Last Updated on December 3, 2025 by Ugurkan Demir

Hematuria, or blood in urine, is common, affecting about one in ten people. The look of urine changes with the amount of blood. It can range from clear red to tiny traces only seen in lab tests.

What does blood in urine look like? See descriptions of hematuria and learn when the appearance of blood is a sign of a serious condition.

Finding blood in your urine can be scary. But, it’s important to know that hematuria can mean different things. It could be a sign of simple infections or serious health problems. Knowing what blood in urine means is key for your health and peace of mind.

Key Takeaways

• Hematuria affects a significant portion of the population.
• The condition can manifest differently depending on the amount of blood present.
• Visible red discoloration or microscopic traces can be detected.
• It’s important to understand the causes and implications of hematuria.
• Medical evaluation is necessary if symptoms persist.

Understanding Hematuria: Blood in Urine Explained

Hematuria, or blood in urine, is a common issue that can stem from many causes. These include infections and kidney stones. It’s important to know what hematuria is, how often it happens, and its health effects.

Definition and Prevalence of Hematuria

Hematuria means there’s blood in your urine. It can be seen with the naked eye (gross hematuria) or found only in lab tests (microscopic hematuria). Many urinary tract problems, like infections and stones, can cause it.

How common hematuria is can vary. It can affect anyone, regardless of age or background. Certain factors, like age and sex, can increase your chances of getting it.

Category	Prevalence Rate	Common Causes
Children	Less common	Infections, congenital issues
Adults	More common with age	UTIs, kidney stones, bladder issues
Athletes	Exercise-induced	Dehydration, physical trauma

The Impact of Blood in Urine on Overall Health

Blood in urine can mean different things for your health. Sometimes, it’s a minor issue that goes away by itself. Other times, it can signal a serious problem that needs medical help.

If you have blood in your urine and symptoms like chills or pain, it’s a sign of something serious. You should see a doctor right away. Knowing why you have hematuria helps doctors figure out the best treatment.

We’ll look at the reasons and health effects of hematuria next. This will give you a full picture of this condition and its health impact.

What Does Blood in Urine Look Like?

Blood in urine, known as hematuria, can be seen or not. It depends on how much blood is there. If there’s a lot, you can see it. But if it’s just a little, tests are needed to find it.

Gross Hematuria: Visible Blood in Urine

Gross hematuria means you can see the blood. Your urine might look red, pink, or brown tea-colored. This depends on how much blood is there and other things in your urine.

Doctors say the color of your urine can tell how much blood you have. “The urine can range from slightly pink to deep red or cola-colored,” they note.

Microscopic Hematuria: The Hidden Concern

Microscopic hematuria is when you can’t see the blood. You need a microscope to find red blood cells. This kind of hematuria is just as important as the visible kind.

Health experts say it can mean there’s something wrong that needs to be checked. “Even if the blood is not visible, its presence can signal various health concerns.”

It’s important to know the difference between gross and microscopic hematuria. Visible blood means you should see a doctor right away. But microscopic hematuria might be found during regular check-ups or when looking into other symptoms.

Common Causes of Blood in Urine

Hematuria, or blood in urine, can come from many sources. This includes infections and kidney stones. Knowing the causes helps find the right treatment and eases worries about this symptom.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

UTIs are a common reason for blood in urine. They happen when bacteria get into the urinary tract. This causes infection and inflammation, leading to bleeding.

Symptoms of UTIs include:

• Burning sensation while urinating
• Frequent urination
• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine

Antibiotics treat UTIs. Quick treatment can stop further problems.

Kidney and Bladder Stones

Kidney and bladder stones also cause blood in urine. These are hard deposits made of minerals and salts. When they move, they can cause bleeding and pain.

Symptoms include:

• Severe pain in the side or back
• Nausea and vomiting
• Difficulty urinating

Drinking lots of water, pain relief, or surgery might be needed to treat stones.

