Changes in urine – When to see the doctor

Urine is simply excess water and waste products that your kidneys filter from your blood. Its color usually ranges from pale yellow to deep amber, depending on its concentration — the proportion of waste products to water. That, in turn, depends partly on how much fluid you consume.

For the most part, we pay little attention to urine, unless it looks or smells unusual. A surprising number of things can affect the color and odor of your urine. The most common ones are harmless and temporary, including foods, vitamins, and certain medications. But sometimes changes in urine signal a medical problem, which may range from relatively benign (a urinary tract infection) to serious (kidney or bladder cancer). Here are some suggestions on when you can relax and when you should consult your clinician.

Vegetables, fruits, and vitamins

Beets, blackberries, and rhubarb can temporarily turn urine pink or red, which can be alarming, because it may be mistaken for blood. The pigment that gives beets their deep magenta color is stable only at certain levels of stomach acidity and is usually too faint to show up in most people’s urine. The phenomenon — dubbed “beeturia” — occurs in only about 10% to 14% of the population. Even if you’re in that select group, eating beets won’t always have a visible effect, because the acidity of your stomach (and therefore your urine) depends on when you ate and what else you ate. Rhubarb can also turn urine dark brown or tea-colored, as can fava beans and aloe. Carrots, carrot juice, and vitamin C can color urine orange, and B vitamins can turn it a fluorescent yellow-green.

Asparagus sometimes gives urine a greenish tinge and a distinctive smell. Why this occurs is a matter for speculation. Some blame it on the sulfur-containing fertilizers used on asparagus plants (there is no record of the vegetable changing urine odor before such fertilizers were introduced). Others suggest that only people who carry a particular gene break down the sulfur-containing proteins in asparagus that release the odor. Still another view is that the smell of everyone’s urine undergoes a change, but only some of us notice it. The current consensus seems to be that some of us produce smelly urine after eating asparagus, and some of us do not, while some can detect the odor and some cannot.

Medications and medical problems

Various prescription and over-the-counter medications can change the look of your urine. So can certain medical conditions, most commonly urinary tract infections (UTIs), which affect about half of all women at least once during their lives. The mucus and white blood cells associated with UTIs can turn urine cloudy and cause an unpleasant odor. Symptoms also include a frequent and urgent need to urinate, burning pain with urination, and abdominal pain. Contact your clinician if you experience these symptoms, which usually disappear quickly after you start oral antibiotics.

UTIs can also cause blood in the urine (hematuria). If the amount is very small, the urine appears normal, and the blood is visible only under a microscope. Larger amounts can cause urine to appear pinkish, red, or cola-colored.

Another possible cause of hematuria is kidney stones — hard, crystalline masses ranging in size from a grain of sand to a pearl that form within the urinary tract or kidney. A stone may cause hematuria if it irritates the ureter (the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder). Kidney stones can also cause extreme pain in your back or side, and fever, chills, and vomiting, for which you should seek immediate medical attention. But most stones will pass out of the body without medical intervention.

Hematuria can also result from an injury to the upper or lower urinary tract (for example, in a car accident or bad fall). Strenuous exercise (especially running) can sometimes cause hematuria because the repeated jarring damages the bladder. Less common sources of hematuria are bladder cancer and kidney cancer or other kidney disease — so be sure to check with your doctor if your urine appears reddish for no apparent reason.

As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content.
Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date,
should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Hematuria: Blood in the urine

Blood in the urine should never be ignored. This could be the first sign of a serious condition. In order to help your doctor with the correct diagnosis, you may try to provide details such as:

• Was it associated with pain?
• Did you see blood clots?
• What shape did the clots have?
• The color of the blood (brown, cherry, bright red, pink or orange)
• At what time during urination did you see blood in the urine (beginning or end of stream or during entire stream)?

Blood in the urine can present in one of two ways:

• Gross hematuria (blood that you can see in the urine)
• Microscopic hematuria (blood that is only seen when the urine is examined under a microscope).

Both types can have serious causes.

Interpreting these symptoms

When passing blood in urine is associated with pain, especially abdominal pain, it could be associated with kidney or ureteral stones. The pain could be localized to the back, to the side, to the groin, or the penis in men, and the labia in women.

If you are passing different-shaped clots in your stream, they could represent bleeding from the urethra or prostate (in men). Clots can be wormlike, and if associated with pain it could represent clots coming from your ureters(tubes from your kidneys to your bladder).

The color of the urine can be also affected by certain foods or medications. However, you should always consult your doctor if this develops.

When the blood in the urine is at the beginning of urination, it most likely comes from the urethra, (the tube from the bladder to the outside). Blood throughout urination is most likely from the bladder or kidneys or ureters (the tubes connecting the kidneys and the bladder). Blood at the end of your stream may be from the bladder or prostate (in men).

Causes

Causes of blood in the urine vary, from inflammatory conditions to cancers.

Urinary tract infections and kidney, bladder, or ureter stones are also frequent causes. In men, blood can also come from an enlarged prostate.

Cancer of the urethra, bladder, or kidneys also may also show up as blood in the urine. Anyone who sees blood in their urine or has blood identified under the microscope should talk to their doctor about the need for further work-up.

Treatment and response

Full evaluation includes an X-ray study of your kidneys and bladder, and cystoscopy. Cystoscopy involves the doctor looking directly inside your bladder by using a very small camera.

If you have blood in the urine, you should contact your physician immediately. Your doctor then would possibly determine the cause and refer you to a urologist if needed.

Got a Minute?
Take two minutes to learn more about your health using the Men’s Health Assessment.

Northwest Regional Spinal Cord Injury System

[Download this pamphlet: “Urinary Tract Infections: Indwelling (Foley) Catheter” – (PDF, 486KB)]

What is a urinary tract infection?

When bacteria get into your bladder or kidneys and cause you to have symptoms, you have a urinary tract infection ( UTI). It is important to know the difference between an infection and bacteriuria (having bacteria in the urine but no symptoms).

What causes urinary tract infections?

Because of your spinal cord injury and the fact that you must use an indwelling catheter, you will always have bacteria in your urine. The catheter provides a direct pathway for the bacteria to enter your bladder. The bacteria that live in your bladder can develop into a UTI if your catheter becomes blocked, if your general resistance to infection decreases, or if you don’t drink enough fluids and your urine becomes concentrated.

Symptoms of a urinary tract infection (things you may feel):

• Fever
• Chills
• Leakage (wetness around the catheter)
• Increased spasms of legs, abdomen, or bladder
• Burning of the urethra, penis, or pubic area
• Nausea
• Headache
• Mild low back pain or other aches
• Feeling “lousy” or tired

Signs of a urinary tract infection (things you may notice):

• Sediment (gritty particles) or mucus in the urine or cloudy urine
• Bad smelling urine (foul odor)
• Blood in urine (pink or red urine)

Note: The appearance and smell of your urine may change because of changes in your diet or fluid intake. Changes in the urine without symptoms are not reason enough to seek treatment for a UTI.

Self care

Many people are able to prevent a UTI from developing by taking some self care steps. The most important step for people who use an indwelling catheter is to drink, drink, and drink some more. Your fluid intake should be enough so that your urine has the appearance of water or is only slightly yellow in color and clear.

