Finding blood in your urine can be worrying, especially when you do not know what caused it. It may occur because of a urinary tract infection or kidney stones. It can also be linked to conditions affecting the kidneys, bladder, urinary tract or prostate.

The medical term for blood in the urine is hematuria. You may notice that your urine looks pink, red or brown. In some cases, however, your urine may appear completely normal, and blood may only be detected through a urine test.

Blood in the urine does not always mean that you have a serious health problem. However, unexplained blood in the urine should be medically assessed, even if it is not accompanied by pain or other symptoms.

Table of Contents

What Is Hematuria?

Hematuria is the medical term for the presence of blood or red blood cells in the urine. The blood may come from different parts of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra.

There are two main types of hematuria:

Visible Hematuria

Visible hematuria occurs when blood can be seen in the urine and causes a noticeable change in its colour. The urine may appear pink, red or brown.

In some cases, even a small amount of blood can noticeably change the colour of the urine.

Microscopic Hematuria

With microscopic hematuria, the urine may look completely normal. The blood cannot be seen with the naked eye and is only detected when a urine sample is examined.

It is important to remember that the amount of blood in the urine does not necessarily indicate how serious the underlying cause may be. For this reason, unexplained blood in the urine should be assessed by a doctor.

What Causes Hematuria?

Hematuria may occur because of several conditions affecting the urinary system. Possible causes include:

  • Urinary tract infections.
  • Kidney or bladder stones.
  • Irritation or inflammation of the urinary tract.
  • Certain kidney diseases.
  • Prostate problems.
  • Injuries to the urinary system.
  • Certain medicines.
  • Other conditions affecting the kidneys or bladder.

Other symptoms may help a doctor identify the possible cause. For example, burning during urination and frequent urination may occur with a urinary tract infection, while pain in the side or back may be associated with kidney stones.

However, blood in the urine can also occur without pain or other obvious symptoms. Hematuria can affect both men and women, so it should not be ignored simply because no other symptoms are present.

If you are experiencing other urinary symptoms, you can also learn more about common urology problems and when they may require medical assessment.

Blood in Urine in Women

Blood in urine in females may occur because of urinary tract infections, kidney or bladder stones, or certain conditions affecting the kidneys and urinary system.

Vaginal or menstrual bleeding can sometimes cause confusion, as it may be mistaken for blood coming from the urine.

Some women may notice blood in the urine along with symptoms such as:

  • Burning during urination.
  • Frequent urination.
  • A sudden or urgent need to urinate.
  • Discomfort in the lower abdomen.

Other women may notice a change in urine colour without experiencing any additional symptoms.

If you are unsure where the blood is coming from, especially if it occurs outside your menstrual period, a doctor can help identify the source and recommend the appropriate tests.

Blood in Urine in Men

Blood in urine in males may occur because of urinary tract infections, kidney or bladder stones, certain kidney diseases, or other urinary conditions.

The prostate may also need to be assessed in men. Some prostate problems can affect urination and may be associated with blood in the urine.

Pain is not always present. Some men may notice blood in the urine without any pain, while others may experience burning, pressure or pain during urination.

By assessing your symptoms and medical history, a urologist can determine which tests may be needed to identify the possible cause of the bleeding.

What Symptoms May Occur With Hematuria?

Blood in the urine may be the only symptom, or it may occur alongside other changes in urination.

You may experience:

  • Burning or discomfort during urination.
  • A need to urinate more frequently.
  • A sudden or frequent urge to urinate.
  • Pain in the side, lower back or lower abdomen.
  • Difficulty starting or maintaining urine flow.
  • Changes in your usual urination pattern.
  • Fever or chills.

Symptoms may vary depending on the underlying cause. For example, a urinary tract infection may cause burning and frequent urination, while kidney stones may cause pain in the side or back.

However, symptoms alone cannot confirm the exact cause. Your doctor may need to perform urine tests or other investigations.

How Does a Urologist Identify the Cause of Hematuria?

A urologist will usually begin by discussing your symptoms and medical history. You may be asked:

  • When did you first notice blood in your urine?
  • Has this happened before?
  • Have you noticed any changes in your usual urination pattern?
  • Have you previously had urinary tract infections or kidney stones?
  • What medicines are you taking?
  • Do you have any other health conditions?

