What could be the reason behind blood in your urine? Discover the possible causes, symptoms, and diagnostic tests for hematuria, or blood in the urine.

Understanding Blood in Urine: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

Blood in the urine, also known as hematuria, can be a concerning symptom that warrants medical attention. Whether the blood is visible to the naked eye or detected through microscopic examination, it is important to identify the underlying cause and address the issue promptly. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the various causes of blood in the urine, the associated symptoms, and the diagnostic tests that may be performed to determine the root of the problem.

Causes of Blood in Urine

There are numerous potential causes for blood in the urine, ranging from relatively benign conditions to more serious underlying health issues. Some of the common causes include:

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Infections of the bladder, kidneys, or other parts of the urinary tract can lead to inflammation and bleeding, resulting in blood in the urine. UTIs are a common cause, especially in women.

Kidney Stones

The presence of kidney stones can cause irritation and bleeding in the urinary tract, leading to hematuria. Kidney stones can vary in size and location, and their presence may also be accompanied by pain, difficulty urinating, and other symptoms.

Kidney Diseases

Certain kidney conditions, such as glomerulonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, and kidney cancer, can result in blood in the urine. These diseases may also be accompanied by other symptoms like high blood pressure, swelling, and decreased kidney function.

Bladder Cancer

Hematuria can be an early sign of bladder cancer, which is one of the most common types of urinary tract cancer. This type of cancer is more prevalent in older adults, particularly those who smoke or have a history of exposure to certain chemicals.

Prostate Problems

Issues with the prostate gland, such as prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia) or prostate cancer, can lead to bleeding that appears in the urine.

Trauma or Injury

Physical trauma or injury to the bladder, kidneys, or other parts of the urinary tract can cause bleeding and result in hematuria.

Medications and Supplements

Certain medications, such as blood thinners or anticoagulants, as well as some dietary supplements, can increase the risk of blood in the urine.

Symptoms of Blood in Urine

The most obvious symptom of blood in the urine is the visible presence of red or pinkish discoloration in the urine. However, in some cases, the amount of blood may be too small to be seen with the naked eye, and the hematuria is only detected through microscopic examination of the urine.

Other common symptoms that may accompany blood in the urine include:

• Difficulty or pain during urination
• Increased frequency or urgency of urination
• Abdominal or back pain
• Fever, chills, or other signs of infection
• Weight loss or other unexplained symptoms

It’s important to note that the presence of blood in the urine does not always indicate a serious underlying condition. However, any instance of hematuria should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to determine the cause and appropriate course of action.

Diagnostic Tests for Blood in Urine

When a person experiences blood in their urine, their healthcare provider will typically order a series of tests to identify the underlying cause. These may include:

Urinalysis

A urinalysis is a common first step in the diagnostic process. This test involves examining a sample of the person’s urine under a microscope to detect the presence of red blood cells, as well as other indicators of potential issues.

Urine Culture

A urine culture can help identify any bacterial infections that may be causing the hematuria.

Imaging Tests

Depending on the suspected cause, the healthcare provider may order imaging tests such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to examine the structure and function of the kidneys, bladder, and other parts of the urinary tract.

Cystoscopy

A cystoscopy is a procedure that involves the use of a small, flexible camera to examine the inside of the bladder and urethra, allowing the healthcare provider to identify any abnormalities or potential sources of bleeding.

Blood Tests

Blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC) or tests for bleeding disorders, may be ordered to help determine the underlying cause of the hematuria.

The specific diagnostic tests recommended will depend on the individual’s medical history, symptoms, and any other underlying health conditions. It’s important to work closely with a healthcare provider to ensure a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment for Blood in Urine

The treatment for blood in the urine will depend on the underlying cause. Some common treatment approaches include:

Treating Infections

If the hematuria is caused by a urinary tract infection, the healthcare provider will typically prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection and resolve the bleeding.

Managing Kidney Stones

For individuals with kidney stones, the treatment may involve pain medication, increased fluid intake, or, in some cases, procedures to break up or remove the stones.

Addressing Kidney or Bladder Diseases

Conditions affecting the kidneys or bladder, such as glomerulonephritis or bladder cancer, may require more extensive treatment, including medications, surgery, or other specialized interventions.