Enlarged Prostate in Men

An enlarged prostate is common in older men and can cause blood in urine. The prostate gland surrounds the urethra. When it grows, it can press on the urethra, causing symptoms.

Symptoms include:

• Difficulty starting urination
• Weak urine flow
• Frequent urination, often at night

Medications or surgery might be needed to treat an enlarged prostate.

Here’s a quick look at common causes of blood in urine:

Cause	Symptoms	Treatment
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)	Burning sensation, frequent urination, cloudy urine	Antibiotics
Kidney and Bladder Stones	Severe pain, nausea, difficulty urinating	Hydration, pain management, surgery
Enlarged Prostate	Difficulty urinating, weak flow, frequent urination	Medications, surgery

Infection-Related Causes of Hematuria

Infections in the urinary system often lead to hematuria. Bacteria or pathogens can cause inflammation and damage. This results in blood in the urine.

Kidney Infections (Pyelonephritis)

Kidney infections, or pyelonephritis, happen when bacteria reach the kidneys. Symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, and blood in the urine. Pyelonephritis is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention to prevent kidney damage or sepsis.

The symptoms of pyelonephritis can vary but often include:

• High fever
• Back or flank pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Painful urination
• Blood in the urine

Bladder Infections (Cystitis)

Bladder infections, or cystitis, are another common cause of hematuria. Cystitis occurs when bacteria infect the bladder, causing inflammation and irritation. The symptoms can range from mild to severe and include frequent urination, painful urination, and the presence of blood in the urine.

While cystitis is typically treated with antibiotics, it’s vital to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen. Untreated bladder infections can lead to more serious complications, such as kidney damage.

In conclusion, both kidney and bladder infections are significant causes of hematuria. Understanding their symptoms and complications is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Lifestyle and Activity-Related Causes

Our daily habits and physical activities can sometimes lead to hematuria, a condition characterized by the presence of blood in urine. While hematuria can be a sign of an underlying medical issue, certain lifestyle factors can also contribute to its occurrence.

Exercise-Induced Hematuria

Strenuous exercise, like long-distance running, can cause hematuria in some individuals. This condition, known as exercise-induced hematuria, is thought to result from the physical jarring of the bladder during intense physical activity. It’s more common in runners and athletes participating in high-impact sports. While the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, factors such as dehydration, bladder trauma, and the release of certain biochemicals during exercise are believed to play a role.

Some key points to consider about exercise-induced hematuria include:

• The condition is often transient and resolves on its own once the individual hydrates and rests.
• Avoiding dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids before, during, and after exercise can help mitigate the risk.
• Athletes experiencing persistent or severe hematuria should consult a healthcare professional to rule out underlying conditions.

Dehydration and Its Effects on Urine

Dehydration is another lifestyle-related factor that can contribute to hematuria. When the body is not adequately hydrated, the urine becomes more concentrated, which can irritate the bladder and urinary tract, potentially leading to bleeding. It’s important to drink enough water throughout the day, specially in hot climates or during intense physical activity.

The effects of dehydration on urine include:

1. Concentration of waste products, which can irritate the urinary tract.
2. Reduced urine output, potentially leading to the accumulation of toxins.
3. Increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to the lack of flushing out bacteria.

By understanding these lifestyle and activity-related causes of hematuria, individuals can take proactive steps to prevent or manage the condition. Ensuring adequate hydration and being mindful of the intensity of physical activity are simple yet effective measures.

Medication-Induced Blood in Urine

Certain medications can cause blood to appear in the urine, a condition known as hematuria. This can be scary, but knowing the link between meds and hematuria helps in managing it.

Blood Thinners and Anticoagulants

Blood thinners and anticoagulants prevent blood clots. They’re for people at risk of heart attack, stroke, or deep vein thrombosis. But, they can also cause bleeding, leading to hematuria.