Based on your answers and the results of the initial assessment, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following tests.

Urine Tests

A urine test can help detect blood or red blood cells in the urine. It may also identify signs of infection or other changes in the urine.

Blood Tests

Blood tests may be used to assess kidney function and look for other findings that may help the doctor understand your condition.

Imaging Tests

An ultrasound or CT scan may be used to examine the kidneys, bladder and urinary tract. Imaging tests can be particularly useful when kidney stones or other urinary conditions are suspected.

Cystoscopy

In some cases, a urologist may recommend a cystoscopy. This procedure involves passing a small camera through the urethra into the bladder to examine it from the inside.

Not everyone needs all of these tests. Your urologist will decide which investigations are appropriate based on your symptoms, medical history and initial test results.

Blood in Urine Treatment

There is no single blood in urine treatment because hematuria is a symptom rather than a separate condition with one standard treatment.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the bleeding.

For example, a urinary tract infection may be treated with appropriate medication, while kidney or bladder stones may require different treatment approaches. Prostate-related problems are treated according to their specific cause and type.

If the bleeding is linked to a condition affecting the kidneys, bladder or another part of the urinary system, your doctor will explain the appropriate treatment or follow-up plan.

The main goal is to identify and treat the cause of the bleeding rather than treating the blood in the urine itself.

When Should You See a Urologist?

If you notice blood in your urine and do not know why it has occurred, it is best to speak with a doctor and undergo an appropriate medical assessment.

An assessment is particularly important if the bleeding returns or is accompanied by changes in urination or other symptoms.

A urologist can evaluate your condition, recommend the necessary tests and help identify the possible cause of the bleeding.

If you need specialist care, you can contact the urology clinic at Canadian Medical Center to learn more about the available diagnostic and treatment services for a range of urological conditions.

When Is Urgent Medical Attention Needed?

Blood in the urine accompanied by severe pain, difficulty passing urine, fever, chills or feeling seriously unwell requires prompt medical assessment.

For example, if you have severe pain and are unable to pass urine, do not wait for the symptoms to improve on their own. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Even if you feel completely well, unexplained blood in the urine should not be ignored. Medical assessment can help identify the cause and determine whether treatment or follow-up is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Should I See a Doctor for Hematuria?

If you notice blood in your urine and do not know what caused it, it is best to see a doctor for an appropriate assessment.

Even if you do not have pain or the bleeding stops, this does not explain why it occurred. It is therefore important to discuss it with a doctor.

Is Blood in the Urine Always a Sign of a Serious Problem?

Not necessarily. Blood in the urine may occur because of a urinary tract infection, kidney stones or other causes.

However, hematuria can have several possible causes, and some may require specialist assessment and treatment. For this reason, unexplained blood in the urine should not be ignored.

What Does Hematuria Mean?

Hematuria is the medical term for blood in the urine. The blood may be visible, or it may only be detected when a urine sample is tested.

Can Blood in the Urine Go Away on Its Own?

The bleeding may stop in some cases, particularly when it is linked to a temporary problem. However, the fact that the bleeding has stopped does not necessarily mean that the underlying cause has gone away.

If there is no clear reason for the bleeding, it is best to see a doctor even if it disappears on its own.

Can a Urinary Tract Infection Cause Blood in the Urine?

Yes. A urinary tract infection can cause blood in the urine. It may also be accompanied by:

  • Burning during urination.
  • Frequent urination.
  • An urgent need to urinate.
  • Discomfort in the lower abdomen.

Identifying the cause requires an appropriate medical assessment, especially if the bleeding continues or other symptoms develop.

Conclusion

Blood in the urine may be caused by a common condition, such as a urinary tract infection or kidney stones. However, it may also be associated with other conditions affecting the urinary system.

Hematuria may occur with pain or other urinary symptoms, but it can sometimes be the only sign that something is wrong.

If you notice blood in your urine, try not to panic, but do not ignore it either. A medical assessment can help identify the cause and determine whether treatment or follow-up is needed.

If you are concerned about hematuria or other urinary symptoms, a urologist can help you understand your condition and guide you on the next steps.

At Canadian Medical Center, you can contact our urology team to learn more about the available assessment and treatment options.