Monitoring and Follow-up

In some cases, the healthcare provider may recommend regular monitoring and follow-up appointments to ensure the hematuria is resolved and to detect any underlying conditions that may require further treatment.

It’s important to follow the healthcare provider’s recommendations and to report any persistent or worsening symptoms to ensure prompt and appropriate treatment.

Preventing Blood in Urine

While some causes of hematuria may not be preventable, there are several steps individuals can take to reduce the risk of developing blood in the urine:

• Maintaining good urinary tract health by staying hydrated, practicing good hygiene, and seeking prompt treatment for any urinary tract infections
• Avoiding the use of medications or supplements that may increase the risk of bleeding, unless directed by a healthcare provider
• Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, to support overall kidney and bladder health
• Quitting smoking, which has been linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer and other urinary tract issues
• Undergoing routine screening and checkups to detect any underlying conditions that may contribute to hematuria

By taking proactive steps and being vigilant about any changes in urinary habits or the appearance of blood in the urine, individuals can help prevent or address this concerning symptom before it leads to more serious health complications.

Conclusion

Blood in the urine, or hematuria, can be a concerning symptom that requires prompt medical attention. Understanding the potential causes, symptoms, and diagnostic tests for hematuria is crucial for ensuring timely and appropriate treatment. By working closely with a healthcare provider and maintaining good urinary tract health, individuals can take steps to prevent or effectively manage this condition and safeguard their overall well-being.

bloody : MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

Blood in your urine is called hematuria. The amount may be very small and only detected with urine tests or under a microscope. In other cases, the blood is visible. It often turns the toilet water red or pink. Or, you may see spots of blood in the water after urinating.

There are many possible causes of blood in the urine.

Bloody urine may be due to a problem in your kidneys or other parts of the urinary tract, such as:

• Cancer of the bladder or kidney
• Infection of the bladder, kidney, prostate, or urethra
• Inflammation of the bladder, urethra, prostate, or kidney (glomerulonephritis)
• Injury to the bladder or kidney
• Kidney or bladder stones
• Kidney disease after strep throat (post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis), a common cause of blood in the urine in children
• Kidney failure
• Polycystic kidney disease
• Recent urinary tract procedure such as catheterization, circumcision, surgery, or kidney biopsy

If there is no structural or anatomical problem with your kidneys, urinary tract, prostate, or genitals, your doctor may check to see if you have a bleeding disorder. Causes may include:

• Bleeding disorders (such as hemophilia)
• Blood clot in the kidneys
• Blood thinning medicines (such as aspirin or warfarin)
• Sickle cell disease
• Thrombocytopenia (low numbers of platelets)

Blood that looks like it is in the urine may actually be coming from other sources, such as:

• The vagina (in women)
• Ejaculation, often due to a prostate problem (in men)
• A bowel movement

The urine can also turn a red color from certain drugs, beets, or other foods.

You may not see blood in your urine because it is a small amount and is microscopic. Your health care provider may find it while checking your urine during a routine exam.

Never ignore blood you see in the urine. Get checked by your provider, especially if you also have:

• Discomfort with urination
• Frequent urination
• Unexplained weight loss
• Urgent urination

Contact your provider right away if:

• You have fever, nausea, vomiting, shaking chills, or pain in your abdomen, side, or back
• You are unable to urinate
• You are passing blood clots in your urine

Also contact your provider if:

• You have pain with sexual intercourse or heavy menstrual bleeding. This may be due to a problem related to your reproductive system.
• You have urine dribbling, nighttime urination, or difficulty starting your urine flow. This may be from a prostate problem.

Your provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions such as:

• When did you first notice blood in your urine? Has the amount of your urine increased or decreased?
• What is the color of your urine? Does your urine have an odor?
• Do you have any pain with urination or other symptoms of infection?
• Are you urinating more often, or is the need to urinate more urgent?
• What medicines are you taking?
• Have you had urinary or kidney problems in the past, or recently had surgery or an injury?
• Have you recently eaten foods that may cause a change in color, like beets, berries, or rhubarb?

