Last Updated on December 3, 2025 by Ugurkan Demir

Seeing blood clots in urine is scary for anyone. It’s a common symptom but needs quick medical help if you see clots. At Liv Hospital, we focus on you, giving detailed checks and caring support.

Knowing why you might see urinating blood clots helps you get help fast. Clotted blood in urine can mean problems like infections, stones, or injuries. Sometimes, it’s a sign of something more serious.

Key Takeaways

• Presence of blood clots in urine requires immediate medical attention.
• Causes can include urinary tract infections, stones, or injuries.
• Rarely, it can be a sign of a more serious condition.
• Timely diagnosis and treatment are key for good care.
• A patient-centered approach ensures detailed checks and caring support.

Understanding Hematuria: Blood in Urine Explained

Blood in the urine, known as hematuria, is common. It can be a sign of many health issues, from simple to serious.

What Is Hematuria?

Hematuria means blood cells in the urine. It can be seen or not seen. We’ll look at the different types and what they mean.

Not all blood in urine is visible. When it is, urine might look pink, red, or brown. The blood can be there all the time or sometimes. It might also cause abdominal pain or stomach pains.

Gross vs. Microscopic Hematuria

Hematuria comes in two forms: gross and microscopic.

• Gross Hematuria: This is when you can see the blood. Urine might look pink, red, or brown.
• Microscopic Hematuria: Here, the blood is not visible. It’s found through tests like urinalysis.

Both types can point to health problems. These include infections, kidney stones, or issues with the urinary tract.

Prevalence and Risk Factors in Men

Hematuria affects up to 30% of adults at some point. In men, it’s linked to age, smoking, and chemical exposure.

Peeing Blood Clots Male: What You Need to Know

Peeing blood clots can be a sign of an underlying condition that needs medical evaluation. When men experience blood clots in their urine, it’s natural to feel concerned. We will explore the formation, appearance, and implications of urinary blood clots in males.

How Blood Clots Form in the Urinary Tract

Blood clots in the urinary tract form when there is bleeding into the urinary system. This bleeding can be due to various reasons such as infections, injuries, or conditions like kidney stones or tumors. The blood mixes with urine and can form clots, which are then expelled during urination.

The process of clot formation involves the body’s natural response to injury, where platelets and clotting factors come together to stop the bleeding. When this occurs in the urinary tract, it can lead to the presence of clots in the urine.

Appearance and Characteristics of Urinary Blood Clots

Urinary blood clots can vary in appearance. They are often red or brownish and can be stringy or worm-like. The size and shape can provide clues about their origin within the urinary tract.

For instance, larger clots may indicate bleeding from higher up in the urinary tract, such as the kidneys or upper ureters. Smaller, more irregular clots might suggest a lower urinary tract source, like the bladder or urethra.

Male-Specific Anatomical Considerations

Male anatomy plays a significant role in understanding urinary blood clots. The prostate gland, for example, can be a source of bleeding if it becomes enlarged or inflamed. Conditions like prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can lead to hematuria (blood in urine) and potentially clot formation.

The urethra’s passage through the prostate and the presence of conditions like urethral strictures also contribute to the complexity of male urinary health.

Worm-like Clots and Their Significance

Worm-like clots are noteworthy as they can indicate a significant underlying condition. These clots form when blood passes through the urinary tract and takes on a shape conforming to the ureters or other narrow passages.

The presence of such clots often necessitates a thorough medical evaluation to determine their cause and appropriate treatment.

Common Causes of Blood Clots in Male Urine

Men can get blood clots in their urine from many things. This includes infections, kidney stones, and problems with the prostate. Knowing what causes these clots is key to finding the right treatment.

Urinary Tract Infections in Men

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a big reason for blood in the urine in men. These happen when bacteria get into the urinary tract and cause inflammation. This can lead to bleeding. Symptoms include pain while urinating, needing to go often, and stomach pain.

If not treated, UTIs can cause serious problems like kidney damage.

Kidney and Bladder Stones

Kidney and bladder stones are another big cause of blood clots in urine. These stones can hurt the lining of the urinary tract, causing bleeding. They can also cause UTIs, making the risk of bleeding higher. Symptoms include sharp pain, nausea, and trouble urinating.

Enlarged Prostate (BPH)

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate, is common in older men. It can cause urinary symptoms, including blood in the urine. The enlarged gland can irritate the bladder and urethra, leading to bleeding. Treatment for BPH can help reduce these symptoms.

