Finding blood in your urine can raise questions about what is causing it and whether you need medical care. Known medically as hematuria, this symptom can have several explanations, ranging from a urinary tract infection (UTI) to kidney or bladder conditions.
Blood in the urine does not automatically mean cancer, but it should not be ignored. Even if it happens only once or goes away on its own, a medical evaluation can help determine the cause and whether treatment is needed.
What Can Cause Blood in Your Urine?
Blood in the urine may be visible, causing urine to appear pink, red, or brown. In other cases, the amount of blood is too small to see and is detected only through a urine test.
Blood in the urine can be linked to several conditions, including:
- Urinary tract infections: A UTI can cause blood in the urine along with burning, frequent urination, or a sudden urge to urinate.
- Kidney or bladder stones: Stones can irritate the urinary tract and cause bleeding. Some people also experience pain in the back, side, or lower abdomen.
- Kidney or bladder conditions: Inflammation, kidney disease, and other urinary tract problems can lead to blood in the urine.
- Prostate conditions: An enlarged prostate or other prostate-related problems may contribute to urinary bleeding.
- Bladder or kidney cancer: Blood in the urine can sometimes be an early sign of cancer, even when there is no pain.
Other possible causes include strenuous exercise, injuries, certain medical procedures, and menstruation. Conditions such as polycystic kidney disease, glomerular disease, and sickle cell disease can also contribute to blood in the urine.
A urine test and, in some cases, additional testing can help distinguish between these causes.
When Should You Get Blood in Your Urine Checked?
Visible blood in the urine should be evaluated by a healthcare provider, even if it appears only once or disappears without treatment. Blood detected during routine urine testing may also require follow-up, depending on your medical history and other risk factors.
Do not assume the bleeding is caused by exercise or an infection without appropriate evaluation. If you have a UTI, your provider may recommend follow-up testing after treatment to confirm that the blood has cleared.
Seek urgent medical attention for heavy bleeding, severe pain, fever with chills, or blood clots that make urination difficult. If you cannot urinate, seek emergency care.
What to Expect During a Urology Evaluation
A urology provider will review your symptoms, medical history, medications, and any risk factors that may help explain the bleeding. You may be asked when you first noticed the blood, whether it has happened before, and whether you have experienced pain or changes in your urination.
Your provider may recommend one or more tests as part of the evaluation. Urine testing can confirm the presence of blood and check for signs of infection or other abnormalities. Blood tests may help assess kidney function or identify other concerns. Imaging, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, may help identify kidney stones or other abnormalities in the urinary tract. In some cases, a provider may recommend a cystoscopy, which uses a thin instrument with a camera to examine the inside of the bladder.
Not everyone needs every test. Your provider will explain which tests are appropriate and why.
Don’t Ignore Changes in Your Urine
Blood in your urine can have several causes, and its appearance alone cannot tell you what is responsible. A healthcare provider can evaluate the symptom and recommend any testing or treatment you may need.
If you notice blood in your urine or have concerns about an abnormal urine test, contact your healthcare provider or a urology specialist at Urology Alliance to discuss your concerns and next steps.
