Hematuria (Blood in Urine)

What Is Hematuria?

Hematuria is the presence of blood in the urine and can appear in two forms:

Gross Hematuria – Blood is visible to the naked eye.
Microscopic Hematuria – Blood is only detectable under a microscope.

Both types may share similar causes and symptoms, and neither is inherently more serious than the other. Hematuria might be accompanied by other symptoms such as:

Pain or burning during urination
Pressure in the abdomen
Back pain

In some cases, there may be no other noticeable symptoms. Regardless of the amount of blood, it’s important to identify the underlying cause, which makes hematuria one of the most common reasons patients see a urologist.

Common Causes of Hematuria

Hematuria can originate from any part of the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, prostate, and urethra. While many causes of blood in the urine are harmless and resolve on their own, others can indicate serious medical conditions that require immediate attention.

Possible causes of hematuria include:

Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Kidney infections
Urinary tract stones (kidney or bladder stones)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – Enlarged prostate
Inflammation (bladder or kidney)
Prostatitis – Prostate infection
Trauma to the urinary tract, kidneys, or bladder
Exercise-related hematuria (e.g., jogger’s hematuria)
Cancers – Bladder, kidney, prostate, ureter, urethra, or penile cancer
Renal-cystic disease

Each condition requires a tailored approach to treatment, so timely evaluation by a urologist is essential.

How Is Hematuria Diagnosed?

The diagnostic process for hematuria begins with a comprehensive evaluation, which may include:

Urinalysis and Microscopic Examination
- Identifies the presence of blood and checks for signs of kidney disease or infection.
Urine Cytology or Molecular Testing
- Detects abnormal cells in the urine.
Blood Tests
- Assesses kidney function and overall health.
Imaging Studies
- CT Urogram – Detailed imaging of the urinary tract.
- Ultrasound – Evaluates the kidneys and bladder.
- Cystoscopy – A minimally invasive procedure to examine the bladder and urethra.

These tests help pinpoint the location and cause of the bleeding, allowing for an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment for Hematuria

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Options may include:

Antibiotics for infections
Lifestyle modifications for exercise-induced hematuria
Procedures or surgeries for kidney stones or tumors
If the cause is a large, vascular prostate then PAE (prostatic arterial embolization) is a great, minimally invasive way to manage it

In many cases, the cause of hematuria is not serious and resolves without intervention. However, because hematuria can sometimes signal a more serious condition, it should never be ignored.

When to See a Urologist

If you notice blood in your urine or experience any related symptoms, schedule an evaluation with an experienced urologist. Early detection and treatment are key to addressing potential underlying conditions and protecting your urinary health.

Take Action Today

Don’t ignore blood in your urine. Contact the experts at PeeDoc for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized care.