Changing your catheter after increasing your fluids may also help cut down on the number of bacteria living in your bladder since catheters can become “colonized” with the bacteria that are flushed out of your urinary tract. Generally, changing your catheter every month should be enough to keep you healthy, but people who get frequent UTIs or whose catheters tend to become encrusted with built-up mineral deposits may have to change it more often.

Some people are able to avoid or treat UTIs by taking vitamin C (500-2,000 mg per day) or cranberry extract tablets. Other “natural” treatments may be helpful but you should consult someone who is knowledgeable in this field, such as a naturopathic physician.

When to call your health care provider:

If you develop a fever (temperature greater than 100 degrees) or if your symptoms are interfering with your life, you should call your health care provider. He or she will want to know your temperature, current symptoms, whether you have any allergies to antibiotics, and what antibiotics have worked well in the past. Your health care provider will want you to get a urine specimen for culture and will discuss with you whether antibiotics should be started right away or if you should wait until the results of the culture are available.

How to collect a good specimen for urine culture:

The accuracy of any urine test depends on careful collection of the specimen.

1. Open your sterile jar — either one from the hospital or one you have prepared at home. (To sterilize a jar at home, choose a small jar with a snug-fitting lid. Wash it carefully in soap and water and rinse well. Place the jar and lid in a pan of boiling water and immerse for 10 minutes. Remove jar and lid with metal tongs, invert on a dish drainer, and allow to cool. ) Do not touch the inside of the jar.

2. To collect the best specimen, your catheter should be changed and the urine should be collected immediately from the newly inserted sterile catheter. Collect at least 30 ml (1 oz.) of urine. Occasionally it may be impossible to change the catheter for specimen collection, and urine may have to be obtained from the indwelling catheter. The specimen will be contaminated by the bacteria that live on the catheter as well as those that live in the urine, and the number of colonies that grow will tend to be larger. Sometimes the laboratory will not be able to accurately determine which bacteria are causing your symptoms.

3. Never collect a urine specimen for culture from a leg bag or night bag.

4. Refrigerate the specimen and keep it cool until you can get it to your health care provider. It should be delivered within two hours of collection.

Antibiotic treatment

If your health care provider prescribes an antibiotic for you, ask your pharmacist whether you should take it before meals or with food. If you take Vitamin C regularly, you should also find out whether it is okay to continue it while you are taking your antibiotic. Be sure to take all of the medication as prescribed.

Some antibiotics will change the balance between your body’s “good” bacteria and the “bad” bacteria that has caused your UTI . When this happens, an overgrowth of yeast can occur which may result in problems ranging from a skin rash to diarrhea. This can be prevented by taking acidophilus culture, which is available in some brands of yogurt, acidophilus milk, or as a pure culture (available in health food stores). If you develop any symptoms you think may be related to your antibiotic prescription, notify your health care provider.

In order to prevent re-colonization of your urine with bacteria from your catheter, you should always change the catheter about midway through the course of antibiotics. This is important because antibiotics can kill bacteria in your body and in your urine, but not on the catheter itself. When you have completed your antibiotic prescription it is not necessary to get a repeat culture unless your symptoms have not improved.

University of Washington-operated SCI Clinics:

Harborview Medical Center

Rehabilitation Medicine Clinic

325 9th Ave., Seattle WA 98104

Spinal Cord Injury Clinic nurses: 206-744-5862

University of Washington Medical Center

Rehabilitation Medicine Clinic

1959 NE Pacific, Seattle WA 98195

Spinal Cord Injury Clinic nurses: 206-598-4295

Common Causes of Cloudy Urine & Treatment Tips

Having cloudy urine is not unusual and, in many cases, it is no reason for alarm. However, it just might be a sign of an underlying health condition.

Healthy urine is clear and light yellow in color. Unhealthy urine can be cloudy, hazy, or milky looking. This can occur for a number of different reasons, including sexually transmitted diseases, dehydration, infections, or diseases that affect other body systems along with the urinary tract. While cloudy urine in men does happen, women get it more often since their bodies lend itself to E. coli forming in the bladder.

In the majority of situations, cloudy urine is a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Urinary tract infections are the second most common type of infection people get. Over eight million visits to healthcare providers each year are due to UTIs.

Cloudy urine with odor is possible. This can be alarming and can happen in all age groups. Many people experience cloudy urine with no pain, while others feel a burning sensation when they urinate.

All of the symptoms you might experience along with the cloudy, hazy appearance of urine should be described in detail to a physician for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Cloudy urine symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the cloudy urine causes. Signs of a problem can originate in the urinary tract, the reproductive system, the endocrine system, the cardiovascular system, as well as other organs.

Since urinary tract infections are so common, here we list some possible symptoms:

Here are some symptoms that could indicate something other than a UTI is the problem.

Causes of cloudy urine

Some people panic the second they notice that they have cloudy urine. Cloudy urine during pregnancy is one example of that, but it is often nothing to worry about.

Here are some other possible causes of cloudy urine in the general population:

Urinary Tract Infection

That annoying frequent urge to go, but then passing only a small amount of urine is a very common symptom to watch out for. You’ll also experience a burning or itching feeling when you pee. Check your urine in the toilet bowl – if it’s bloody or cloudy, dark in color, or bad-smelling, this can also be a sign of UTI.

Kidney Problems

A main responsibility of the kidneys is to produce urine, but this can change in kidney problems. Some patients may urinate more frequently, experience discomfort, and urine may appear foamy, bubbly, or cloudy.

Kidney stones can result in cloudy urine, too, along with pain, nausea, blood in urine, fever, chills, and difficulty peeing.

Also read: Essential oils for kidney stones: How to use and recipes

Inflammation or Infection of the Prostate Gland

Aside from cloudy urine, other symptoms of inflammation or infection of the prostate gland include pain or burning while urinating, difficulty urinating, urinary urgency, cloudy urine, blood in urine, abdomen pain, pain or discomfort of the penis or scrotum, painful ejaculation, and flu-like symptoms.

Cystitis

When an abnormal growth of bacteria occurs within the bladder it can lead to a bladder infection – or cystitis. Females typically experience bladder infections more than males, and bladder infections are the most common form of bacterial infections experienced by humans.

Symptoms of a simple bladder infection include frequent urge to urinate, only small amounts of urine are expelled, sudden urges to urinate, pain, burning or discomfort when urinating, urge to urinate at night, pain in lower abdomen, blood in urine, urine is cloudy, unpleasantly odorous or has a strong scent

Diabetes

One of the earliest signs of diabetes is changes in urine including frequency and appearance. Urine can appear cloudy as a result of excess sugar leaving the body through urine. Diabetes can also cause kidney damage which can break down your kidneys filters which can contribute to cloudy urine.

Pyelonephritis

Pyelonephritis is an infection within the renal pelvis. The infection often stems from the bladder. Its causes are similar to that of a bladder infection. Symptoms include pain, nausea, vomiting, cloudy urine, and diarrhea.

