Dear Dr. Flex, I am a 21-year-old man who enjoys masturbating. Of late, I notice that after masturbating there is *lo** in my sperm. I dont feel any pain or see *lo** at any other time. Could it be a sign of cancer? A.H., Kingston 10
Dear A.H., Although a very frightening symptom, *lo** in the semen is seldom related to a serious underlying cause. It is an uncommon symptom of prostate cancer, as a result of the cancer invading the seminal vesicles that lie adjacent to the base of the prostate gland. This would not be of concern to someone of your age, as the condition usually occurs in men aged over 50. The problem may also occur when the prostate gland is inflamed (prostatitis).
It is most likely in the absence of pain, fever or symptoms such as swelling of the scrotum or a palpable lump, that you have simply had a small bleed from one of the *lo** vessels in the sperm producing apparatus for no specific reason.
It would be advisable to visit your doctor for a check up to confirm that all is well and put your mind at rest.