Examples of blood thinners and anticoagulants include:

• Warfarin
• Aspirin
• Heparin
• Rivaroxaban
• Apixaban

These meds are key in preventing blood clots. But, it’s important to watch for bleeding signs like hematuria. If you’re on these meds and see blood in your urine, talk to your doctor right away.

Other Medications That May Cause Hematuria

Other meds can also lead to hematuria. These include:

• Cyclophosphamide, a chemotherapy drug
• Penicillins and other antibiotics
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen

Doctors say many meds can cause hematuria. It’s key for patients to know the side effects of their meds.

“The presence of blood in the urine should always prompt a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause, whether it’s related to medication or another condition.”

Talking to your doctor about any meds you’re on is vital if you see blood in your urine. They might need to change your dosage or switch meds to fix the issue.

Serious Conditions Associated with Blood in Urine

Blood in urine can signal serious health issues that need quick medical help. Hematuria can have many causes, but finding the root cause is key. We’ll look at serious conditions like bladder, kidney, and prostate cancers. We’ll also talk about their warning signs and why seeing a doctor fast is important.

Bladder Cancer Warning Signs

Bladder cancer is a serious condition that can cause blood in urine. The main sign is blood in the urine without pain. Other signs include:

• Frequent urination
• Painful urination
• Back pain

As Medical Expert, a urologist, notes,

“Early detection of bladder cancer significantly improves treatment outcomes.”

Kidney Cancer and Hematuria

Kidney cancer, or renal cell carcinoma, can also show up with blood in urine. Other signs might be:

• A lump or mass in the abdomen
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Fever

It’s important to know kidney cancer symptoms can be hard to spot. This makes it tough to diagnose just by symptoms.

Prostate Cancer Symptoms

Prostate cancer is a big worry, mainly for men. Early prostate cancer might not show symptoms. But, advanced cancer can cause:

• Difficulty urinating
• Painful urination
• Blood in semen
• Erectile dysfunction

Regular screening is key for catching prostate cancer early and treating it.

Gender-Specific Causes of Blood in Urine

Understanding blood in urine needs a gender-specific look. Men and women have different reasons for this issue. Their bodies are built differently, which affects the causes.

Common Causes in Women

In women, blood in urine often comes from the reproductive system. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are more common because of their shorter urethra. Other reasons include:

• Interstitial cystitis, a condition causing bladder pain and potentially leading to hematuria
• Endometriosis, where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside, potentially affecting the urinary tract
• Menstrual contamination, where menstrual blood mixes with urine, giving the appearance of hematuria

Common Causes in Men

In men, blood in urine often comes from the male reproductive system. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer are big concerns. They can block and irritate the urinary tract. Other causes include:

• Prostatitis, an inflammation of the prostate gland that can cause hematuria
• Urethral stricture, a narrowing of the urethra that can lead to urinary tract issues
• Testicular or epididymal conditions, though less common, can also contribute to hematuria

Both men and women should see a doctor if they have blood in their urine. Finding out why early can help a lot.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Blood in Urine

It’s important to know when to see a doctor for blood in urine. This symptom can mean different things, some of which are serious. We’ll talk about when you should get medical help for hematuria.

Emergency Warning Signs

Some symptoms with blood in urine need quick medical help. These include:

• Severe pain: Pain in your abdomen, back, or while urinating could mean serious issues like kidney stones or infections.
• Heavy bleeding: If you’re losing a lot of blood or passing clots, you need to see a doctor right away.
• Fever and chills: These could mean a urinary tract infection that might have spread to your kidneys.
• Difficulty urinating: Trouble starting to pee or feeling like you can’t empty your bladder could be a sign of a blockage or serious problem.

Symptoms That Shouldn’t Be Ignored

Other symptoms with blood in urine also need medical attention. These include:

• Recurring hematuria: Seeing blood in your urine often means you should find out why.
• Changes in urination habits: More frequent, urgent, or weak urination are signs to watch.
• Unintended weight loss: Losing weight without trying could be a sign of a serious problem.
• Family history: If your family has kidney disease or cancer, watch for blood in your urine.