Prostatitis and Other Prostate Conditions

Prostatitis, or inflammation of the prostate, can also cause blood clots in urine. This can be either acute or chronic and may come from infection or other reasons. Other prostate issues, like prostate cancer, can also cause bleeding. Men with urinary blood clots need a full medical check-up to find out why.

Less Common Causes of Urinary Blood Clots

There are many reasons why men might find blood clots in their urine. While many know the usual causes, there are others that are just as important to know.

Trauma and Injuries to the Urinary Tract

Getting hurt in the urinary tract can cause bleeding and blood clots. This can happen from accidents, sports injuries, or medical procedures. The injury can damage blood vessels, leading to blood in the urine.

Examples of trauma include:

• Sports injuries, like those in contact sports
• Car accidents or other high-impact collisions
• Falls from a significant height
• Medical procedures, such as surgery or catheterization

Medications and Blood Thinners

Some medicines can make bleeding more likely, leading to blood clots in the urine. Blood thinners, like anticoagulants, are often to blame. They’re meant to prevent blood clots but can sometimes cause bleeding in the urinary tract.

Talk to your doctor about any medicines you’re taking if you notice blood in your urine. They can figure out if the medicine is causing the problem.

Strenuous Exercise and Athletic Hematuria

Doing a lot of intense exercise, like long-distance running, can cause blood in the urine. This is known as athletic hematuria. It’s more common in endurance sports.

The exact reason for athletic hematuria isn’t known. But it’s thought to be because of the repeated jarring of the bladder and other factors.

Rare Inherited Disorders

Sometimes, rare inherited conditions can cause blood clots in the urine. Conditions like sickle cell disease or hemophilia can make bleeding in the urinary tract more likely.

These conditions are usually found early in life. But they can have big effects on urinary health.

Serious Conditions Associated with Blood Clots in Urine

Blood clots in urine can signal serious health issues that need quick medical help. Men with clots in their urine should get checked fast. This helps find the cause and treat it right away.

Kidney Disease and Glomerulonephritis

Kidney disease and glomerulonephritis can cause blood clots in urine. Kidney disease affects how the kidneys work, leading to blood in the urine. Glomerulonephritis, which inflames the kidneys’ tiny filters, also causes blood clots.

Signs of these conditions include:

• Swelling in the face, legs, or hands
• Changes in urination patterns
• High blood pressure

Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is a serious issue linked to blood clots in urine. A main symptom is blood in the urine. Risk factors include smoking, chemical exposure, and chronic bladder infections.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer can also lead to blood clots in urine. As it grows, it can block urine flow, causing bleeding and clotting. Early screening and detection are key to managing it well.

Kidney Cancer and Other Urinary Tract Malignancies

Kidney cancer and other urinary tract cancers can also cause blood clots. These cancers can damage the urinary tract lining, leading to bleeding. Symptoms include flank pain, weight loss, and fatigue.

Knowing the causes of blood clots in urine is vital for quick diagnosis and treatment. Here’s a table of serious conditions linked to blood clots in urine:

Men with blood clots in their urine need to see a doctor fast. This helps find the cause and get the right treatment. Early action can greatly improve outcomes for these serious conditions.

Stomach Pain and Blood in Urine: Understanding the Connection

Stomach pain and blood in urine are signs of a serious issue. They often mean you need to see a doctor. We’ll look at the different kinds of stomach pain and what might cause them.

Types of Abdominal Pain and Their Significance

Abdominal pain can be different, each hinting at a unique problem. The pain’s type, how strong it is, and where it is can help doctors figure out what’s wrong.

• Sharp, stabbing pain: Often linked to kidney stones or sudden problems.
• Dull, aching pain: May point to infections or inflammation.
• Cramping pain: Can be due to issues with the urinary tract or nearby areas.

Dull Lower Abdominal Pain and Bladder Infections

Dull pain in the lower abdomen and blood in urine might mean a bladder infection. These happen when bacteria get into the urinary tract, causing inflammation and blood in the urine.

Severe Flank Pain and Kidney Stones

Severe pain in the flank area, spreading to the lower abdomen, is a sign of kidney stones. A stone blocking the urinary tract can cause a lot of pain and blood in the urine.