Retrograde Ejaculation

Retrograde ejaculation is when the semen goes into the bladder rather than exiting the penis. Although this condition isn’t harmful it can lead to infertility. Symptoms include little to no semen being ejaculated, cloudy urine due to semen being in the urine, and male infertility.

Chyluria

Chyluria is characterized by the presence of chyle in the urine, giving it a milky appearance. Chyle consists of lymph and lipid particles and is bodily fluid normally found within the lymphatic system, which carries digested fats from the small intestine to the bloodstream. These lipid particles are commonly known as chylomicrons, which are composed of fats and proteins.

Dehydration

Water dilutes urine and the lighter or clearer it is that indicates your level of hydration. So, if your urine is cloudy and dark that’s a sign you need to drink more.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

As an inflammatory response to a sexually transmitted disease, you may pee out puss which causes urine to appear cloudy. For some, STD symptoms may not be noticeable except for changes in urine, and that is why it’s so important you always check what’s left in the toilet as indication of what is occurring with your health.

Other Causes

• Bladder cancer
• Cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension and heart failure
• Certain autoimmune diseases
• Heat exposure or dehydration
• Sickle cell anemia
• Leukemia
• Lymphoma

Cloudy urine with strong odor

People with high blood ketone levels that are on a low-carb diet or perhaps fasting, as well as those who have difficulty controlling diabetes can have urine with an odor. With ketone, a sweet, acetone-like odor in the urine can be detected.

Cloudy urine with odor can also be a sign of dehydration, especially if it smells like ammonia. If you have a urinary tract infection or when you are pregnant, your cloudy urine can also be foul smelling.

Keep in mind that normal looking urine can also have an unusual odor from time to time. This is due to food consumption. Beer, garlic, and coffee are a few examples of foods that tend to give urine a strong odor.

Cloudy urine in men and women

It’s no secret that men and women are made different, so how urine becomes cloudy for each of the sexes is naturally different. After sex, some sperm can remain in the urethra and cause bubbles to form froth on the surface of the urine in the toilet bowl when urinating. In a healthy male, the sperm, which finds its way into the urethra, usually clears within minutes.

An enlarged prostate, a prostate infection, prostate cancer, epididymitis (swelling of the scrotum), and sexually transmitted diseases are some of the main reasons for cloudy urine in men.

Women can experience cloudy urine in pregnancy, but also due to sexually transmitted diseases, yeast infections, or endometriosis, which is uterine tissue in the bladder.

Most doctors report that both men and women tend to assume a urinary tract infection is what they have when symptoms first appear. It is important to be properly assessed to determine if it is a UTI or something else.

Cloudy urine during pregnancy

Cloudy urine during pregnancy can be due to various factors. For example, it can just be a sign that your hormones are changing. This usually occurs early in the pregnancy. A sudden change in your diet during pregnancy can also have an impact on your urine. Cloudy urine in early pregnancy can also indicate a urinary tract infection. Pregnant women normally urinate more, and it could be a case of not urinating frequently enough. It is also possible that discharge, which is common during pregnancy, mixes with the urine, hence its hazy appearance.

Cloudy urine in pregnancy does become an issue if it is related to proteinuria. This happens when urine contains high protein concentrations and is an early sign of preeclampsia.

About two to four percent of women develop urinary tract infections when they are pregnant. Abdominal discomfort, including slight pain in the pelvic region, may by indicative of a UTI. Treatment under the close supervision of a doctor is crucial to clear up the infection.
.

How to treat cloudy urine?

If your urine is cloudy and has an odor due to your diet, the solution is simple. Stop eating the foods that cause the odor. When cloudy urine is caused by a urinary tract infection or bladder infection, it is normally treated with antibiotics and clears up in a couple of weeks.

Cloudy urine due to kidney stones is fairly common and is treated with pain medications to lessen the discomfort. When the stones don’t pass naturally, a specialist can break them up with an ultrasound treatment or shock wave so you can pass them.

Proteinuria is often a sign of high blood pressure and in the case of pregnancy it requires careful treatment. In some cases, bed rest and medications to lower blood pressure are recommended.

There are many possible causes of cloudy urine and, therefore, treatment varies. If you constantly have cloudy urine, pain, or blood, you should seek medical attention immediately. It could be something that requires a quick fix or it could be a sign of an underlying health issue that needs longer-term care.

Cloudy urine home remedies

Hydrotherapy: drinking plenty of water helps cure cloudy urine. The cloudiness of urine typically occurs due to dehydration and is generally harmless. Flushing out the system and your kidneys is a great natural way to get regular again

Baking Soda: the same stuff used for baking a cake can be used to alleviate inflammation and symptoms of a UTI. Baking soda is alkaline in nature and helps neutralize the acidity in urine, reducing the symptoms of a UTI. A single teaspoon is often enough to help prevent cloudy urine and UTI. It can be consumed by mixing it in some water and swallowed with relative ease.

Blueberry Juice: packed full of antioxidants and compounds, blueberry juice can help inhibit and even eliminate the UTI causing bacteria. Fresh blueberries in lieu of juice is also great.

Pineapples: containing an active enzyme, Bromelain, pineapples have been found to aid in fighting off UTIs.

Cranberry Juice: one of the best natural remedies for UTIs, cranberry juice prevents E. coli (the most common cause of UTIs) from sticking onto the lining of the urinary tract. It helps in both prevention and treatment of UTIs.

Parsley: a common herb that is one of the best home remedies for cloudy urine. When mixed with water, it acts as a natural diuretic, helping increase the frequency of urination and increase the amount of sodium clearance from the kidney which helps neutralize the acidity in the urine

Celery: packed with vitamins and antioxidants, celery can help eliminate UTI causing bacteria. It is a common home remedy for cloudy urine and UTIs.

Related:

Urinary Tract Infection or UTI

Bacteria is the leading cause of urinary tract infection (UTI). The infection can happen in any part of the urinary tract. Viruses or fungi can also cause UTIs. Women are more likely to get UTIs because their urethras are shorter. UTIs in men are less common but more serious.

Causes

Germs are the usual cause of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Germs can travel up your urethra (the tube that carries urine from your bladder to the outside of your body), into your bladder or kidneys and then cause infection. Women tend to get more UTIs because their urethras are shorter. Sexual activity can make it easy for germs to get inside the urethra. People who have diabetes or women who are pregnant are also prone to frequent UTIs.

Symptoms

Symptoms of UTIs vary depending on what part of the urinary tract is infected. Lower UTIs are an infection of the urethra and bladder. These symptoms include:

• Bloody urine
• Burning with urination
• Cloudy urine
• Urine looks pink, red or the color of tea
• Bad odor in urine
• Increased need to urinate with minimal urine being passed
• Fever and chills
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pelvic pain (women)
• Rectal pain (men)

Treatment

In order to make your UTI better, you will have to take antibiotics.

Should I go to Indigo?

MultiCare Indigo Urgent Care can diagnose your UTI and prescribe an antibiotic to treat the infection. Take all the antibiotics prescribed until they are finished or you run the risk of the infection returning.