Tests that may be done include:

• Abdominal ultrasound
• Antinuclear antibody test for lupus
• Blood creatinine level
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• CT scan of the abdomen
• Cystoscopy
• Kidney biopsy
• Strep test
• Tests for sickle cell, bleeding problems, and other blood disorders
• Urinalysis
• Urinary cytology
• Urine culture
• 24-hour urine collection for creatinine, protein, calcium
• Blood tests such as PT, PTT or INR tests

The treatment will depend on the cause of blood in the urine.

Hematuria; Blood in the urine

• Female urinary tract
• Male urinary tract
• Nephrolithiasis

Boorjian SA, Raman JD, Barocas DA. Evaluation and management of hematuria. In: Partin AW, Domochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 16.

Brown DD, Reidy KJ. Approach to the child with hematuria. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2019;66(1):15-30. PMID: 30454740 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30454740/.

Elsamra SE. Evaluation of the urologic patient: history and physical examination. In: Partin AW, Domochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 1.

Landry DW, Bazari H. Approach to the patient with renal disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 106.

Updated by: Kelly L. Stratton, MD, FACS, Associate Professor, Department of Urology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Blood in Urine: 10 Things That Can Cause This Strange Symptom

Not sure if you’ve realized, but you and peeing are in an extremely committed relationship. You’ve been doing it since you were born, after all, which means you have a solid idea of what your pee should look like. Seeing blood in your urine doesn’t exactly make the cut.

“Blood in your urine can be alarming,” Jennifer Linehan, M.D., urologist and associate professor of urologic oncology at the John Wayne Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, tells SELF. Gross hematuria, which is blood that you can see in your urine, might make your pee look pink, red, or like you dumped some Coke into the toilet, according to the Mayo Clinic. Microscopic hematuria is blood in your pee that’s only visible under a microscope. None of this is ideal, but some causes of bloody urine are more serious than others. Here’s what could be behind your bloody pee.

1. You ate something hella red.

Let’s start with the least worrisome cause: You might not actually be seeing blood at all. Foods with deep red hues such as beets, rhubarb, and berries can make your pee look red, according to the Mayo Clinic. This will typically go away within a few days, but it’s smart to see your doctor anyway just to be certain your red pee is, in fact, food-related.

2. You have a bladder infection.

A bladder infection is a type of urinary tract infection that happens when bacteria gets into your body through your urethra (the small opening through which you pee). There, the bacteria can multiply, causing symptoms like a constant urge to pee, pain and burning when you do manage to squirt any out, and pelvic pressure, the Mayo Clinic explains.

This kind of UTI can inflame the lining of your bladder enough for it to bleed and result in bloody urine, Tom Guzzo, M.D., chief of urology at Penn Medicine, tells SELF. “It’s almost like having tiny cuts or a rash on the inside of the bladder,” Dr. Linehan adds.

See your doctor if you have any symptoms of a bladder infection. They’ll likely test your urine and, if you do have an infection, prescribe antibiotics to help get rid of it, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Without prompt treatment, your bladder infection can progress to a kidney infection, so don’t try to push through it.

3. You have a kidney infection.

Speaking of bladder infections progressing, a kidney infection is a type of UTI that starts in your bladder and moves up to one or both of your kidneys, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) says. (Your kidneys filter your blood and remove waste and extra water, which become urine, the U.S. National Library of Medicine explains.)

Kidney infections share a few symptoms with bladder infections, including frequent, painful peeing and bloody urine (like a bladder infection, this is due to irritation and inflammation in your urinary tract, Doreen Chung, M. D., a urologist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, tells SELF). They can also cause chills, fever, nausea, vomiting, and back, side, or groin pain, the NIDDK says.

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If you suspect you have a kidney infection, see your doctor ASAP. They’ll likely want to put you on antibiotics. If your case is severe, you may need to be hospitalized so you can receive IV antibiotics and fluids, the Mayo Clinic says. Like a bladder infection, you don’t want to wait this out: A kidney infection can permanently damage your kidneys, or in severe cases, the bacteria can spread to your bloodstream and cause a life-threatening infection, the Mayo Clinic says.

4. You have a bladder or kidney stone.

Fun fact about your pee: It contains minerals. But if your urine is too concentrated, those minerals can form crystals on the walls of your kidneys or bladder, the Mayo Clinic says, and eventually transform into small, hard stones. You can have bladder or kidney stones that you might not even know about because they don’t cause symptoms. Or they can lead to a ton of pain, along with red flags like bloody pee.