Stomach Cramps with Hematuria: Possible Causes

Stomach cramps with blood in urine can be due to many things, like infections or kidney stones. Knowing the type of cramps and other symptoms is key to finding the cause.

Seeing a doctor is important if you have stomach pain and blood in urine. They can find out what’s wrong and how to treat it.

Blood in Urine at the End of Stream: What It Means

Terminal hematuria, or blood in urine at the end of the stream, is a symptom that needs exploration. This condition is characterized by the presence of blood in the urine, noticeable towards the end of urination. Understanding the causes and implications of terminal hematuria is key for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Terminal Hematuria Explained

Terminal hematuria refers to blood in the urine at the end of urination. It can indicate issues in the lower urinary tract. The blood may appear as clots or streaks, and its presence can vary.

It’s important to differentiate terminal hematuria from other types of hematuria. Each type can point to different causes.

Prostate-Related Causes

The prostate gland is a common source of issues related to terminal hematuria in men. Conditions like prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can cause bleeding. An enlarged prostate can irritate the urethra, leading to blood in the urine.

Prostate cancer is another, though less common, cause of terminal hematuria. While not as frequent as BPH or prostatitis, it’s a critical condition to consider when evaluating the cause of blood in the urine at the end of the stream.

Urethral Causes and Conditions

Urethral conditions can also lead to terminal hematuria. Urethral strictures or urethritis can cause bleeding. These conditions can result from infections, trauma, or other factors.

Urethral tumors, though rare, are another possible cause. While less common, they highlight the importance of thorough investigation when diagnosing the cause of terminal hematuria.

Differentiating from Initial and Total Hematuria

Understanding where the blood appears in urination is key for diagnosis. Initial hematuria might suggest a urethral issue. Total hematuria could indicate a more widespread problem within the urinary tract, such as kidney stones or bladder issues.

Terminal hematuria, on the other hand, often points to issues in the lower urinary tract, such as the prostate or urethra. Accurate differentiation among these types can guide healthcare providers toward the correct diagnosis and treatment plan.

Diagnostic Procedures for Blood Clots in Urine

When blood clots are found in urine, a detailed diagnostic approach is needed. We start by checking the patient’s symptoms and medical history. This helps us find the main cause.

Initial Evaluation and Physical Examination

First, we take a close look at the patient’s medical history and do a physical check-up. We look for signs like an enlarged prostate or tenderness in the abdomen. This helps us understand what might be causing the blood clots.

Urinalysis and Blood Tests

Urinalysis is key in diagnosing blood clots in urine. We check the urine for blood, infection, or other issues. Blood tests help us see how the kidneys are working and if there’s an infection or other problems.

Some important tests include:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC) to check for signs of infection or inflammation
• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine tests to assess kidney function
• Urine culture to identify bacterial infections

Imaging Studies: Ultrasound, CT, and MRI

Imaging studies are vital in finding the cause of blood clots in urine. We might use:

• Ultrasound to check the kidneys, bladder, and prostate for issues like stones or tumors.
• CT scans to see the urinary tract in detail and find problems like kidney stones or tumors.
• MRI to look at the urinary tract and surrounding areas closely.

These studies help us see the urinary tract and find the cause of the blood clots.

Cystoscopy and Specialized Urological Tests

In some cases, we do a cystoscopy to look inside the bladder and urethra. A flexible tube with a camera is used to find problems like tumors or stones.

We also do other tests to check how the urinary tract works and find any underlying issues that might be causing the blood clots.

By using all these tests, we can find the cause of blood clots in urine and plan the best treatment.

Treatment Options for Urinary Blood Clots

Blood clots in urine can be scary. It’s important to know how to treat them. The right treatment depends on finding and fixing the cause.

Treating Underlying Infections

Antibiotics are often used for infections causing blood clots. It’s key to finish all antibiotics as told by your doctor. This makes sure the infection goes away completely.

Managing Kidney Stones and Blockages

Kidney stones can hurt a lot and cause blood clots. Treatment might include pain meds, drinking lots of water, and sometimes surgery to take out the stone.

Addressing Prostate Conditions

Men with prostate issues like an enlarged prostate or prostatitis might need medicine. This can help shrink the prostate or fight infection. Sometimes, surgery is needed.

Surgical Interventions When Necessary

For serious problems like bladder or kidney cancer, surgery might be needed. This can be simple procedures or more complex surgeries.

