Blood in urine (haematuria) can be a sign of infections, kidney stones, injury, or sometimes serious kidney or bladder conditions, even if the urine looks normal.
Seeing blood in the urine can be scary. Your urine may appear pink, red, or brown, or a routine test may detect blood even when there are no visible changes. This condition is known as haematuria, which means the presence of blood in the urine.
Blood in the urine is more common than many people realise and does not always cause a noticeable colour change. Sometimes, only a very small amount of blood is present and can be identified only through a urine test performed by a healthcare professional.
Blood in the urine means that red blood cells are present in your urine. This condition is also called haematuria. Blood may come from any part of the urinary system, such as:
So, why does blood come in the urine?
It usually means there is some irritation, infection, injury, or disease in the urinary system. Sometimes the reason is small, like a urine infection. But it can be linked to kidney or bladder problems. So, don’t ignore the symptoms.
There are two main types of blood in the urine.
This means you can clearly see blood in your urine. The urine colour may appear:
This means you cannot see blood in your urine, but it is present. In this case, the urine looks normal, but blood is detected in the urine.
There are several possible causes, most of which are not life-threatening if treated on time.
UTI is one of the most common reasons for blood in the urine, especially in women. Bacteria infect the bladder or urine tube, causing irritation and bleeding. Symptoms of blood in the urine with a UTI may include:
Stones are hard deposits formed from minerals. When they move, they can scratch the lining of the urinary tract and cause bleeding. Pain is usually severe and sudden, often felt in the side or lower back.
Very intense exercise, like long-distance running, can sometimes cause temporary blood in the urine. This usually settles on its own after rest.
Some medicines, such as blood thinners or painkillers taken for long periods, can cause blood in the urine.
An injury to the lower back, stomach, or urinary organs can lead to bleeding in the urine.
Female patients may experience blood in the urine due to:
Women are more prone to UTIs because of their body structure, which makes infections easier.
Male patients may notice blood in the urine due to:
In men over 50, prostate-related conditions are a common cause.
Blood in the urine during pregnancy can be worrying, but it does not always indicate danger. Common reasons include:
Pregnant women should never ignore blood in the urine and must consult a doctor immediately to protect both the mother and the baby.
Sometimes, blood in urine indicates a serious health issue. These cases need urgent medical care.
1. Kidney Disease: Diseases affecting the kidneys can cause ongoing blood in the urine along with swelling in the legs or face.
2. Bladder or Kidney Cancer: Though less common, painless blood in urine can be an early sign of cancer, especially in older adults or smokers.
3. Severe Kidney Infection: This can cause blood in urine along with fever, chills, and back pain. Immediate treatment is needed.
4. Inherited Conditions: Some people are born with kidney disorders that cause repeated blood in urine.
You should act fast and see a doctor immediately if blood in urine comes with:
Even if the blood appears only once, it is safer to get it checked.
Doctors usually start with:
The treatment depends on the cause. Infections need medicines, stones may need procedures, and serious conditions require specialist care.
Seeing blood in the urine is alarming, but panic is not the solution. Many causes are simple and can be treated easily if caught early. The most important thing is not to ignore it.
Whether it is blood in urine in female patients, blood in urine in male patients, or blood in urine during pregnancy, timely medical advice can prevent serious problems.
Listen to your body. If something feels wrong, consult a doctor. Early action can protect your health and bring peace of mind.
Blood in urine means there is a problem or irritation somewhere in the urinary system, such as the kidneys or bladder.
It can be caused by infections, stones, injuries, medicines, or, in some cases, more serious kidney or bladder problems.
Visible blood can be seen with the eyes, while microscopic blood is found only during a urine test.
Urine infections, kidney or bladder stones, heavy exercise, certain medicines, and injuries are common causes.
Blood may appear with burning during urination, frequent urination, pain in the lower abdomen, or back pain.
Urine infections, kidney stones, menopause-related changes, or vaginal bleeding mixing with urine are common reasons.
Prostate problems, urinary infections, and kidney or bladder stones are common causes, especially in older men.
It can be caused by infection or pressure on the bladder, but it should always be checked by a doctor immediately.
Kidney disease, severe infections, inherited kidney problems, and cancers of the kidney or bladder can cause blood in urine.
See a doctor immediately if blood in the urine comes with severe pain, fever, clots, weakness, occurs during pregnancy, or keeps returning.
Doctors usually do a urine test, a blood test, and sometimes an ultrasound or scan to find the cause.
Written and Verified by:
Senior Consultant Nephrologist & Kidney Transplant Physician Exp: 19 Yr
Renal Sciences
Dr. Sunil Kumar is a Senior Consultant Nephrologist & Kidney Transplant Physician at CMRI, Kolkata, with over 18 years of experience. He specializes in kidney transplantation, dialysis, and the management of chronic kidney diseases.
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