Haemospermia A Nigerian Experience

SUMMARY

Objective: To determine the incidence, aetiological pattern and associated clinical features of haemospermia.

Patients and Methods: A 15 year retrospective study of all the cases of haemospermia presenting to the authors at the Urology Clinics of University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu and later Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi from January 1984 to December 1998. The demographical data, clinical features, laboratory investigations results as well as ultrasound findings were analyzed.

Results: A total of 28 cases of haemospermia were seen over the period. Mean age was 36.3±7.2 years with peak incidence in the 4th decade of life (57.1%). The commonest aetiological factor was urethritis (28.6%). Others include hypertension (25%), prostatitis (10.7%), urethral stricture (3.6%,) while in 32.1% aetiology remained unknown at the end of investigations. Haemospermia was self-limiting in most cases.

Conclusion: Schistosomiasis, tuberculosis and tumours are uncommon causes of haemospermia in this environment.. Though haemospermia is self-limiting, because of its sinister nature, we recommend six monthly reassessment for patients in whom aetiological factors were identified. Niger Med J, 2003, Vol. 44(1): 10 - 12. KEY WORDS: Haemospermia, Nigerian experiences, Urological Symptom.