Finding blood in urine can be alarming. Known medically as hematuria, this condition can range from harmless to serious. You must be familiar with the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. This helps you make an informed decision about your health.
What is Blood in Urine (Hematuria)?
Hematuria is the presence of red blood cells in urine, which can cause a pink, red, or cola-colored tint. It may not always be visible, and the causes can vary from minor infections to more serious underlying health issues. The term "what is hematuria" frequently arises when people first notice discolored urine or receive abnormal lab results.
What are the Types of Hematuria?
Hematuria is categorized into several types based on how the blood is detected and how it presents. Learn more about the types below:
It is also called frank hematuria. Gross hematuria is when blood is visible in the urine without any special testing. The urine may appear pink, red, or tea-colored.
This occurs when hematuria in urine is only visible under a microscope. A urinalysis can detect this type, often as part of a routine blood in urine test.
Dipstick testing detects occult blood in urine, which is invisible to the eye. While convenient, it requires further evaluation to confirm the presence of red blood cells.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Blood in Urine (Hematuria)?
Hematuria symptoms can vary based on the underlying condition. Suppose you won’t feel any burning sensation or pain during urination, but the color is showing something else, it is better to get yourself tested to rule out Hematuria. Here are some common Hematuria urine symptoms:
- Discolored or red-tinged urine
- Blood clots in urine (especially in severe cases)
- Pain or burning during urination
- Increased urgency or frequency
- Lower abdominal or back pain
In some cases, there may be painless hematuria, making it more difficult to detect unless identified during a routine test.
What is the Cause of Blood in Urine (Hematuria)?
There are many reasons for blood in urine, ranging from benign to severe. It could be your medical condition, suppose you’re under cancer treatment, there might be a change in your urine color, and if you still have concerns, talk to the specialist. Some of the most common causes of blood in urine include:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Kidney stones (kidney stone blood in urine)
- Bladder or kidney infections
- Enlarged prostate
- Vigorous exercise
- Trauma or injury to the urinary tract
- Cancer of the Urinary Tract (Kidney, Ureter, bladder, prostate and urethra)
- Glomerulonephritis (Inflammation of Kidney)
Are There Gender-Specific Causes of Blood in Urine?
Yes, there are different symptoms in men and women when they’re going through blood in urine. Here we have categorized them so you can easily see the difference in symptoms and the root cause of blood in urine.
In men, blood in urine male causes can include prostate enlargement, prostatitis, or blood clots in urine male, often linked with urinary retention or trauma. Rarely it may suggest a more chronic or serious issue, like a tumor (Cancer) of the urinary tract.
For women, blood in urine can result from menstruation, urinary infections, or gynecological conditions. Blood in urine with no pain may suggest a more chronic or serious issue, like a tumor (Cancer). In contrast, blood in the urine or female pain often signals infections or kidney stones.
When is Someone at Risk of Hematuria?
Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing hematuria. It could be that you’re getting old, and this condition is common in elderly people. Or you could have a hereditary medical condition that is the root cause behind it. Let’s see what puts you at risk of blood in urine.
- Age (especially over 50)
- Smoking
- Frequent infections
- Use of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners)
- Intense exercise
- Congenital abnormality
- Trauma
- Family history of kidney disease
What are the Diagnostic Tests for Hematuria?
When you present with hematuria, your doctor will initiate a series of diagnostic tests to determine the root cause.
A kidney ultrasound is an initial screening non-invasive imaging method that checks for stone, mass, cysts, or blockages in the kidneys and urinary tract.
A CT scan offers detailed images of the urinary tract, helping identify tumors, stones, or structural abnormalities and kidney function.
An MRI may be used for further imaging, particularly if soft tissue detail is required to assess the cause of hematuria.
Cystoscopy allows direct visualization of the bladder and urethra. It’s useful for identifying tumors, stones, or terminal hematuria, where blood appears at the end of urination.
If glomerular (medical) disease is suspected, a kidney biopsy may be necessary to evaluate kidney tissue under a microscope.
For women, blood in urine, pregnancy, and miscarriage concerns often prompt more sensitive testing, especially when bleeding is accompanied by pain or cramping.
What are the Treatment Options for Blood in Urine (Hematuria)?
Treatment for blood in urine depends on the underlying cause. Stones need endoscopic management with lasers. Antibiotics can treat UTIs, while alpha-blockers and or dutasteride may help men with enlarged prostates. For autoimmune or kidney-related conditions, steroids or immunosuppressants may be required. The tumor needs a detailed evaluation and surgery for removal.
Chronic conditions may need hematuria treatment over a longer period, including lifestyle changes and regular monitoring. It is best that you consult with a urologist before starting any treatment to see if it is Hematuria or some other condition.
Are There Complications for Chronic Hematuria?
While not always dangerous, untreated hematuria can lead to complications.
- Worsening of Cancer: If you ignore blood in urine, you don’t know what it is caused by, and it could be cancerous, which can progress and spread to other parts of the body.
