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Beyond Cancer: Surprising Reasons You Might Have Blood in Your Urine
Published: Oct 15, 2023
While blood in urine can be alarming, there are many potential causes beyond serious conditions like cancer. Understanding these can help ease your mind and guide your conversation with your doctor.
Infections: A Common Culprit
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a frequent cause of blood in urine, especially in women. These infections can affect any part of your urinary system - kidneys, bladder, ureters, or urethra. Along with blood, you might experience burning when urinating, frequent urges to go, or cloudy urine. The good news? Most UTIs are easily treated with antibiotics.
Stones: Small But Mighty
Kidney stones or bladder stones can cause blood in urine. These hard deposits form from minerals in your urine. As they move through your urinary tract, they can scratch and irritate the lining, causing bleeding. Stones often cause severe pain, especially in your side or lower back. While passing a stone can be uncomfortable, most small stones will pass on their own with plenty of fluids.
Enlarged Prostate: A Man's Issue
For men, especially those over 50, an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH) can cause blood in urine. As the prostate grows, it can press on the urethra, causing urinary problems including blood in urine. Other symptoms might include difficulty starting urination, weak stream, or feeling like you haven't emptied your bladder completely. Various treatments are available, from medication to minimally invasive procedures.
Less Common Causes
Rarer causes of blood in urine include certain medications, strenuous exercise, or inherited disorders like sickle cell disease. In some cases, what looks like blood might not be blood at all - foods like beets or certain medications can turn urine red. Always check with your doctor to determine the true cause.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stress itself doesn't, but it can worsen conditions that do.
No, it can be painless, especially if due to certain conditions.
Severe dehydration can, but it's not a common cause.
Excessive alcohol use can irritate the bladder, potentially causing blood.
Some supplements, like vitamin B, can change urine color.
Don't Jump to Conclusions
While it's important to take blood in urine seriously, remember that many causes are treatable and not life-threatening.
References
- 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.
- Mohr DN, Offord KP, Owen RA, Melton LJ 3rd. Asymptomatic microhematuria and urologic disease. A population-based study. JAMA 1986; 256:224.
- Grossfeld GD, Litwin MS, Wolf JS, et al. Evaluation of asymptomatic microscopic hematuria in adults: the American Urological Association best practice policy--part I: definition, detection, prevalence, and etiology. Urology 2001; 57:599.
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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