Blood in urine can initially seem alarming, but in many cases the causes are harmless. Nevertheless, it is important to consult a doctor to exclude more serious conditions and to receive the appropriate treatment. In this article, you will learn what blood in the urine can indicate, its possible causes and symptoms, and what treatment options are available.
Table of contents:
What does blood in the urine mean
Blood in urine, medically known as hematuria, can indicate various health problems. It usually appears as a red, pink, or brownish discoloration of the urine, caused by an increased number of red blood cells (erythrocytes) in the urine. There are two types of hematuria:
- Macroscopic hematuria – Blood in the urine is visible to the naked eye.
- Microscopic hematuria – The urine appears normal, but red blood cells can be detected under a microscope.
Is blood in the urine harmless?
If you notice red urine, don’t panic. In many cases the red color is not related to any disease, as it can result from eating beetroot or taking certain medications.
What are the most common causes of blood in the urine?
There are many possible causes of blood in the urine. To obtain an accurate diagnosis, you should always consult your doctor. Some of the most common reasons for hematuria include:
- Urinary tract infections (bladder inflammation) – usually caused by bacteria and often accompanied by a burning sensation when urinating and frequent urges to urinate.
- Kidney stones – in addition to blood in the urine, they often cause severe back or flank pain.
- Trauma to the urinary tract – injuries from falls or accidents can also lead to hematuria.
- Intense physical exertion – excessive exercise or overexertion can temporarily cause blood in the urine.
- Bladder or kidney tumors – malignant tumors in these organs can also trigger bleeding.
- Vaginal bleeding – this can affect urine test results.
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What else can blood in urine indicate?
In rarer cases, blood in the urine can signal more serious conditions, such as:
- Blockage of the kidney’s blood vessels.
- Endometriosis of the bladder – a condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows in the bladder or bladder wall, causing bleeding during menstruation.
- Kidney tuberculosis.
- Liver diseases that cause blood clotting disorders.
Blood in the urine should never be ignored. Consult a doctor to determine the exact cause and receive appropriate treatment.
How can blood in the urine be detected?
To determine the source of blood in the urine, it is advised to consult a doctor and carry out further investigations. In women, it should be noted that the presence of red blood cells may also be linked to menstruation. Urine tests should not be done during, immediately before, or right after menstruation, as menstrual blood can affect the results. Regardless of the case, it is important to provide a midstream urine sample. This means that the first few drops of urine should be passed into the toilet, and the urine from the middle (even near the end) of the stream should be collected in a container.
For individuals with urinary incontinence, it is advisable to choose pads that provide effective protection while allowing comfortable participation in daily activities.
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