Knowing why you might be peeing blood and when to see a doctor is key. Don’t ignore these signs. If you’re experiencing any, see a healthcare professional right away.

Diagnostic Procedures for Hematuria

Hematuria diagnosis involves many tests, from simple urinalysis to complex imaging. When blood is found in the urine, doctors use various tests to find the cause. This ensures the right treatment is given.

Initial Tests and Examinations

The first steps in diagnosing hematuria include initial tests and exams. These steps are key to getting basic information about the condition.

• Urinalysis: This first step analyzes a urine sample for blood, protein, and other issues.
• Physical Examination: A doctor does a physical exam to look for signs of infection or injury.
• Medical History: A detailed medical history is taken to find out if past conditions or medicines might be causing the blood in the urine.

Advanced Diagnostic Procedures

If initial tests show the need for more, advanced procedures are used. These help find the exact cause of hematuria.

Some advanced procedures include:

• Imaging Tests: CT scans, ultrasound, or MRI help see the urinary tract and find problems like stones or tumors.
• Cystoscopy: A small camera is used to look inside the bladder for any issues.
• Ureteroscopy: This is like cystoscopy but looks at the ureters and kidneys.

Diagnostic Procedure	Purpose	Common Findings
Urinalysis	Detects blood, protein, and other abnormalities in urine	Hematuria, proteinuria
Imaging Tests (CT, Ultrasound, MRI)	Visualizes the urinary tract for abnormalities	Stones, tumors, structural issues
Cystoscopy	Inspects the bladder interior	Bladder stones, tumors, inflammation

These diagnostic steps help doctors accurately find the cause of hematuria. They then create a treatment plan.

Treatment Options for Blood in Urine

Understanding the cause of blood in urine is key to treating it. Causes can range from infections to serious conditions. The treatment plan is made to match the specific cause, ensuring it’s effective and right for the patient.

Addressing the Underlying Cause

The first step is to find and treat the cause of hematuria. This might mean antibiotics for infections or surgery for kidney stones. It’s about fixing the root problem.

For example, a urinary tract infection (UTI) is treated with antibiotics. Kidney stones might need pain relief, hydration, and sometimes surgery to remove or break them up.

“The key to effective treatment of hematuria lies in accurately diagnosing its cause and tailoring the treatment plan according to it.”

Lifestyle Modifications and Home Remedies

Medical treatment isn’t the only answer. Lifestyle changes and home remedies can also help. Drinking plenty of water is important to flush out the system. It helps prevent stones by reducing mineral concentration.

Changing your diet can also help. Eating less salt can lower the risk of stones. Avoiding foods that irritate the bladder can also ease symptoms.

Lifestyle Modification	Benefit
Increased Hydration	Flushes out urinary system, reduces mineral concentration
Reduced Salt Intake	Decreases risk of kidney stone formation
Avoiding Irritating Foods	Alleviates bladder irritation and symptoms

Working with your healthcare provider is vital to find the best treatment. Combining medical care with lifestyle changes can help manage hematuria. This approach can also lower the chance of future episodes.

Conclusion: Managing Concerns About Blood in Urine

Understanding hematuria and its causes is key to managing concerns about it. We’ve looked at blood in urine from different angles. Knowing the possible reasons helps people seek medical help when needed.

Managing hematuria means knowing when to see a doctor. Some blood in urine might clear up by itself. But others could mean a serious health issue. It’s important to get a doctor’s opinion to find out what’s going on.

For women, knowing about blood in urine is even more important. Some health issues are more common in women. We want to help people understand and manage hematuria. This way, we can ease their worries and make sure they get the right care.

In short, while blood in urine might clear up by itself, it’s always best to check with a doctor. This way, you can make sure there’s no hidden health problem. Taking care of hematuria is important for your health and happiness.

FAQ

References

National Health Service (NHS). What Does Blood in Urine Look Like and. Retrieved from