Here’s a quick look at how to treat urinary blood clots:

It’s vital to know why you have urinary blood clots to choose the right treatment. We help patients find the best treatment for their specific issue.

When to See a Doctor vs. When to Seek Emergency Care

Dealing with blood clots in urine can be tricky. It’s important to know when to see a doctor and when to go to the emergency room. Blood clots can mean different things, like infections or even cancer.

Symptoms Requiring Prompt Medical Attention

If you see blood clots while urinating, watch your symptoms closely. Look out for persistent blood in urine, trouble peeing, and mild belly pain that won’t go away.

Also, blood in urine at the end of stream might mean a prostate issue or other urinary problems. These need to be checked by a doctor.

Warning Signs of Complete Urinary Blockage

A complete blockage is a serious emergency. Look for severe pain in your lower belly, trouble peeing, and other serious signs. If you see these, get help right away.

Severe Pain with Blood Clots: When to Go to the ER

Severe pain with blood clots is a big warning sign. Pain in your flank or stomach with blood in urine could mean kidney stones or other serious issues. You should go to the emergency room right away.

“Severe pain, with other symptoms like fever or nausea, is a sign your body needs urgent care.”

Signs of Infection or Sepsis

Infections can turn into sepsis, a serious and sometimes deadly condition. Watch for fever, chills, fast heart rate, and confusion. If you have these symptoms with clots in urine men or blood clot while urinating male, go to the emergency room fast.

Dealing with urinary issues can be scary. But knowing your symptoms and when to get help can help a lot. Always talk to doctors for advice and treatment.

What to Expect During Your Medical Visit

Knowing what happens during a medical visit for blood in urine can ease your worries. If you’re seeing blood clots in your urine, you might feel nervous. But understanding the process can help you feel more ready.

Questions Your Doctor May Ask

Your doctor will start by asking you questions to get a better understanding of your symptoms. They might ask when you first noticed the blood clots, if you’re feeling any pain, and if you’ve had any recent injuries or hard workouts. You’ll also need to share your medical history, including any past issues with blood in your urine.

It’s important to give detailed answers to your doctor’s questions. For example, they might ask about the color, size, and timing of the blood clots. They’ll also want to know if your urination habits have changed, like how often you go or if it’s harder to start or stop.

Common Tests and Procedures

After asking questions, your doctor will do a physical exam, checking your abdomen and genital area. Based on your symptoms and history, they might order tests to find out why you’re seeing blood clots in your urine.

• Urinalysis to check for infection, blood, or other abnormalities
• Blood tests to assess kidney function and check for signs of infection or inflammation
• Imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to visualize the urinary tract
• Cystoscopy, a procedure where a small camera is inserted into the urethra to examine the inside of the bladder

These tests help your doctor find out what’s causing your symptoms. It could be kidney stones, infections, or other issues with your urinary tract.

Preparing for Your Appointment

To get the most out of your visit, prepare ahead of time. Write down your symptoms, including when they happen and what might make them better or worse. Also, bring a list of your medications and any important medical records or test results.

Having a friend or family member with you can be helpful. They can offer support and help you remember what’s discussed during the visit.

Follow-up Care and Monitoring

After your visit and tests, your doctor will schedule a follow-up to talk about your results and treatment. Depending on what’s causing your symptoms, you might need medication, lifestyle changes, or more procedures.

If you’re diagnosed with something like kidney stones or an infection, your doctor will guide you on managing your symptoms and preventing future problems. It’s important to follow their advice and keep up with any follow-up appointments. This ensures your condition is properly monitored and treated.

Conclusion

Seeing blood clots in your urine can be scary. Knowing why it happens is important for men dealing with this. We looked at reasons like urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and prostate issues.

These problems can cause blood clots in urine. This might mean you need to see a doctor right away.

Seeing blood clots in your urine is a sign of a bigger issue. It could be from infections or even cancer. So, if you see blood clots, get medical help fast.

We talked about how doctors use tests like urinalysis and imaging to find the cause. Treatment depends on what’s causing the problem. It could be managing an infection or surgery for stones or prostate issues.

In short, blood clots in urine are concerning but knowing the reasons and getting checked out is key. If you’re seeing blood clots, talk to a doctor. They can help you get the right care.

FAQ

References

National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2025). Why Am I Peeing Blood Clots Causes and. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534213/