Really need some advice and understanding

User

Posted 19 Oct 2025 at 17:00

Afternoon.

im new to this group after doing some research into a totally unexpected symptom that I’ve never had previously.

i am nearly 62 years of age and for the first time ever I have blood in my seamen which has scared me half to death and trying to understand it through Google has made it worse.

initially I thought it could be linked to the fact that I take warfarin although I’ve been on warfarin for 4 years and never had this issue before, I don’t suffer with high blood pressure or have any urine or poo problem and the only discomfort and pain I get is right side rear hip pain.

I am too embarrassed to go to the gp and was wondering if it’s possible to have the blood test specifically for prostate issue before the humility of physical examination and the dreaded index finger.

I live alone so can’t really talk to any one about it which leaves me thinking about it a lot more and to be truthful I’m getting rather frustrated and stressed.

I would really appreciate some advice on this please.

User

Posted 19 Oct 2025 at 23:25

Hi, Sandy.

Welcome to the forum, mate.

Semen in the blood is rarely a sign of prostate cancer. In over 70% of cases of hematospermia, the cause is never found.

Get yourself to the doctors, and ask for a PSA test. You don't have to have a DRE.

Here's what our site thinks about the finger up the bum finger examination.

"The move away from a rectal exam is backed up by research published by our Clinical Advisory Group, which is made up of GPs, surgeons, doctors, radiographers and nurses specialising in prostate cancer.

Writing in the British Journal of General Practice – read by thousands of clinicians and researchers every month – they announced that the rectal exam is no longer a useful screening test for prostate cancer, as it doesn’t improve a doctor’s ability to diagnose the disease."

https://prostatecanceruk.org/about-us/news-and-views/2024/06/barriers-to-diagnosis

Edited by member 19 Oct 2025 at 23:49 | Reason: Additional text

User

Posted 20 Oct 2025 at 09:12

I am really grateful for all of the advice and can confirm I have contacted my GP surgery this morning to request a GP call back so I can discuss it with him and move forward.

in hindsight if I had bothered to go to the GP months ago with right side rear hip pain this may well have been a consideration but unfortunately it’s not something I even gave a thought to despite campaigns for awareness as typical bloke thing “ I won’t get it I’m fine” and it’s only when something like blood in the sperm and the rear hip pain appear does PO become a real consideration and worry.

once again many thanks and I will keep you posted as things progress.

kind regards to all.

Sandy1964

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User

Posted 19 Oct 2025 at 18:37

You really should go and see your GP. He or she will not be surprised by your visit. Rectal examination is not painful, it will only hurt your dignity. Your thoughts about prostate cancer are just that. A simple PSA test, which privately would cost £50 - £80, but you don't really need to spend that money. Please just go and see your GP; deep down I am sure you know that is the right thing to do. Good luck.

'Physics is like sex: sure, it may give some practical results, but that’s not why we do it.' Richard Feynman (1918-1988) Nobel Prize laureate

User

Posted 19 Oct 2025 at 18:43

I hate to state the obvious but it's very important to go to your GP. I don't believe a DRI is actually a requirement. At the same time the doctor was putting me in for a blood test he did ask if I wanted a DRI, which I consented to. It's quick painless and over before you know it.

Blood in my semen was my only symptom of PCa. However my doc did follow protocol. Tested for UTI before I had a PSA test.

You may in fact find that you have an infection and not PCa at all.

User

Posted 19 Oct 2025 at 21:31

Hi,

My GP didn't do a rectal exam even though I had a raised PSA level.

It went; blood test....raised PSA

MRI scan.... something of concern

Biopsy..... all clear nothing to worry about.

I can sort of understand being nervous about having a rectal exam but it really is not a big issue, just our British sensitivity to anything remotely anal.

You must go and speak to your GP, do not let embarrassment stop you. Its probably only an infection but it needs checking out.

User

Posted 19 Oct 2025 at 23:12

My GP said my prostate felt normal, my consultant two weeks later said it felt abnormal. This was all 12 years ago before the advances in imaging and techniques. Just doing nothing now could lead to alot more invasive procedures. I am sure a doctor would still do a blood test without a DRE. I don't imagine that doctors actually enjoy doing a DRE.

Thanks Chris

User

Posted 19 Oct 2025 at 23:16

My husband had a tiny amount of blood in his semen , no other symptoms but as his father had recently had treatment for prostate cancer he thought he'd better get checked out . GP checked for Uti but also ordered a semen culture . He was clear for uti but semen showed ecoli infection so required antibiotics. Whilst there he asked his GP for a psa test and rectal examination and that's what lead to his prostate cancer being found . If he hadn't requested that test he would probably have found it too late a few years down the line . Please see your GP , its probably just a common infection , make sure you specifically request a semen culture . But knowing what i know now about prostate cancer i urge everyman i knowing over 50 to get checked out .

User

Posted 19 Oct 2025 at 23:25

Hi, Sandy.

Welcome to the forum, mate.

Semen in the blood is rarely a sign of prostate cancer. In over 70% of cases of hematospermia, the cause is never found.

Get yourself to the doctors, and ask for a PSA test. You don't have to have a DRE.

Here's what our site thinks about the finger up the bum finger examination.

https://prostatecanceruk.org/about-us/news-and-views/2024/06/barriers-to-diagnosis

Edited by member 19 Oct 2025 at 23:49 | Reason: Additional text

User

Posted 20 Oct 2025 at 09:12

I am really grateful for all of the advice and can confirm I have contacted my GP surgery this morning to request a GP call back so I can discuss it with him and move forward.

once again many thanks and I will keep you posted as things progress.

kind regards to all.

Sandy1964

User

Posted 20 Oct 2025 at 09:15

Thank you to the people who run this platform, if I hadn’t have found it yesterday I wouldn’t have know where to turn to talk about it.

User

Posted 20 Oct 2025 at 18:07

In regards to a Dre My pca was found in the tz zone which a Dre would not always pick up Cheers Simon

User

Posted 20 Oct 2025 at 18:23

Hi Simon I have no idea what these abbreviations mean as this is all totally new to me.

User

Posted 20 Oct 2025 at 18:30

I spoke with my GP this morning who has arranged for PSA blood tests in 4 weeks time followed by a physical exam 4 weeks after that and insists the fickle finger is a necessary part of the process, It’s difficult to have to wait 4 weeks for the PSA then a further 4 for the fickle finger with two months of worry and the not knowing but I’ve least I’ve started the process.

User

Posted 20 Oct 2025 at 20:54

The PSA test is not a very reliable test. Blood in semen is not a reliable predictor of prostate cancer. Pain in the hips is not that surprising in a 62 year old, not necessarily cancer related. Finger up the bum (Digital Rectal Exam or DRE) is a bit more reliable but can only detect prostate cancer if it is to the rear of the prostate.

You need to go through the diagnostic process. Whatever has caused blood in semen will almost certainly lead to a high PSA, so I guess the GP wants to wait for that to clear up before doing a PSA test, hence the four week wait.

I know it might seem impossible, but it is pointless worrying about something you can not control. Just take it in your stride, and wait til you have more information before trying to guess your future.

Dave

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