This might happen when your body tries to pass a stone by peeing it out or if a stone blocks part of your urinary tract. Stones (and especially kidney stones) can cause sharp pains in your back, groin, side, or lower abdomen, a constant need to pee even though nothing comes out when you try, pain when you pee, cloudy or bad-smelling urine, and pink, brown, or red pee due to blood, the NIDDK says. This is because stones can create micro-scratches in the lining of your urinary tract, Dr. Linehan says.

Your treatment will depend on the size, shape, and location of your stone, the NIDDK says. In most cases, even if the process really hurts, you’ll be able to pass the stone through your pee. If you have a larger stone, though, your doctor can use shock waves to smash it into smaller pieces so you can pee them out, the NIDDK explains. Your doctor may also insert long, thin tools into your urethra to locate the stone, then remove it or break it into smaller pieces. In some cases, you may need to have a special medical instrument inserted into your kidney to remove the stone, but that’s really a last resort.

5. Your kidneys are inflamed.

Microscopic or visible blood in your pee is a common sign of glomerulonephritis, which is when your kidneys’ filtering system becomes inflamed, according to the Mayo Clinic. This may happen as a side effect of a systemic disease that can damage your kidneys, like type 1 or type 2 diabetes. (Poorly controlled high blood sugar can lead to high blood pressure, which can overly tax your kidneys’ filtering system, the Mayo Clinic explains.) It can also come about due to something like a viral infection, or it can happen for no real reason.

Since this condition causes the filters in your kidney to work less efficiently, that can allow blood into your urine, Dr. Chung says. You might also experience symptoms like foamy pee because it contains too much protein, high blood pressure, and bloating in your face, hands, feet, and abdomen, the Mayo Clinic explains.

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Treatment for glomerulonephritis depends on factors like the underlying cause and severity of your symptoms. It might resolve without treatment, particularly if it’s due to something like a strep infection that inflames your kidneys. But if it’s due to an illness like diabetes, your treatment plan might need tweaking.

6. You have sickle cell anemia.

There are two main genetic disorders that can cause both visible and microscopic blood in your pee, the Mayo Clinic says. Sickle cell anemia is one of them. This inherited condition damages the hemoglobin in your red blood cells, which is responsible for transporting oxygen in your blood.

If you have sickle cell anemia, your typically round red blood cells are instead crescent-shaped like those farming tools called sickles. They can then block your blood from flowing properly, potentially forcing it to come out in your urine, Dr. Chung explains. Beyond bloody urine, sickle cell anemia can cause a lot of pain (which can be so bad it might require hospitalization), frequent infections, vision issues, and swelling of the hands and feet among other issues, the Mayo Clinic says.

Your doctor can treat sickle cell anemia with a variety of medications, including antibiotics to ward off life-threatening infections, pain-relieving medications, and hydroxyurea, a medication that can prevent episodes of pain, the Mayo Clinic says. A bone marrow transplant is the only potential cure for this condition—otherwise, managing it will be a lifelong endeavor.

7. You have Alport syndrome.

Alport syndrome, which messes with the filtering membranes in your kidneys’ small blood vessels, is the other main inherited syndrome that can lead to visible or microscopic blood in your pee through glomerulonephritis. It can also cause issues like full-body swelling, high blood pressure, pain in your flank (the part of your body between your upper stomach and back), hearing loss, and eye problems.

With Alport syndrome, your doctor may recommend eating a diet that’s low in salt and potassium (it’s hard for your body to process these properly if your kidneys aren’t functioning well), taking medication to slow kidney damage, and taking medicine to control your blood pressure if hypertension is an issue for you, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

8. Your medication is causing bloody pee.

Turns out some drugs can allow blood to seep into your urine, including penicillin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers, and the anti-cancer medicine cyclophosphamide, the Mayo Clinic says. If you happen to have a condition that causes your bladder to bleed (like a UTI) and you take a blood thinner such as aspirin, you might also notice blood in your urine.

If you’re seeing bloody pee and you suspect your medication is to blame, you should get this checked out just as urgently as you would if you weren’t on one of these medications, Dr. Guzzo said. While it could be due to your medication, it could also be due to a separate health issue that’s developing as you take a certain drug, so it’s worth finding out exactly what the deal is.

