Blood in the Urine

Blood in the Urine

Noticing blood in your urine can be alarming, but it's important to stay calm and seek medical attention. This article will help you understand the symptoms, what to expect during a medical appointment, and potential diagnoses associated with blood in urine.

Understanding blood in the urine

Blood in urine, medically known as hematuria, can appear in two forms:

  1. Gross hematuria: Visible blood that turns urine pink, red, or cola-colored.
  2. Microscopic hematuria: Blood cells only detectable under a microscope.

Symptoms to watch for

While blood in urine is the primary symptom, you may also experience:

  • Painful urination
  • Increased frequency or urgency to urinate
  • Lower back or abdominal pain
  • Fever and chills (if infection is present)

Important:

If you notice blood in your urine, even if it only happens once, get in touch with us immediately.

What to expect at your appointment

During your visit, I will:

  1. Take a detailed medical history – looking into your symptoms, family history, smoking history, sexual history etc.
  2. Perform a physical examination to include an examination of your abdomen and genital areas and this could include a pelvic examination in women or a prostate examination in men.
  3. Request a urine sample for analysis.
  4. Possibly order additional tests, such as:
    • Blood tests
    • Imaging studies (CT scan, ultrasound)
    • Cystoscopy (a procedure to examine the bladder and urethra)

Be prepared to discuss your symptoms in detail, including when you first noticed the blood, any associated pain, and how frequently it occurs.

Potential diagnoses

I may discuss several possible causes for blood in urine, including:

  1. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): A common cause, often accompanied by pain and frequent urination.
  2. Kidney or Bladder Stones: These can cause sharp pain and visible blood in urine.
  3. Enlarged Prostate: In men, this can cause urinary symptoms including blood in urine.
  4. Kidney Disease: Conditions like glomerulonephritis can cause microscopic blood in urine.
  5. Cancer: While less common, bladder, kidney, or prostate cancer can cause blood in urine and may need to be ruled out.
  6. Medications: Certain drugs, including blood thinners and some antibiotics, can cause hematuria.
  7. Strenuous Exercise: Intense physical activity can sometimes lead to blood in urine.
  8. Kidney Injury: A blow or injury to the kidneys can result in hematuria.

Remember, while blood in urine can be concerning, many causes are treatable. I will work with you to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment to ensure you understand your condition and the next steps in your care.