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Contents
  • Types of Bloody Urine
  • Common Causes
  • When to See a Doctor
  • Diagnostic Tests

Blood in Your Pee? What It Might Mean and When to Worry

Blood in Your Pee? What It Might Mean and When to Worry

Red Flag Alert

Finding blood in your urine can be alarming. While it's not always serious, it's important to understand what it could mean for your health.
Contents
  • Types of Bloody Urine
  • Common Causes
  • When to See a Doctor
  • Diagnostic Tests

Types of Bloody Urine

Blood in urine, called hematuria, can be visible (gross hematuria) or microscopic (only detectable with lab tests). Visible blood can make urine pink, red, or cola-colored. Microscopic blood is invisible but can indicate underlying issues.

Common Causes

Urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and vigorous exercise are common culprits. More serious causes include kidney disease, bladder or kidney cancer, and blood disorders. In men, prostate problems can also cause blood in urine.
Hematuria refers to the presence of blood in urine, which can be visible or microscopic, and may indicate various underlying health conditions.

When to See a Doctor

Any amount of blood in your urine warrants medical attention. It's especially urgent if you have pain, fever, or difficulty urinating. Even if the bleeding stops, it's important to get checked to rule out serious conditions.

Diagnostic Tests

Your doctor may order urine tests, blood tests, or imaging studies like CT scans. In some cases, a cystoscopy (looking inside the bladder with a camera) may be needed. These tests help determine the source and cause of the bleeding.

FAQs

Can foods cause red urine?

Yes, beets and some berries can turn urine red.

Is blood in urine always visible?

No, microscopic blood requires lab tests to detect.

Can exercise cause bloody urine?

Yes, intense workouts can sometimes cause temporary hematuria.

Key Takeaway

While blood in urine can have benign causes, it should never be ignored as it may signal serious health issues.
Concerned about blood in your urine? Consult with Doctronic to determine if you need further evaluation.
Additional References
  1. Cohen RA, Brown RS. Microscopic hematuria. N Engl J Med. 2003;348(23):2330-2338.
  2. Grossfeld GD, et al. Evaluation of asymptomatic microscopic hematuria in adults. Am Fam Physician. 2001;63(6):1145-1155.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.