9. You went way too hard at the gym.

This is rare (and kind of bonkers), but sometimes exercising really hard can cause blood in your pee, according to the Mayo Clinic. Doctors aren’t totally sure why this happens, but one theory is that exercise can distress your bladder enough for it to bleed. Another is that you’re peeing out some red blood cells that broke down due to exertion. (This is normal if you do intense aerobic exercise for an extended period of time, according to the Mayo Clinic.)

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Runners are the most likely to develop exercise-induced hematuria, but anyone can get it after a really hard workout. It typically just goes away after a few days, Dr. Guzzo says, but you should still see a doctor ASAP to make sure nothing more serious is to blame.

10. Rarely, bloody pee can be a sign you have cancer.

If you have blood in your urine, it’s much more likely that it’s due to something like a urinary tract infection than cancer. But certain advanced cancers, like those of the kidney and bladder, can cause visible blood in your urine, the Mayo Clinic says. The tumor itself can bleed, or sometimes it causes irritation or inflammation that can prompt bleeding, Dr. Chung says. These cancers sometimes cause other symptoms, such as painful urination, pain in your back, side, or pelvis, and fatigue—all pretty nondescript and easy to mistakenly chalk up to other causes.

We repeat: If you notice blood in your urine, it’s probably not due to cancer. But the mere possibility is still one of the reasons why it’s so important to get bloody urine checked out, no matter which other symptoms you are (or aren’t) experiencing.

Related:

• 11 Possible Reasons You’re Peeing All the Time
• 5 Things That Can Cause Cloudy Pee
• How to Deal With a Shy Bladder That Makes Peeing Way Too Hard

Blood during urination in women: blood discharge, blood clots

Blood during urination in women is a symptom that appears when the organs of the excretory system are injured, various pathologies. It’s called hematuria. It should be borne in mind that every change in the color of urine requires a doctor’s consultation. Therefore, even if spotting appears only sporadically, do not neglect qualified medical help. This symptom may indicate various diseases that occur in a latent form.

To get high-quality assistance, determine the causes of ailments and undergo treatment, contact the medical center “Promedica” in Belgorod. By following the recommendations of our doctors, you can improve your well-being and the quality of your own life.

Why does blood appear when urinating in women?

Most often, the symptom indicates the presence of fungal, viral and parasitic pathogens. Against the background of inflammation of the organs of the genitourinary system, blood clots occur during urination in women, as well as hematuria.

The color of urine may change due to menstrual flow. In addition, in the presence of solid deposits in the kidneys, hematuria often appears. When the stone passes through the organs of the excretory tract, they are traumatized, which is why hematuria is observed.

With serious physical exertion, spotting can be observed. In this case, discomfort does not occur, the phenomenon is of a short-term nature. Coloring urine in a reddish hue can occur with the use of some dried fruits, beets, blackberries, as well as medications.

Hematuria may occur against the background of some gynecological diseases. It is also provoked by injuries, as well as a recent cystoscopy. When diagnosing, a specialist can accidentally injure the mucous membrane of the urinary tract.

In some cases, pathologies are not accompanied by specific symptoms. For example, pyelonephritis can occur without burning, fever and a decrease in the overall tone of the body. And it is the blood during urination that will be that alarming “bell”, when it appears, you need to consult a competent doctor as soon as possible.

Pathologies manifested by blood during urination in women

• Cystitis. Often inflammation of the bladder provokes blood at the end of urination. This is accompanied by weakness, fever and painful sensations localizing the lower abdomen. Cystitis is the most common cause of hematuria in men. At the same time, the number of urges also becomes larger, and urine is excreted in small portions.

• Urethritis. In rare cases, in women, hematuria appears when a pathological process occurs in the urethra. It can manifest itself due to sexually transmitted diseases and an increase in the concentration of salts in urine. When they crystallize, sand is formed, which irritates and injures the mucous membrane. This causes the appearance of bloody discharge during urination.

• Urolithiasis. In this disease, there is a discharge of blood during urination in women. When solid formations pass through the urinary tract, they are traumatized. This results in hematuria. It usually occurs after an attack of intestinal colic, accompanied by severe pain.

• Tumors of a benign nature. When traumatizing polyps, blood can occur in the urine of a woman when urinating.

