associated with significant underlying pathology. Once the diagnosis is clear, it is important to reassure the adolescent about the benign nature and self-limiting course of the condition and to provide appropriate treatment to help ensure the adolescent's normal sexual development.

Hematospermia-a Symptom With Many Possible Causes.

BACKGROUND: Hematospermia, or blood in the ejaculate, is a symptom with many possible causes that often gives rise to worry. Precise figures on its prevalence are unavailable. It is most common in men under 40, and its cause is usually benign; nonetheless, even a single episode of hematospermia calls for a basic diagnostic evaluation. METHODS: This review is based on pertinent articles re trieved by a search in PubMed with the key words "hemato spermia," "hemospermia," "ejaculation," "male semen," and "transrectal ultrasound." RESULTS: A diagnostic algorithm for hematospermia is described. The most common cause is iatrogenic trauma, in particular transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy to rule out prostate cancer. Urogenital infections are the second most common cause. Pathological changes of the prostate should be considered along with systemic causes, e.g., arterial hypertension or various hematologic disorders. A single event in men under 40 should be evaluated by precise history-taking, a meticulous physical examination including blood-pressure measurement, and urinalysis. Repeated episodes, or hematospermia in men over 40, calls for additional evaluation with further laboratory tests, imaging studies, and, in some cases, interventional diagnostic procedures. CONCLUSION: Further tests, preferably imaging studies, seem a reasonable way to detect or exclude potential causes of hematospermia, especially malignant ones. The treatment is directed at the underlying cause.

Sexually acquired Zika virus: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Zika virus (ZIKV) is transmitted to humans primarily by Aedes mosquito bites. However, circumstantial evidence points to a sexual transmission route. OBJECTIVES: To assess the sexually acquired ZIKV cases and to investigate the shedding of ZIKV in genital fluids. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Scopus, Pro-MED-mail and WHO ZIKV notification databases from inception to December 2016. SELECTION CRITERIA: Reports describing ZIKV acquisition through sex and studies reporting the detection or isolation of ZIKV in the genital fluids were included. RISK-OF-BIAS ASSESSMENT: The risk of bias was assessed using the National Institute of Health Tool. RESULTS: Eighteen studies reporting on sex-acquired ZIKV and 21 describing the presence of ZIKV in genital fluids were included. The overall risk of bias was moderate. Sexual transmission was male-female (92.5%), female-male (3.7%) and male-male (3.7%). Modes of sexual transmission were unprotected vaginal (96.2%), oral (18.5%) and anal (7.4%) intercourse. The median time between onset of symptoms in the index partner and presumed sexual transmission was 13 days (range 4-44 days). ZIKV RNA was detected in semen as late as 188 days (range 3-188 days) following symptom onset, and infectious virus was isolated in semen up to 69 days after symptom onset. No study reported ZIKV isolation from female genital samples, but detection did occur up to 13 days after symptom onset. CONCLUSIONS: ZIKV is potentially sexually transmitted and persists in male genital secretions for a prolonged period after symptom onset. PROSPERO systematic review registration number CRD42016041475.