You should head to an emergency room for treatment if you have any of the following:

• Nausea, fever, vomiting, chills, or pain in one side of your back under your ribs
• You have diabetes, a weak immune system or kidney problems
• Have blood or pus in your urine
• Are over 65
• Are pregnant

Find an Indigo Urgent Care location near you.

Book an Appointment

Urine Infection in Older People | UTI Symptoms and Treatment

How the urinary tract works

Urine is made by your two kidneys, one on each side of the tummy (abdomen). Urine drains down tubes called ureters into the bladder. There it is stored and passed out through a tube called the urethra, when you go to the toilet.

In the average adult patient there should be a urine output of: 0.5-1 ml/kg/hr. This means that an average 70 kg man should produce 35-70 mls an hour. However urine output decreases in older patients and the target urine output should be 0.25-0.5 ml/kg/hr. This means that a 70 kg man who is aged over 65 years should produce 17.5-35 mls per hour.

What is a urine infection and what causes it?

Most urine infections are caused by germs (bacteria) that come from your own bowel. They cause no harm in your bowel but can cause infection if they get into other parts of your body. Some bacteria lie around your back passage (anus) after you pass a stool. These bacteria sometimes travel up the tube called the urethra and into your bladder. Some bacteria thrive in urine and multiply quickly to cause infection.

A urine infection is often called a urinary tract infection (UTI) by healthcare professionals. When the infection is just in the bladder and urethra, this is called a lower UTI. If it travels up to affect one or both kidneys as well then it is called an upper UTI. This can be more serious than lower UTIs, as the kidneys can be damaged by the infection.

Why do some people develop urine infections?

In many cases the infection occurs for no apparent reason. There is no problem with the bladder, kidney, prostate gland, or defence (immune) system that can be identified. In other cases, an underlying problem can increase the risk of developing a urine infection.

In older women

In older men

An enlarged prostate gland may stop the bladder from emptying properly. Some urine may then pool in the bladder. Germs (bacteria) are more likely to multiply and cause infection in a stagnant pool of urine.

In both

• Bladder or kidney problems may lead to infections being more likely. For example, kidney stones or conditions that cause urine to pool and not drain properly.
• Having a thin, flexible, hollow tube (called a catheter) in place to drain urine.
• An underlying health condition may also be responsible. A poor immune system increases the risk of having any infection, including urine infections. For example, if you are having chemotherapy to treat cancer. Diabetes can also increase your risk of having urine infections.
• Being constipated. If your lower gut (bowel) is full and swollen, it may press on the bladder. This may stop it emptying properly, making you more prone to urine infection.

What are the symptoms of a urine infection?

• Infection in the bladder (cystitis) usually causes pain when you pass urine. You pass urine more frequently. You may also have pain in your lower tummy (abdomen). Your urine may become cloudy, bloody or offensive-smelling. You may have a high temperature (fever).
• Infection in the kidneys may cause you to feel generally unwell. There may be a pain in your back. This is usually around the side of the back (the loin), where each kidney is located. You may have a high fever. You may feel sick, or be sick (vomit).

In some older people the only symptoms of the urine infection may be becoming confused or just feeling generally unwell.

The confusion is caused by a combination of factors such as having a fever and having a lack of fluid in the body (dehydration). The confusion should pass when the infection has been treated.

How common are urine infections?

Urine infections are much more common in women. This is because in women the urethra – the tube from the bladder that passes out urine – is shorter. Also it opens nearer the back passage (anus) than in men. Half of all women will have a urine infection that needs treating in their lifetime.

Urine infections are less common in men. They are very uncommon in young and middle-aged men. They are more common in older men. They are more likely to occur in men who have to use a catheter. A catheter is a thin, flexible, hollow tube used to drain urine. Older men are more likely to need a catheter because of prostate problems, which become more common with age.

Urine infections tend to become more common as you get older.

Are any tests needed?

In some cases the diagnosis may be obvious and no tests are needed. A test on a urine sample can confirm the diagnosis and identify what germ (bacterium) is causing the infection. Sometimes a dipstick test can provide enough information immediately. In other cases the urine sample is sent to a laboratory for further examination under a microscope. This result takes several days.

Further tests are not usually necessary if you are otherwise well and have a one-off infection. However, your doctor may advise tests of your kidney or bladder if an underlying problem is suspected. If you are a man, you may be advised to have some tests for your prostate gland.

An underlying problem is more likely if the infection does not clear with antibiotic medication, or if you have:

• Symptoms that suggest a kidney is infected (and not just the bladder).
• Recurring urine infections (for example, two or more episodes in a three-month period).
• Had problems with your kidney in the past, such as kidney stones or a damaged kidney.
• Symptoms that suggest a blockage (an obstruction) to the flow of urine.

Relevant tests may include:

What is the treatment for a urine infection in older people?

Note: if you have an infection of your bladder (cystitis) then having plenty to drink is traditional advice to flush out the bladder. However, there is no proof that this is helpful when you have cystitis. Some doctors feel that it does not help and that drinking lots may just cause more toilet trips, giving you more unnecessary pain. Therefore, it is difficult to give confident advice on whether to drink lots or just to drink normally when you have mild symptoms of cystitis. However, if you have a high temperature and/or feel unwell, having plenty to drink helps to prevent having a lack of fluid in your body (dehydration).

What is the outlook (prognosis)?

Most people improve within a few days of starting treatment. See a doctor if you do not quickly improve. If your symptoms do not improve despite taking an antibiotic medicine then you may need an alternative antibiotic. This is because some bacteria are resistant to some types of antibiotics. This can be identified from tests done on your urine sample.

Can I prevent urine infections?

Unfortunately, there are few proven ways to prevent urine infections. No evidence has been found for traditional advice given, such as drinking cranberry juice or the way you wipe yourself.

There are some measures which may help in some cases:

• It makes sense to avoid constipation, by eating plenty of fibre (such as fruit) and drinking enough fluid.
• Older women with atrophic vaginitis may wish to consider hormone replacement creams or pessaries. These have been shown to help prevent urine infections.
• If there is an underlying medical problem, treatment for this may stop urine infections occurring.
• For some people with repeated urine infections, a preventative low dose of antibiotic taken continuously may be prescribed.

Do I Have a UTI? 5 Early Signs of Urinary Tract Infections

Have you been experiencing some discomfort in your pelvic region lately?

There’s a good chance that you could have a urinary tract infection (UTI). This type of infection is common, especially in women. A whopping 50-60% of women will contract a UTI in their lifetime.

Though getting a UTI isn’t unusual, it’s still a serious problem that needs immediate attention.

The longer a UTI goes untreated, the worse the symptoms will get. It can become excruciatingly painful, and eventually cause other complications. Anti-biotics are needed to cure it.

If you’re asking the question, “do I have a UTI?”, you’re probably experiencing some uncomfortable symptoms. Read on to learn about the early warning signs.

1. Pain in the Lower Abdomen or Back

One of the symptoms of a urinary tract infection is a pain in the pelvic region or lower back.

In the beginning, it can feel like a sharp twinge every once and a while. Something you experience when you move or stretch a certain way. Eventually, it can progress to a constant sharp pain.

