What causes blood in urine?

Verified by Dr. Vivek Venkatramani – Consultant Uro Oncology & Robotic Surgery, Apollo Cancer Centres, Navi Mumbai.

Blood in urine or hematuria, refers to the presence of red blood cells in the urine. Hematuria can be alarming, but it’s important to know that it doesn’t necessarily indicate a serious condition. There are two main ways hematuria can present itself:

• Gross hematuria: This is when there’s enough blood in your urine that you can see it with the naked eye. The urine may appear pink, red, or even brown depending on the amount of blood.
• Microscopic hematuria: In this case, the amount of blood is too small to be visible without a microscope. It’s often detected during a routine urine test.

Causes of blood in urine

There are many potential causes, including:

• Urologic cancer – Upto 3-10% of hematuria can be caused by cancers of the kidney, urinary bladder or prostate and so it should never be ignored.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs): These are common, especially in women, and can irritate the urinary tract causing bleeding.
• Kidney stones: These rough stones can scratch the lining of your urinary tract as they pass, leading to blood in the urine.
• Enlarged prostate (men only): As the prostate gland enlarges, it can irritate nearby blood vessels and cause blood in the urine.
• Bladder inflammation: This irritation can cause microscopic blood in the urine, often detected during a routine test.
• Kidney disease: Certain kidney diseases can damage blood vessels or lead to inflammation, causing blood in the urine.
• Medications: Blood thinners and certain pain relievers can increase your risk of bleeding, including in the urine.
• Strenuous exercise: In rare cases, vigorous exercise can cause microscopic blood in the urine, usually resolving on its own.

When to see a doctor?

See a doctor right away if you experience:

• Blood clots in your urine
• Painful urination
• Fever or chills
• Difficulty urinating
• Lower back pain

Diagnosis and Treatment

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. Tests may include a urine test, a kidney ultrasound, or a cystoscopy (examining the bladder lining) or CT scan. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. If a urologic cancer is found, treatment will depend on the type and stage of disease and early checkup will allow the best chance of cure. For UTIs, antibiotics are prescribed. Kidney stones may require medication or procedures for removal. Enlarged prostate treatment varies depending on severity.

Remember: Early diagnosis and treatment are key. Don’t ignore the blood in your urine. See a doctor to determine the cause and get the right treatment.

Consult our expert, Dr. Vivek Venkatramani – Consultant Uro Oncology & Robotic Surgery, Apollo Cancer Centres, Navi Mumbai.

Call 022 6280 6280 for an appointment.