Finding blood in your urine can be alarming. While it is typically not a cause for panic, it is important to get it checked out by a medical professional to determine the underlying cause.

There are several conditions that can cause blood in urine, ranging from minor to serious.

What is hematuria?

The presence of blood in urine is medically known as hematuria. It can be identified in two ways: microscopic hematuria and gross hematuria. Microscopic hematuria is not visible to the naked eye and can only be detected through a urine test.

Gross hematuria, on the other hand, is visible to the naked eye and can range from a pink tint to dark red.

Common causes of blood in urine

Some of the most common causes of hematuria include:.

Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common cause of blood in urine. UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract and cause an infection.

Symptoms of a UTI include a frequent need to urinate, pain or burning during urination, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine.

Kidney stones

Kidney stones are hard, pebble-like deposits that can form in your kidneys. They can cause severe pain in the side or back, blood in urine, and difficulty urinating. Kidney stones can be caused by factors such as dehydration, diet, and family history.

Enlarged prostate

An enlarged prostate is a common condition in men over the age of 50. One of the symptoms of an enlarged prostate is hematuria, along with difficulty starting and stopping urination, weak urine flow, and frequent urination.

Kidney disease

Hematuria can sometimes be a symptom of kidney disease. If your kidneys are not functioning properly, they may not be able to filter waste from your blood effectively, leading to blood in urine.

Cancer

Hematuria can sometimes be a sign of bladder or kidney cancer. If you are experiencing blood in your urine, it is important to see a doctor to get the appropriate tests done to rule out cancer.

Less common causes of hematuria

While the above conditions are the most common causes of blood in urine, there are several less common causes, including:.

Medications

Some medications, such as blood thinners, can cause blood in urine as a side effect. If you are experiencing hematuria and are taking medication, it is important to talk to your doctor to determine if your medication is the cause.

Strenuous exercise

Intense exercise can sometimes cause hematuria, particularly in men who engage in endurance sports like running.

Genetic disorders

Some genetic disorders can cause hematuria, such as sickle cell anemia and Alport syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects the kidneys.

What to do if you find blood in your urine

If you find blood in your urine, you should make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will likely want to perform a urine test to determine the cause of the hematuria.

Depending on the results of the test, your doctor may recommend additional tests or treatments.

If you are experiencing other symptoms, such as difficulty urinating, pain during urination, or severe abdominal or back pain, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, as these symptoms can indicate a more serious condition.

Preventing hematuria

While some causes of hematuria, such as genetic disorders, cannot be prevented, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing hematuria. These include:.

Drink plenty of water

Staying well-hydrated can help prevent kidney stones and UTIs, both of which can cause blood in urine.

Eat a healthy diet

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help prevent kidney stones and maintain kidney health.

Practice safe sex

Practicing safe sex can help prevent sexually transmitted infections, which can cause UTIs and other conditions that may lead to hematuria.

Quit smoking

Smoking can increase your risk of developing bladder cancer, which can cause blood in urine.

The bottom line

Finding blood in your urine can be scary, but it is important to stay calm and see a doctor as soon as possible to determine the underlying cause.

While the most common causes of hematuria are often minor, there are several serious conditions that can cause blood in urine, so prompt medical attention is necessary.