2. Cloudy, Dark or Bloody Urine

Before the UTI has progressed, your urine might appear “cloudy” or darker than usual in color. Dark urine can just be a symptom of dehydration. But, if it’s coupled with pelvic pain, it’s a good chance it’s actually a UTI.

Drink extra water to see if that lightens your urine. That’s a good idea even if you know it’s a UTI. Doctors agree that keeping hydrated can help slow the progression of the infection while you await treatment.

Another tell-tale UTI symptom is pink or bloody urine. If that’s the case, come to Coastal Urgent Care of Bossier right away.

3. Frequent Urge to Urinate

One annoying symptom of a UTI is the frequent and overwhelming urge to urinate. You may go to the bathroom only to feel like you desperately need to go again minutes later.

It’s inconvenient to constantly have to go to the bathroom but resist the urge to stop drinking fluids. As mentioned above, keeping hydrated is the way to go in the long run.

4. Passing Only Small Amounts of Urine

The only thing more frustrating than constantly excusing yourself to go to the bathroom? Not feeling any relief when you get there.

Though you may constantly have the urge to go, you may be only able to pass very small amounts of urine at a time.

5. Pain or Burning When You Urinate

Finally, a very common early UTI symptom is pain and/or burning when you urinate. At the first signs of this, see a doctor at Coastal Urgent Care of Bossier right away.

This pain will only become more intense. It can also progress very quickly. A small pain today can often become excruciating by tomorrow.

Asking “Do I Have a UTI?” These Are the Signs

If you’re asking “do I have a UTI?” it’s probably time to see a doctor. Left untreated, a urinary tract infection can cause serious complications in the kidneys.

Checking for a UTI only requires a simple urine test that you can get right away at urgent care. If you’re in the Bossier City area, contact us for an appointment or just walk in. We’re here to help!

Blood in urine, hematuria – causes, examination and treatment in Astrakhan | Symptoms

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland)
Signs: Usually in men over 50. Often difficult onset of urination, poor urine flow, feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder, or leakage at the end of urination. Enlargement of the prostate gland detected during a digital rectal examination.

Bladder or kidney cancer
Signs: Mostly in people over the age of 50 or with risk factors for these cancers (smoking, cancer in relatives, or exposure to chemicals that can cause cancer).Sometimes burning or pain while urinating, or an acute urge to urinate. Often, symptoms affecting the entire body (fever, chills, weight loss, and excessive sweating).

Cystitis (bladder infection)
Signs: Usually in women and girls. Frequent and acute urge to urinate. Pain or burning sensation while urinating. Getting up at night to urinate. Sometimes blood in the urine or foul-smelling urine.

Injury
Signs: Usually obvious trauma.

Renal filtration disorders (glomerulonephritis)
Signs: Sometimes high blood pressure and swelling of the feet or legs. Possibly red or dark urine. Sometimes occurs after an infection. Sometimes in people whose relatives have suffered from impaired renal function or connective tissue.

Polycystic kidney disease
Signs: Prolonged pain in the side or abdomen. High blood pressure. Sometimes enlarged kidneys are found on imaging tests for another reason or during physical examinations.

Prostate cancer
Signs: Usually in men over 50. Sometimes a lump in the prostate found during a digital rectal exam. Sometimes poor flow of urine, difficult onset of urination, and leakage at the end of urination.

Prostatitis (prostate infection)
Signs: Frequent fever, difficulty urinating, frequent urination, urge to urinate at night, burning or pain while urinating.Other symptoms of a long-standing blockage in the urinary tract (including poor urine flow, difficulty urinating, or leakage at the end of urination). In the case of an acute infection, digital rectal examination reveals an enlarged, painful prostate gland. In chronic prostatitis, there may be no significant symptoms.

Sickle cell anemia or erythrocyte abnormality
Signs: Usually in people with a confirmed diagnosis of sickle cell disease.Mostly in patients of African or Mediterranean origin. Often in children and young adults.

Stones in the urinary tract
Signs: Sudden, intense pain in the lower back or side, or paroxysmal pain in the abdomen or groin. Sometimes the urge to urinate, but the inability to urinate, vomiting.

Blood in urine – what to do? Causes and diagnosis

The appearance of blood in the urine is by no means a signal for panic, but definitely a reason for an early visit to a doctor. Only a professional examination will make it possible to accurately establish the causes of hematuria – as this phenomenon is called in medicine – and to prescribe the correct treatment in a timely manner.

Where does blood in urine come from?

There is a possibility that there are no prerequisites for concern: often it is the body’s reaction to taking certain medications, excessive physical activity or specific hormonal changes in women during pregnancy. Sometimes for the appearance of blood in the urine, smearing discharge is taken when the menstrual cycle is disturbed in women, or the staining of urine in burgundy-pink tones when eating, say, beets.

Within normal limits, there may be such symptoms after some surgical interventions or extensive trauma to the abdominal organs. Perhaps this is the manifestation of vascular diseases or poor blood clotting, which you already know about and take the right treatment.

Nevertheless, even if you are sure that you have understood the causes and consequences, the appearance of such symptoms cannot be ignored in any case. Calm your nervous system, go through a cycle of examination and be sure that nothing threatens your health.

Causes of blood in urine

In some cases, hematuria in macro- or micro- (invisible to the naked eye) manifestations can be a symptom of a serious illness. Especially if it is accompanied by painful sensations, frequent urges, cramps, difficulty urinating, mucopurulent discharge, an increase in body temperature. For information (and not at all to scare you) I will inform you that various pathologies can be the causes of blood in the urine. Modern medicine lists more than one and a half hundred diseases, which the body signals by bloody discharge during urination.

Most often – these are diseases of the genitourinary system.

Women may have acute or chronic cystitis, urethritis or endometriosis. In men, blood in the urine is often noted as a symptom of inflammation or prostate neoplasms. In addition, quite often blood appears with urolithiasis, especially during an exacerbation. It is likely that the blood appeared as a result of the advanced form of sexually transmitted infections, if they spread to the urethra and bladder.

If you notice blood when urinating in children, then we are most likely talking about renal pathologies, up to congenital malformations. Although very often diagnosed simply improper hygiene of the genitals after birth or damage to the urethra.

The category most susceptible to diseases, as evidenced by the presence of blood in the urine, are elderly people, in whom this symptom may indicate not only an infection of the genitourinary system, but also anatomical age-related narrowing of the urinary tract.

In rare cases, blood in the urine together with concomitant symptoms can be a manifestation of autoimmune diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, glomerulonephritis), as well as severe allergic reactions.

The most dangerous diagnosis that can be established and because of which it is not worth postponing a visit to the doctor is malignant tumors, in other words, cancer. The localization of neoplasms can be very different – kidneys, bladder, prostate. If the diseases, which we talked about above, respond well to treatment and almost all have a favorable prognosis, then in the case of a cancer tumor, the period of referral to a specialized medical institution plays a very important role.The sooner the correct diagnosis is established, surgical treatment or appropriate therapy is prescribed, the greater the chances of defeating an insidious disease, maintaining health, and sometimes life.

