If you've encountered blood in your urine, the first thing you shouldn’t do is panic. Many instances of hematuria (blood in urine) arise from benign causes like a urinary tract infection, an inherited disorder or a side effect from medications you may be taking.
Other more serious causes could include a kidney or bladder disease, but additional tests will be needed before that is determined.
At Affiliated Urologists, we are determined to find the cause of a patient’s urinary symptoms and can do so with the help of state-of-the-art tests and thorough physical examinations. If you notice blood in your urine, call us to schedule an appointment immediately!
Generally speaking, visible hematuria is pink, red or Coca-Cola colored and usually does not cause significant or noticeable pain. That is, unless your passing blood clots in your urine—that can be painful. Nevertheless, it is also possible for blood to go unnoticed, only being visible under a microscope. Your doctor will run the appropriate tests to discover this, but patients should also be aware it’s rare certain foods create red-colored urine, making tests and seeing a specialist in urology that much more important.
The cause of blood in urine can differ for men and women, but the following conditions usually affect both genders and can cause hematuria:
- Urinary Tract Infections: An infection that occurs from bacteria entering your urethra and infecting your bladder. Pain and burning during urination and frequent urges to urinate are common symptoms.
- Bladder or Kidney Stones: Minerals in concentrated urine can precipitate and form crystals in your kidneys and bladder, eventually becoming hard (small) stones. These stones can cause immense pain and some bleeding if they create a blockage or are being passed.
- Kidney Infections: Bacteria entering the kidneys can cause infections, fever, pain and blood in urine.
- Kidney Disease: Damage to the kidney from a severe infection, traumatic injury, pregnancy complications, obstruction of urine flow or overconsumption of alcohol and drugs can lead to kidney disease. Urinary bleeding is a common symptom of kidney disease.
- Cancer: Kidney, bladder or prostate cancer can cause visible urinary bleeding. Unfortunately, that side effect usually comes during the most advanced stages of cancer(s).
Men over the age of 50 can have occasional hematuria from an enlarged prostate gland. Women, who frequently get urinary tract infections, can have blood in their urine as well. Other risk factors may include a family history of kidney disease, a recent infection, strenuous exercise and certain medications. If you have blood in your urine, schedule an appointment with one of our highly qualified urologists today. You can prepare for the appointment by writing down any symptoms you may experience and by making a list of any medications, vitamins, or supplements you’re taking.
Affiliated Urologists is an award-winning practice recognized both locally and nationally that has provided service to patients in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and surrounding communities in the Valley, for over 40 years. The physicians emphasize top-of-the-line comprehensive urological care and strive to deliver the highest outcomes for patient satisfaction. To make an appointment, call 602-264-0608 or click here for instructions on scheduling an appointment.
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
