Blood in urine, also known as hematuria, is a medical condition that can be alarming and scary. The sight of blood in urine can be a sign of several health issues that should not be ignored.

In this article, we will discuss the possible reasons why blood may appear in your urine and what you can do about it.

What is Hematuria?

Hematuria is the medical term for blood in urine. It may be visible blood, giving the urine a pink or red color, or it may be microscopic where the urine appears normal, but small traces of blood can be detected with a urine test.

Hematuria can be classified into two types, depending on where the blood is coming from:.

Gross Hematuria: This is when you can see the blood in the urine with the naked eye. The urine may appear pink, red, or brown.
Microscopic Hematuria: This is when the blood in the urine can only be detected with a urine test. The urine appears normal in color but contains small traces of blood that can only be seen under a microscope.

Possible Causes of Hematuria

There are several reasons why blood may appear in your urine.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract and multiply, leading to an infection. Hematuria may occur as a result of inflammation of the urinary tract caused by the infection.

Other symptoms of UTI include a burning sensation while urinating, frequent urination, and cloudy urine.

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are hard deposits made up of minerals and salts that form in the kidneys. Passing a kidney stone can be painful and cause blood in the urine.

Other symptoms of kidney stones include severe pain in the back, side, or groin, nausea or vomiting, and a frequent need to urinate.

Enlarged Prostate

As men age, their prostates may enlarge and cause discomfort or pain when urinating, which can sometimes cause blood in the urine.

Other symptoms of an enlarged prostate include a weak urine stream, difficulty starting to urinate, and straining to urinate.

Bladder Stones

Bladder stones are hard, mineral-based masses that form in the bladder. They may cause hematuria, discomfort or pain during urination, and a frequent need to urinate.

bladder or Kidney Cancer

Although less common, blood in the urine may be a sign of bladder or kidney cancer. Other symptoms of cancer may include pain in the back or lower abdomen, weight loss, and fatigue.

Medications

Some medications, such as blood thinners, can cause blood in the urine.

When to See a Doctor

Seeing a doctor for hematuria is vital because it can be a symptom of a serious health issue. You should see a doctor if you experience the following:.

Visible blood in your urine
Intense pain that accompanies blood in your urine
Unexplained weight loss
Chills or fever
Difficulty urinating

Diagnosis and Treatment of Hematuria

When you first visit a doctor with hematuria, they may ask questions about your symptoms and perform a physical examination.

Depending on the suspected cause of your hematuria, your doctor may recommend further tests, which may include urine tests, imaging tests like X-ray or CT scan, or cystoscopy (a procedure where a small camera is inserted into the urethra to examine the bladder).

The treatment for hematuria depends on the underlying cause. For instance, if the hematuria is caused by a urinary tract infection, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection.

If the hematuria is caused by bladder or kidney stones, treatment may involve drinking plenty of fluids to help flush out the stones or in some cases, surgery may be needed to remove the stones.

Preventing Hematuria

There are preventative measures you can take to avoid hematuria, which include:.

Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
Urinating when you need to, and not holding your urine in
Wiping front to back after using the bathroom
Avoiding excessive intake of vitamin C supplements or acidic foods like citrus fruits and juices that can irritate your bladder
Scheduling regular check-ups with your doctor to detect any underlying health issues early

Conclusion

Hematuria can be a sign of several underlying health issues, which is why it should not be ignored.

If you experience blood in your urine, visit a doctor as soon as possible to determine the underlying cause and take the necessary steps to treat the condition. In some cases, hematuria can be prevented by staying hydrated, urinating when necessary, and wiping front to back after using the bathroom.