• Glomerulonephritis. Pathology that occurs against the background of damage to the structures of the kidneys. The color of the urine is pink-red, while there is no pain when going to the toilet. Glomerulonephritis occurs against the background of high blood pressure, edema.

• Oncology. Malignant formations of the bladder, kidneys and other organs of the system provoke hematuria. At the same time, discomfort when going to the restroom occurs quite rarely.

• Gynecological diseases. For example, hematuria may accompany endometriosis, vaginitis, vulvitis, cervical erosion, etc.

Features of the appearance of blood during urination in women

If a symptom occurs, it is advisable to contact the Promedica Center immediately. Remember all the circumstances under which you first recorded it, whether there was blood when urinating in women with pain or without discomfort. To establish a reliable clinical picture, you may need:

• oncologist appointment;

• gynecological appointment;

• appointment with a venereologist.

Diagnosis of pathologies manifested by blood during urination

The range of diagnostic procedures prescribed by the doctor of the “Promedica” center depends on the specific clinical case. Therefore, initially he collects a detailed history, clarifies your complaints. After that, you may be assigned:

• urinalysis;

• urinalysis according to Nechiporenko and Zimnitsky;

• ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs and kidneys;

• X-ray examination of the urinary tract;

• computed tomography;

• cystoscopy;

• magnetic resonance imaging;

• general and biochemical blood tests;

• tests for sexually transmitted infections.

Treatment of diseases that are manifested by blood during urination

Tactics of therapy depends on the disease, which is manifested by this symptomatology. It may include surgery, a course of antibiotic therapy, taking anti-inflammatory and other drugs. Physiotherapy may also be recommended. According to patients, doctors often use combined methods to achieve a lasting therapeutic effect.

Where to go if there is blood in the urine?

If you have any concerns, we are waiting for you at the medical center “Promedica”. We will clarify the cause of frequent urination with blood in women and prescribe the correct treatment.

Have questions? To clarify the price of diagnostics or make an appointment with a urologist, contact us in any convenient way.

Blood in the urine (hematuria) | Symptoms, complications, diagnosis and treatment

Blood in the urine may be a warning sign. Although in many cases the cause is harmless, blood in the urine (hematuria) can indicate a serious disorder. Treatment depends on the cause.

Blood in the urine can be referred to by two terms. If the blood is visible to the eye, that is, the urine has a pink or burgundy color, then this condition is called gross hematuria. If the urine has a normal color, but an increased content of red blood cells, that is, blood elements, is detected in the urine test, then this condition is called microhematuria. This article will focus on the visible admixture of blood in the urine (gross hematuria).

Some medicines and foods, such as beets, rhubarb, and certain types of berries, can cause urine to turn red. To determine exactly whether the cause of this discoloration of urine is an admixture of blood or not, it is necessary to pass a urine test.

Symptoms

Hematuria produces pink, red, or cola-colored urine due to the presence of red blood cells. Urine has a pink color, or the color of the color of “meat slops”. In the urine, blood clots can also be determined in the form of black “worms”, “cakes”, long threads. At the same time, there may be pain when urinating, or pain in the lumbar region.

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor any time you notice blood in your urine.

Some medications, such as laxatives and certain foods, including beets, rhubarb, and berries, can cause urine to turn red. Urine discoloration caused by drugs, food, or exercise may disappear within a few days.

Blood urine looks different, but you can’t tell the difference. It is best to consult a physician any time you see red-colored urine.

Causes of hematuria.