That is why, once again I draw your attention to the fact that hematuria is not a harmless symptom that can be ignored, attributed to a diet or medication. Any amount of blood in the urine should urgently force everyone to schedule a visit to the doctor: urologist, nephrologist, or, for starters, a therapist.

Diagnostics and treatment

What examination should be scheduled in the process of correct diagnosis?

First of all, these are laboratory tests – general analyzes of urine and blood. After that, if necessary, ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs and abdominal cavity, X-ray. If the specialist deems it necessary, he can prescribe an additional examination in order to obtain the most accurate information about the patient’s health status and exclude the presence of a tumor process: cystoscopy, biopsy, CT and (or) MRI.Today, many clinics have high-tech equipment for correct and accurate diagnostics. Together with the timely treatment of the patient, this is a guarantee of adequate and complete elimination of the causes of hematuria.

Only after the examination, treatment should be prescribed, which will include several stages: stopping bleeding, prescribing drugs and procedures. Sometimes, to eliminate symptoms, it is enough to prescribe bed rest or limit weight lifting, and in some cases, surgery may be required, followed by a recovery period.To restore and prevent anemia, iron-containing preparations or vitamin-mineral complexes are often used. Sometimes, if the blood loss is massive, even a blood transfusion is indicated. Any home remedies or alternative methods of treatment can only be supportive and used only on the recommendation of the attending physician!

Prevention

In order to prevent hematuria and prevent its appearance, not caused by organic lesions, it is enough to follow the rules of personal hygiene, which will prevent the appearance and development of bacterial infections.These rules are simple and everyone knows: special care for children and the elderly, cleanliness, natural linen in size, special care in public places where infection can get on the mucous membranes (bath, toilet, shower, etc.). Hygiene “mental” is also important – fidelity and legibility in sexual intercourse. Well, and, of course, common sense: do not freeze in the cold in thin clothes, overcool when swimming, delay until the last visit to the doctor, self-medicate.

All these measures will allow you to prevent the phenomena of hematuria or to get rid of them in time and correctly in the name of preserving the most precious thing – our health!

90,000 Causes of Painful Urination | Pharmacy weekly

Painful urination (dysuria) can be a symptom of many diseases.

Patients with dysuria should inform their doctor about this problem, this will help to establish the correct diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Causes of dysuria

There are a number of conditions that can cause painful urination. These include:

1. Urinary tract infections.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur when excess bacteria build up in the urinary tract.The urinary tract runs from the kidneys to the bladder and urethra.

Symptoms:

• frequent urination;
• blood in urine;
• fever;
• cloudy urine with a pungent odor;
• pain in the side and lower back.

2. Sexually transmitted infections.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), eg chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, can also provoke painful urination.

Symptoms vary depending on the type of STI.For example, herpes usually causes blister lesions on the genitals.

3. Prostatic infection. Inflammation of the prostate gland also causes painful urination.

Symptoms:

• Difficulty urinating
• pain in the bladder, testicles and penis;
• difficult and painful ejaculation;
• Frequent urge to urinate, especially at night.

4. Kidney stones.Kidney stones form when calcium or uric acid builds up. Pain during urination occurs when a stone blocks the urinary tract.

Symptoms:

• pain in the side and back;
• urine with blood;
• cloudy urine;
• nausea;
• vomiting;
• pain of varying intensity;
• fever;
• chills;
• Frequent unproductive urination.

5. Cyst in the ovary.A cyst that forms in the ovary can put pressure on the bladder, resulting in painful urination.

Symptoms:

• vaginal bleeding;
• pelvic pain;
• pain of varying intensity;
• pain in the mammary glands;
• Dull pain in the lower back.

6. Interstitial cystitis. It is characterized by chronic bladder irritation lasting 6 weeks or more without an underlying bacterial infection.

Symptoms:

• pressure sensation in the bladder region;
• pain during intercourse;
• pain in the vulva or vagina;
• pain in the scrotum;
• Frequent unproductive urination.

7. Chemical sensitivity. Sometimes chemicals that are applied externally can irritate internal tissues.

Products that may cause chemical sensitivity include:

• shower gel;
• soap;
• scented toilet paper;
• vaginal lubricants;
• contraceptive foam.

Symptoms:

• swelling;
• redness;
• itching;
• Skin irritation on or around the genitals.

8. Vaginal infection or irritation. A vaginal infection (vaginitis) can occur due to an overgrowth of bacteria or yeast. One of the causes is STIs.

Symptoms:

• foul odor or unusual vaginal discharge;
• vaginal irritation;
• pain during intercourse;
• heavy bleeding during menstruation.

9. Medicines. Some medicines can irritate the tissues of the bladder.

If a patient starts taking a new drug and feels pain when urinating, they should consult their doctor for advice. Symptoms vary depending on the type of medication.

10. Bladder cancer. Pain during urination in this case is associated with the growth of cancer cells in the tissues of the bladder.

Symptoms:

• frequent urination;
• difficulty urinating;
• back pain;
• loss of appetite;
• decrease in body weight;
• fatigue;
• swelling of the legs;
• bone pain.

Anatomical differences

Anatomical structure plays an important role in the spread of infection in the genitourinary system. So, in women, the urethra is shorter than in men. This makes it easier for bacteria to enter the bladder.

Dangerous symptoms

If the following symptoms appear, consult a doctor:

• blood in urine;
• pain in the side or back;
• pain that lasts longer than 24 hours;
• unusual discharge from the penis or vagina;
• fever.

Potential Treatment Options

Treatment options for painful urination depend on the underlying cause. Some of the treatments include:

• antibiotics – for the treatment of severe UTI, prostatitis;
• massage, hot baths, alpha-adrenergic blockers (relax the muscles around the prostate gland) – for the treatment of prostatitis;
• strict adherence to hygiene. However, you should avoid using concentrated chemical products near the genitals;
• NSAIDs – ibuprofen;
• drinking regime.

What is worth remembering?

Painful urination is a common symptom of many diseases, some associated with bacterial infection.

People who experience pain when urinating should see a doctor.

Based on materials from www.medicalnewstoday.com

Clinics Chaika – Chaika.com

Acute pyelonephritis is a type of urinary tract infection that affects the kidneys.The inflammatory process, as a rule, begins in the lower parts of the urinary tract – the urethra and bladder, and then the bacterial infection rises up the ureters and enters the kidneys. Inflammation can develop in one or both kidneys.

The most common causative agent of acute pyelonephritis is E. coli. This bacterium is part of the normal intestinal flora, but when it enters the lower urinary tract, it causes an inflammatory process.

Symptoms

• Temperature over 38 ° C, chills;
• Pain in the side in the projection of the kidneys;
• Nausea, vomiting.

Symptoms of inflammation of the lower urinary tract may precede or occur in parallel with this condition:

• Burning or pain when urinating;
• Increased urination, frequent and painful urge to urinate;
• Discoloration and odor of urine, cloudy urine, urine mixed with blood;
• Pain in the lower abdomen or above the pubis in the bladder.

If the person does not have pain in the trunk and fever, but urination becomes more frequent and painful, it is more likely that this is an inflammation of the bladder (acute cystitis).

