I had blood/brown/red color in my ejaculate, after radiation treatment for prostate cancer. I found it first off to be embarrassing to discuss this face-face with my doctor. I was just going to be told again that this is normal. Also nothing to worry about. As I got braver I offered to provide a sample. Have you got any advice?
Hello JackW25
Thank you for contacting Macmillan. My name is Helen; I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line.
I see that you have joined some of our cancer forums and hope you have found the community warm and welcoming.
I was sorry to read that you have been passing red/brown blood in your ejaculate since undergoing radiotherapy for your prostate cancer. Around one in ten people can experience the symptom immediately after treatment or for some weeks after.
It is worrying for you, and natural to feel some embarrassment when speaking to your doctors. I am glad you felt braver and mentioned it.
Radiotherapy can cause inflammation of the bladder known as cystitis. As well as passing blood you may feel you want to pass urine more often, have a burning feeling when you pass urine or feel unable to wait to empty your bladder.
Sometimes the symptoms can be due to an infection. It sounds like you have given a specimen of urine so that the doctors can confirm and treat, if that is the case.
Try to drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of fluid each day. Don’t cut down on your fluid intake. Some drinks can irritate the bladder or bowel and make symptoms worse.
Try to cut down or avoid:
alcohol (especially spirits)
fizzy drinks
drinks that contain caffeine (such as tea, coffee, cola and cocoa)
acidic drinks (such as fresh orange or grapefruit juice)
drinks with artificial sweeteners (‘diet’ or ‘light’ drinks).
Perhaps try to drink water, diluted fruit juice and herbal teas.
Cranberry juice is often suggested as a remedy, but there isn't any real evidence that this is additionally helpful. You can test what drinks increase your symptoms and avoid them while you are recovering.
Usually, symptoms get better over time but sometimes problems can continue for a considerable time afterwards.
When the symptom has been long term, it is classed as a late effect of radiotherapy. You haven’t mentioned when you had your radiotherapy, but if it was some while back, your symptoms might be classed as a late effect.
There are lots of things that can be done to manage or treat late effects. Prostate Cancer UK has information that might be useful.
You might also benefit from listening to The Royal Marsden Hospital’s two-part video on urinary symptoms.
I do hope this is a helpful response and that you feel better soon.
Please don’t hesitate to get back in touch. You can speak with the Macmillan Support Line on 0800 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm. Or you are very welcome to chat to us via webchat.
Helen
Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You are very welcome Jack. Good health for 2026 and keep in touch if it helps.