• Urinary tract infections (most commonly acute cystitis) – this happens when bacteria enter your body through the urethra and multiply in your bladder. Symptoms may include a constant urge to urinate, pain and burning when urinating, and extremely smelly urine.
• Infection of the kidney (acute pyelonephritis) – this can happen when bacteria enter the kidneys from your bloodstream or travel from the ureters to the kidneys. Signs and symptoms are often similar to bladder infections, although kidney infections are more likely to cause fever and side pain.
• Bladder, kidney or ureter stone Minerals in concentrated urine sometimes form crystals on the walls of the kidney or bladder. Over time, the crystals can become small, hard stones.
  Stones are generally painless, so you probably won’t know you have them unless they cause blockages or are passed on. Then usually no symptoms occur – kidney stones, especially, can cause excruciating pain. Bladder or kidney stones can also cause both severe and microscopic bleeding.
• Enlarged prostate in older men – The prostate gland, which lies just below the bladder and surrounds the top of the urethra, often enlarges as men approach middle age. It then compresses the urethra, partially blocking the flow of urine. Signs and symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) include difficulty urinating, an urgent or persistent need to urinate, and visible or microscopic blood in the urine. An infection of the prostate gland (prostatitis) can cause the same symptoms. .
• Infection of the prostate gland (acute prostatitis) .
• Kidney disease (glomerulonephritis) – microscopic urinary bleeding is a common symptom of glomerulonephritis, an inflammation of the kidney’s filtering system. Glomerulonephritis may be part of a systemic disease such as diabetes, or it may occur on its own. Viral or streptococcal infections, blood vessel disease (vasculitis), and immune problems such as IgA nephropathy that affect the small capillaries that filter blood in the kidneys (glomeruli) can cause glomerulonephritis.
• In women, urine contamination with menstrual blood during menstruation.
• Kidney Injury – Striking or other injury to the kidneys from accident or physical contact may cause visible blood in the urine. .
• Bladder cancer (most often smokers suffer).
• Cancer of the kidney, pelvis, ureter – Visible urinary bleeding may be a sign of kidney, bladder, or prostate cancer. Unfortunately, there may be no signs or symptoms in the early stages, when these cancers are most treatable. .
• Medications (eg, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve joint pain) – the anti-cancer drug cyclophosphamide and penicillin may cause urination. Visible urinary blood sometimes occurs if you are taking an anticoagulant such as aspirin and the thinner heparin and you also have a condition that causes bladder bleeding.
• Intense exercise Rarely, intense exercise can lead to gross hematuria, but the cause is unknown. This may be due to bladder injury, dehydration, or the breakdown of red blood cells that occurs with prolonged aerobic exercise.

When to see a doctor.

The admixture of blood in the urine can be a symptom of a serious illness, so it is necessary to consult a urologist . The urologist will prescribe examinations to find a clarification of the diagnosis. First of all, it is necessary to exclude malignant lesions of the urinary system, which, although not often detected, can pose a serious threat to health

Almost everyone, including children and teenagers, can have red blood cells in their urine.

Factors that make this more likely include:

• Age. Many men over 50 experience occasional hematuria due to an enlarged prostate.
• Recent infection. Inflammation of the kidneys after a viral or bacterial infection (post-infectious glomerulonephritis) is one of the leading causes of visible urinary blood in children.
• Heredity. You may be more likely to urinate if you have a family history of kidney disease or kidney stones. Sickle cell anemia, an inherited defect in hemoglobin in red blood cells, causes blood in the urine, both visible and microscopic hematuria. This can cause Alport’s syndrome, which affects the filtering membranes in the glomeruli of the kidneys.
• Some medicines. Aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers and antibiotics such as penicillin are known to increase the risk of urinary bleeding.
• Physical activity. Long distance runners are particularly susceptible to exercise-induced physiological bleeding. In fact, this condition is sometimes referred to as runner’s hematuria. But anyone who works hard can have the symptoms described.

Diagnosis

Your urologist will determine the presence of risk factors for urinary tract cancer and possible other causes of blood in the urine. The most common risk factors for the development of cancer are smoking, previous radiation or chemotherapy, exposure to adverse production factors (dyes, solvents). Depending on age, the presence of risk factors, symptoms, the urologist will assess the amount of the necessary examination.

Examination

The purpose of the examination is to find the source of blood in the urine. Bladder examination is usually performed by ultrasound and cystoscopy . To examine the upper urinary tract (kidneys and ureters), ultrasound or computed tomography with contrast injection (CT urography) is necessary. Laboratory tests usually include a urine culture to rule out infection, a blood test for creatinine, and a complete blood count.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of the hematuria. In the presence of oncological diseases or stones, surgical treatment is necessary. In most other cases, medications can be dispensed with.

In the urological department of VCERM named after. Nikiforov EMERCOM of Russia you can get the full range of necessary assistance

The Urology Department occupies one of the first places in the city in terms of the quality of medical care for patients with urological pathology, including those that developed in emergency situations.