Hematuria

What is Hematuria?

Hematuria refers to the presence of blood in the urine. It may be visible to the naked eye, known as gross hematuria, or detectable only under a microscope, called microscopic hematuria.

When blood is visible, urine may appear bright red, pink, or cola-colored. In some cases, discoloration may occur along with other symptoms such as fever or the presence of blood clots.

Blood in the urine may also occur alongside additional symptoms, including pain or discomfort in the lower back or abdomen, which can signal an underlying condition that should be evaluated by a medical professional.

What are the Possible Causes of Blood in the Urine?

Blood in the urine can be caused by a variety of conditions, some of which are more serious than others. Common causes include:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

• Kidney or bladder cancer

• Certain medications that may irritate the urinary tract

• An enlarged prostate

• Kidney or bladder stones

• Kidney infections

• Kidney disease

• Injury or trauma to the urinary tract

In rare cases, very intense physical activity can also lead to hematuria. This may occur due to bladder irritation, dehydration, or the temporary breakdown of red blood cells during extreme exercise.

How is the Cause of Hematuria Determined?

In some cases, the exact cause of hematuria cannot be identified. However, your care team will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the most likely source of the problem. This typically begins with a physical exam and routine urine testing to check for infection or minerals that may indicate kidney or bladder stones.

Your doctor will also review any related symptoms, such as abdominal pain or fever, and may evaluate kidney function and blood pressure.

Additional diagnostic testing may include imaging studies, such as MRI or CT scans, to examine the urinary tract in more detail. A cystoscopy may also be recommended. During this procedure, a small camera is inserted into the bladder through the urethra, allowing the physician to look for abnormalities or signs of disease inside the bladder.

How is Hematuria Treated?

Treatment for blood in the urine (hematuria) depends on the underlying cause identified during testing.

If the cause is an infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection and relieve symptoms. When hematuria is linked to an enlarged prostate, treatment may include medications or procedures such as radiofrequency therapy to reduce the size of the prostate and improve urinary flow.

Other conditions that can cause blood in the urine—such as kidney stones, kidney disease, or cancer—may require additional treatments, including surgical procedures or specialized medical therapies.

If no specific cause is identified, your doctor may recommend ongoing monitoring and follow-up testing, particularly if you have risk factors such as a family history of cancer or tobacco use.

In many cases, hematuria resolves on its own without causing long-term problems. However, any sign of blood in the urine should always be evaluated by a medical professional.

If you notice blood in your urine or have related symptoms, contact Urology Associates to schedule an evaluation and receive expert care.