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What It Means

What Blood in Urine Means

Hematuria means that red blood cells are present in the urine. Blood in urine may make it look pink, red, or cola-colored, but the urine can also appear normal when the blood is found only through testing; this is sometimes called microscopic or occult blood in urine.

Where the blood may come from

Blood can enter anywhere along the urinary tract, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. Menstrual blood, vaginal bleeding, or bleeding from irritated skin can sometimes be mistaken for blood of urine, so a clinician may recommend a carefully collected sample. Even painless peeing blood should be assessed because causes range from infection or stones to conditions that need prompt investigation.

Emergency Warning Signs

Emergency Warning Signs

Get urgent help

Emergency symptoms

Seek emergency care for heavy or persistent bleeding, blood clots in urine that interfere with urination, inability to pass urine, severe flank or abdominal pain, fever with chills, fainting, marked weakness, or blood in urine after a significant injury. Pregnancy, blood-thinning medication, or known kidney disease lowers the threshold for urgent medical advice.

Possible Causes

Possible Causes of Blood in Urine

Possible causeClues that may occurTypical next step
Urinary tract infectionBurning, frequent urination, urgency, pelvic discomfort, or fever may occur.Urine testing and clinical assessment; treatment depends on the findings.
Kidney or bladder stonesSudden severe side, back, or groin pain, nausea, or waves of pain may occur.Prompt assessment, with imaging or other tests if needed.
Kidney inflammation or diseaseSwelling, high blood pressure, changes in urine, or abnormal kidney tests may occur.Medical review with urine and blood tests, and sometimes specialist care.
Prostate or urinary-tract conditionsDifficulty starting urine, a weak stream, urgency, or incomplete emptying may occur, especially in men.Assessment of urinary symptoms and examination or testing as appropriate.
Medicines or strenuous exerciseSome medicines or intense activity may be linked with temporary blood in urine.Review medicines and repeat testing or assessment rather than assuming the cause.
Urinary-tract cancersVisible or microscopic blood may occur with few or no other symptoms.Prompt clinical investigation based on age, risks, and test findings.

Burning urination, frequency, fever, or leukocytes and white blood cells in urine can support an infection but do not prove it. A test showing rbc in urine, wbc in urine, or occult blood in urine may need repeat testing or further evaluation, depending on the overall clinical picture.

Relief Tips

What You Can Do While Waiting for Advice

  • Arrange medical advice even if the bleeding is painless or stops.
  • Note the urine color, timing, amount, clots, pain, fever, and urinary changes.
  • Bring a list of medicines and mention recent exercise, injury, or possible menstrual or vaginal bleeding.
  • Drink normally unless a clinician has given you a fluid restriction.
  • Do not stop prescribed blood thinners or use leftover antibiotics without medical advice.

When to See a Doctor

When to See a Doctor

Any unexplained visible blood in urine, recurrent microscopic blood, or blood found on a urine test warrants medical review. This includes painless blood in urine in women or men. A clinician may repeat urinalysis, check for infection, review kidney function and medicines, and order imaging or specialist tests based on your age, risk factors, and findings.

When to seek same-day care

Seek same-day care for blood with fever or chills, significant pain, worsening urinary symptoms, pregnancy, a recent injury, or use of anticoagulants. Use emergency services for the severe symptoms described in the warning above, such as inability to urinate, fainting, or heavy bleeding.

Complications

Possible Complications

Heavy or prolonged bleeding can rarely lead to clots that obstruct urine flow or contribute to anemia. The more important risk is missing the kidney, urinary-tract, or systemic condition causing the bleeding.

  • Blood clots can block urine flow and cause severe pain or inability to urinate.
  • Substantial ongoing bleeding can contribute to weakness or anemia.
  • Delaying assessment can allow an underlying urinary-tract or kidney condition to progress.

Diseases & Conditions

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