Risk factors

• Female A short urethra (urethra) and the proximity of the vagina and anus create conditions in the female body for bacteria to enter the bladder, and then into the kidneys. Violation of hygienic conditions during sex, multiple sex, a new sexual partner, the use of spermicidal agents or diaphragms for contraception, as well as the state of menopause – at this time, the level of estrogen decreases, which leads to a violation of the microflora in the vagina and periurethral zone, can lead to the disease.
• Conditions that interfere with the outflow of urine from the kidneys. Kidney stones, enlargement of the prostate gland in men, ureteral reflux – a violation of the outflow of urine through the ureters to the bladder and partial reflux of urine back into the kidneys, which is common in children.
• Immune system disorders. The likelihood of developing acute pyelonephritis is increased by chronic conditions that weaken the immune system – diabetes mellitus, systemic diseases, HIV infection, as well as the use of certain drugs – glucocorticosteroids, chemotherapy and drugs used in organ transplants.
• Lesions of the spinal cord and impaired nervous regulation of the urinary bladder. In this case, the patient may not notice the first signs of urinary tract disease.
• Use of a urinary catheter.
• Other urinary tract infections, which the person has had during the past 12 months.

The dog has urine with blood. What to do?

Blood in the urine (hematuria) in a dog can be caused by bacterial, infectious, parasitic causes.Let’s go in order.

Causes of the disease

If it’s spring or autumn, the night temperature is more than 0, the snow melts, and you see blood in the pet’s urine (brown, dark urine). Diseases that are transmitted through the saliva of ticks – piroplasmosis, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis – should be excluded as soon as possible. Ticks are active in the spring-autumn period of the year. To do this, you need to pass a blood test for piroplasmosis (more details here).

The infectious disease leptospirosis is quite common.There is a vaccination from him, it is included in the complex of annual vaccinations for dogs, but leptospirosis is rarely diagnosed. The clinical picture is often erased, the analysis is done only by certified laboratories. The term of readiness is several days. And there are types of leptospira, from which the vaccine does not work. Leptospirosis is an insidious disease, and people can also become infected with it. Animal disease control stations keep track of all sick animals. They can often call the owners, check the progress of treatment and recovery. Dogs can become infected when they drink water from puddles, eat snow (rodent rats are often carriers). Dogs can also be contagious by excreting leptospira in their urine.

In bitches, blood in the urine can mask discharge from the loop, i.e., discharge not from the bladder, but from the uterus. But the owner thinks it is in the urine. In this case, it is necessary to do an ultrasound scan to exclude the pathology of the uterus.

And, finally, blood in the urine is found against the background of injury by calculi (uroliths) of the urethra with urolithiasis.

To make an initial diagnosis and prescribe treatment, you need to know the following:

• sex of the dog,

• whether the dog is spayed or not,

• the presence of appetite and thirst,

• rectal temperature,

• look out the window what time of year.

The diagnosis of all these diseases is specific, so you must first make a diagnosis, and then prescribe treatment.

90,000 Pain during urination – the causes of the appearance, for what diseases it occurs, diagnosis and treatment methods

IMPORTANT!

The information in this section cannot be used for self-diagnosis and self-medication. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests.For a diagnosis and correct treatment, you should contact your doctor.

Pain during urination – the reasons for the appearance, for what diseases it occurs, the diagnosis and methods of treatment.

Pain during urination is a symptom of a number of diseases and should be the reason for a thorough examination.

Varieties of pain

In most cases, the cause of pain is diseases of the genitourinary system: infections, urolithiasis, inflammatory and tumor processes.Depending on the cause of the pain, its nature can be sharp (piercing), cutting, pulling (aching). Pain may occur before urinating, when the first urine appears, or when urination ends. In some diseases, pain during urination can be given to other areas (in the lower back, perineum, lower abdomen).

Possible causes

One of the most common causes of pain when urinating is sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Urogenital chlamydia is an infectious disease caused by chlamydia. In men, chlamydia occurs in the form of urethritis. Sometimes the disease does not give obvious symptoms, but often there is itching in the urethra, moderate discharge and minor cramps during urination. Chlamydia can be associated with other STIs (most commonly gonorrhea).

Chlamydial infection can cause the development of prostatitis, and then the symptoms characteristic of urethritis are combined with pain in the perineum, sacrum and rectum and intensify with prolonged sitting.

Dysfunction of the genitourinary apparatus is accompanied by frequent and painful urge to urinate, partial urinary retention and sexual dysfunction.

In women, urogenital chlamydia is more often asymptomatic, only in the acute form are pain, burning and increased urge to urinate (urethrocystitis).

Gonorrheal urethritis is accompanied by more severe symptoms. In women, profuse discharge appears, urination is accompanied by burning and itching in the vagina.If untreated, gonococci, spreading through the urinary tract, reach the fallopian tubes, causing pain in the lower abdomen, fever, frequent painful urination and menstrual irregularities. The first sign of gonorrhea in men is itching and burning sensation in the area of ​​the external opening of the urethra. A scanty grayish sticky discharge appears from the urethra. Urination is painful, accompanied by a burning sensation throughout the urethra.

Trichomoniasis belongs to the group of STIs that are accompanied by pain during urination.The causative agents of the disease – Trichomonas – live in men in the prostate gland and seminal vesicles, and in women – in the vagina. In women with trichomoniasis, the vagina (colpitis), the cervix (cervicitis) become inflamed

and paraurethral glands. In men, the urethra (urethritis) and the prostate gland (prostatitis).

Other infectious lesions of the genitourinary tract in women include fungal diseases (candidiasis, or thrush). Opportunistic microorganisms also multiply in the vagina, causing pain during urination and during intercourse.

In women, severe pain during urination occurs with inflammation of the bladder (cystitis). The cause of infectious cystitis can be Escherichia coli, less often – staphylococci.

A short and wide urethra facilitates easy penetration of infection from the vagina and periurethral region into the bladder.

Escherichia coli through the urethra enters the bladder and, with the help of villi, is attached to its epithelium. The disease develops very quickly and is accompanied by pulling pains in the lower abdomen and an increase in the frequency of urination day and night.Emptying the bladder is accompanied by cramps and spasms, especially at the end of urination. False urge to urinate, which becomes exhausting, is characteristic. In acute cystitis, blood may appear in the urine.

If in women the most common cause of pain during urination is cystitis, then in men this symptom appears with inflammation of the prostate gland – prostatitis. The disease can occur as a result of ingestion of the herpes simplex virus, gonococcus, Trichomonas or fungi.

However, with the chronicity of the process, the causative agent of the disease is often not detected.

Pain in prostatitis, as a rule, is given to the sacrum, perineum, especially to the scrotum. Their intensity can vary from subtle aching pains to pronounced ones. Pain may worsen with bowel movements, ejaculation, and urination after intercourse. Concomitant symptoms are frequent urge to urinate, especially at night, difficulty passing urine, increasing pain during long sitting.

Urolithiasis is a non-infectious cause of pain during urination. In the presence of stones in the bladder, pain occurs in the lower abdomen, which can radiate to the perineum, genitals. It may worsen with movement and urination. During the passage of urine, it is possible to interrupt urination if the bladder is not completely empty. A fragment of a stone, passing through the urethra, injures the walls of the urethra, which is accompanied by piercing pain and the appearance of blood in the urine.

