What is hematuria (blood in urine)?
Hematuria is the presence of blood cells in your urine and is often classified as gross hematuria or microscopic hematuria. Gross hematuria means the blood is visible by the naked eye, typically turning the urine pink or red in color. In contrast, microscopic hematuria is so small that it can only be seen through a microscope.
It can be alarming to see blood in the toilet after using the bathroom, but it can be a common occurrence in adults, affecting up to 30% of the U.S. population. While causes aren’t always life-threatening, it is important that you talk with your provider to find the underlying cause of hematuria.
Why do I have blood in my urine?
Typically, hematuria happens when blood cells leak into the urine along the urinary tract, including your kidneys.
Common causes for blood in your urine can include the following:
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
- Kidney infection
- Cystitis (inflamed bladder)
- Various stones, including kidney stones, bladder stones, and ureteral stones
- Enlarged prostate
- Endometriosis
- Injury to the urinary tract
- Kidney disease
- Sickle cell disease
Sometimes, blood in your urine can also indicate a more serious condition, including cancers of the urinary system or prostate cancer. It is important that you let your provider know if you are experiencing hematuria so they can investigate the cause and ensure it is a benign symptom.
How is hematuria diagnosed?
If you see or your provider suspects blood in your urine, a variety of tests can be used to evaluate the cause. Along with a medical history evaluation, your provider may also perform a physical exam, including a pelvic exam for women or a digital rectal exam (DRE) for men.
Additional testing may also include evaluating your urine for any infections or abnormal cells through a urinalysis, urine culture, and/or cytology. Imaging, such as ultrasound, CT or MRI scans, and cystoscopy, may also be used to look closer at the organs of your urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. These tests will help your provider get a clearer evaluation of the cause behind the hematuria and help to establish an effective treatment plan.
How do you treat blood in your urine?
Much of the treatment for hematuria is based on the cause of the blood. These treatments can range from medications, like antibiotics, to surgeries or procedures for the affected organ. Because of the vast array of treatment options for blood in your urine, it’s extremely important that you discuss with your provider any concerns you may have. If left untreated, blood in your urine can cause bigger problems or lead to a delay in the proper treatment which can impact the overall outcome of the diagnosis.
To explore treatment options for hematuria or to make an appointment with one of The Iowa Clinic’s urologists, please call 515.875.9800.