- Kidney Damage or Failure: The cause of blood in urine could be an untreated kidney infection or a chronic kidney disease. If not treated, the damage to the kidney tissue can worsen over time.
- Worsening of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): In men, an enlarged prostate is a common cause of hematuria. If left untreated, BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) can lead to a complete inability to urinate (acute urinary retention), which is a medical emergency.
- Blood Clot Formation: Severe, gross hematuria can lead to the formation of blood clots in the bladder. These clots can be painful to pass and can even block the outflow of urine, causing severe pain and urinary retention.
- Ureteral Blockage: In the case of kidney stones, the stones themselves can cause bleeding and then become lodged in the ureter. This can block urine flow, cause severe pain, and lead to kidney damage.
- Anemia: If the bleeding is persistent and heavy, even if it's not visible to the naked eye all the time, it can lead to chronic blood loss. This can result in anemia, a condition characterized by a low red blood cell count.
- Recurrent Infections: An underlying condition, like an untreated urinary tract infection (UTI) that causes hematuria, can become chronic or recurrent.
How to Avoid Blood in Urine?
Preventing hematuria involves addressing its root causes, so here is what you can do to avoid this condition and stay healthy:
- Stay hydrated to avoid kidney stones.
- Avoid smoking to reduce cancer risk.
- Practice good hygiene.
- Manage chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
- Use protective gear during sports to prevent injury.
- For women, avoiding recurrent UTIs can also reduce the likelihood of UTIs with hematuria.
- Pregnant women should seek immediate care if experiencing blood in urine during pregnancy to rule out complications.
- If you're diagnosed with acute cystitis with hematuria, following the doctor’s treatment plan closely can prevent recurrence.
Why Choose Artemis Hospitals for the Treatment of Blood in Urine?
Finding blood in urine requires a specialist evaluation. Artemis Hospital is a strong choice because we have a dedicated urology department with a team of experienced specialists who focus on diagnosing and treating the causes of this symptom.
We use advanced diagnostic tools like imaging and specialized lab tests to find the root cause, which could be anything from a simple infection or kidney stones to a more serious condition like cancer.
Booking an appointment is convenient. You can schedule online via our website, or simply call +91-124-451-1111 or WhatsApp at +91 980-040-0498. This easy access to specialized care, combined with our use of cutting-edge technology, means you can receive a comprehensive and precise treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, all under one roof.
Article By Dr. Varun Mittal
Head - Kidney Transplant & Associate Chief - Uro-Oncology & Robotic Surgery (Unit I)
Artemis Hospitals
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does blood come in urine?
Blood in the urine (hematuria) can occur due to infections, kidney stones, bladder or kidney issues, or trauma. It happens when red blood cells leak into the urinary tract from any part of the urinary system.
How common is blood in urine?
Hematuria is fairly common. Microscopic hematuria may affect up to 10% of the population at some point, often detected during routine urine tests. Gross hematuria is less common but still occurs regularly in clinical settings.
What cancers cause hematuria?
Bladder, kidney, and prostate cancers are the most common cancers associated with hematuria. Blood in the urine may be the first noticeable symptom, especially if it's painless and recurrent.
Is hematuria contagious?
No, hematuria is not contagious. It is a medical symptom, not a disease, and cannot be passed from person to person.
Who does hematuria affect?
Hematuria can affect anyone, men, women, and children. Risk increases with age, certain medications, strenuous exercise, and chronic health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
What are the possible reasons for blood in urine in males?
In men, causes include kidney stones, kidney bladder or prostate cancer, prostate enlargement, urinary tract infections, and physical trauma to the urinary tract.
Is blood in urine always a sign of something serious?
Not always. It can be caused by minor issues like intense exercise or mild infections. However, because it can also signal serious conditions, it's important to get evaluated promptly.
Is hematuria life-threatening?
Hematuria itself is not usually life-threatening, but it can be a symptom of a serious condition such as cancer, severe infection, or kidney disease. Early diagnosis is key to effective treatment.
Can drinking water stop blood in urine?
Drinking more water can help flush out the urinary system and may reduce bleeding caused by mild infections or stones. However, it won't stop bleeding from more serious causes.
Can foods or drinks cause hematuria?
While some foods (like beets or rhubarb) and medications can discolor urine and mimic blood, they don't cause true hematuria. True hematuria is confirmed by detecting red blood cells in a urine test.
Is blood in my urine serious?
It can be. Even if you feel fine, blood in the urine may be the first sign of a serious medical condition. Always have it evaluated by a healthcare provider.
What would cause blood in urine but no infection?
Non-infectious causes include kidney stones, cancer, trauma, or strenuous exercise. It's possible to have hematuria without pain or infection, especially in the early stages of certain diseases.
What does blood in the urine look like?
It may appear pink, red, or dark brown like cola. Sometimes, clots can be seen. In microscopic hematuria, urine appears normal, but tests reveal red blood cells.