Possible causes of pain during urination include neoplasms of the bladder, prostate and urethra (polyps). If the tumor is located at the bottom of the bladder, it can partially block the urethra, causing pain and difficulty in passing urine. A similar situation occurs with prostate tumors. With cancer of the bladder, pain can not only accompany the passage of urine, but also have a permanent character with localization in the suprapubic region and irradiation (recoil) to the perineum, sacrum, lumbar region.

Diagnostics and examinations

Any pain that occurs during urination or is localized in the genital area requires a visit to a doctor.

Primary information about the cause of the disease can be obtained by passing a general clinical urine test. 90,000 Blood in urine in men: causes, treatment and diagnosis | Medical center

Detection of blood in urine (hematuria) is always alarming. Normal urine has different shades of yellow.Red staining is a symptom, usually indicating the pathology of the urinary organs. The degree of danger to the body of such a phenomenon as blood in the urine of men is determined by the type of primary disease.

Causes of bloody urine in men

Hematuria – a consequence of the development of various pathological processes occurring in the kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra:

1. Traces of blood in the urine occur when the walls of the urinary system are mechanically damaged by sharp stones formed as a result of metabolic disorders.
2. The cause of the appearance of blood elements in the urine is often a malignant neoplasm in any part of the urinary system. Cancer grows into the walls of the organ, destroying the blood vessels. So, a man has red blood in his urine with prostate cancer, when the destructive process affects the walls of the urethra.
3. In inflammatory diseases of the kidneys (glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis), urine also comes with blood due to:
   – increased permeability of the glomerular capillaries in which the blood is filtered;
   – necrotization (death) of individual nephrons in a chronic process;
   – intravascular coagulation (blood coagulation when its circulation slows down in dilated vessels).
4. Injury to the kidney due to injury (contusion) is also accompanied by bleeding due to edema.
5. Excessive physical activity causes temporary hematuria due to mechanical microtrauma of the vessels.
6. There is a group of hereditary diseases in which there is a change in the color of urine. Carriers of mutant genes are usually aware of this individual trait from childhood.
7. Diabetes mellitus may contribute to hematuria.
8. People who abuse alcohol and heavy smokers are at increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD).

It should be borne in mind that the use of certain foods containing natural and artificial colors can give urine an unnatural reddish color. Taking medication is also sometimes responsible for the color turning reddish-brown.

Symptoms

An alarming diagnosis of hematuria is made on the basis of visual and laboratory data. Distinguish:

• gross hematuria, when blood is detected with the naked eye by the reddish tint of urine;
• microhematuria – erythrocytes are detected only during laboratory research in a portion of urine.

Haematuria happens:

• isolated, when there are no other signs of disorders in the urinary sphere;
• combined, when in the urine, in addition to erythrocytes, leukocytes and protein are detected.

The degree of hematuria is characterized as insignificant, moderate and severe. It depends on how intense the red color the urine is in the presence of blood.

For doctors, the moment of onset of hematuria is of diagnostic value, which makes it possible to distinguish forms such as initial, terminal or total bleeding.

Symptoms accompanying hematuria are signs of various diseases:

1. Urine with blood, pain and high fever indicates an inflammatory process in the kidneys or bladder.
2. Urolithiasis (urolithiasis) is manifested by severe pain and bleeding due to damage to the walls of narrow tubules and ureters.
3. Cancer does not manifest itself as painful for a long time, and hematuria becomes an early signal of existing problems in the urinary system.Blood clots in a man’s urine raise suspicion of cancer. This dangerous diagnosis becomes even more likely if additional signs are present:
   – weight loss;
   – pain when urinating;
   – high temperature with chills;
   – manifestations of intoxication in the form of nausea and vomiting;
   – spontaneous severe pain.
4. The reasons for the detection of blood in male urine often lie in the condition of the prostate gland. Prostate pathologies, as a rule, are accompanied by difficulty urinating, frequent urge to empty the bladder, in which it becomes especially problematic to retain urine.

Diagnosis of hematuria in men

If a man notices that urine is excreted with blood, then he needs to contact a urologist or surgeon to find out the reasons.

During the interview, the doctor specifies the time of the onset of hematuria. The specialist details the details related to:

• lifestyle;
• the presence of addictions;
• recently transferred viral diseases;

90,101 injuries received;

• medications taken.

The doctor is interested in the nature of the pains – their localization, irradiation, connection with urination. An external examination is needed to detect hematomas and abrasions in the lower back or lower abdomen.

Rectal (through the rectum) examination reveals prostate cancer, which is detected in the form of dense nodules.

Laboratory tests allow you to establish hidden bleeding, increased levels of protein and leukocytes, the causative agent of infection, the presence of atypical cells.

A more detailed description of the state of affairs is given by instrumental survey methods:

1. Cystoscopy – examination of the inner mucous membrane of the bladder through the urethra.
2. Contrast computed tomography (CT) of the abdominal cavity.
3. Intravenous pyelogram (IVP).
4. ultrasound of the kidneys, etc.

Treatment

Blood urine in men is an absolute indication for the treatment of the urogenital organs. If the reason lies in hard physical labor or too intense training, then the doctor recommends introducing restrictions on physical activity.In other cases, conservative or surgical treatment is required.

Drug therapy is prescribed depending on the pathology that was identified during the examination. It is important that the patient follows all the doctor’s prescriptions in order to avoid the transition of the disease into a chronic form and to prevent possible complications.

Surgical care for hematuria is varied.

Prostate surgery

Outpatient procedures for prostate hypertrophy:

1. Transurethral microwave therapy – elimination of hypertrophied prostate tissue by high-frequency electromagnetic waves.
2. Transurethral needle ablation is the destruction of excess tissue by radio waves.

Stationary interventions:

1. Transurethral resection of the prostate – excision of excess prostate tissue through into the urethra using a resectoscope.
2. Transurethral incision of the prostate – relieving pressure on the urethra and facilitating urination through multiple incisions in the prostate tissue.
3. Laser excision.
4. Open prostatectomy.

Operations on the ureters for urolithiasis:

1. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWT) – crushing stones by sound waves under X-ray control.
2. Ureteroscopy – crushing and removing the stone under the control of a ureteroscope.
3. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy – removal of urinary stones through a puncture in the skin.
4. Laparoscopic surgery – access to the pathological site is carried out through the abdominal wall (3 punctures).
5. Tamponade of the bladder – used in the presence of a bleeding vessel.

Possible complications

Ignoring the fact of the appearance of blood in the urine leads to an aggravation of the disease that provoked the appearance of hematuria:

• inflammatory diseases turn into a chronic, intractable form;
• the tumor “eats away” the walls of organs, posing a threat to human health and life;
• urinary stones increase in size, their evacuation becomes more and more difficult;
• prostate pathology worsens the patient’s quality of life, leads to sexual dysfunctions.

High-quality diagnostics and timely therapy return a person to their usual way of existence. Clinic “MedProsvet” offers a full package of services for examination and selection of personalized treatment tactics.