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What's the Big Deal About Blood in Your Pee?
Published: Sep 04, 2024
Finding blood in your urine can be alarming, but it's not always serious. However, it's important to understand what it could mean and when to see a doctor.
What Exactly is Hematuria?
Hematuria is the medical term for blood in urine. There are two types: gross hematuria, which you can see with the naked eye, and microscopic hematuria, which is only visible under a microscope. Gross hematuria can make your pee look red, pink, or cola-colored. Microscopic hematuria is usually found during routine urine tests.
What Causes Blood in Urine?
There are many potential causes of hematuria, ranging from harmless to serious. Common causes include urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and in older adults, enlarged prostate or bladder cancer. Vigorous exercise can sometimes cause temporary hematuria. In some cases, certain foods like beets or medications can make urine look red without actual blood being present.
When Should You Worry?
While blood in urine isn't always serious, it's important to get it checked out. See a doctor immediately if you have visible blood in your urine, especially if accompanied by pain, fever, or difficulty urinating. Even if the blood is microscopic and found during a routine test, follow up with your doctor. They may recommend further tests to determine the cause.
How is Hematuria Diagnosed?
Diagnosing the cause of hematuria usually involves several steps. Your doctor will likely start with a urine test to confirm the presence of blood and check for infection. They may also order imaging tests like CT scans or ultrasounds to look at your kidneys and bladder. In some cases, a cystoscopy (a procedure to look inside the bladder) may be necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, microscopic hematuria is only detectable through testing.
Yes, vigorous exercise can sometimes cause temporary hematuria.
No, there are many non-cancerous causes of hematuria.
Yes, foods like beets can sometimes make urine appear red.
Follow your doctor's recommendations for routine check-ups.
The Bottom Line
While blood in urine can be concerning, remember that many causes are treatable and not all are serious.
References
- Barocas DA, Boorjian SA, Alvarez RD, et al. Microhematuria: AUA/SUFU Guideline. J Urol 2020; 204:778.
- Mariani AJ, Mariani MC, Macchioni C, et al. The significance of adult hematuria: 1,000 hematuria evaluations including a risk-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis. J Urol 1989; 141:350.
- Loo RK, Lieberman SF, Slezak JM, et al. Stratifying risk of urinary tract malignant tumors in patients with asymptomatic microscopic hematuria. Mayo Clin Proc 2013; 88:129.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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