Blood in Urine – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Blood in urine, known as hematuria, can be concerning but isn’t always serious. This condition comes in two forms: gross hematuria (visible blood) and microscopic hematuria (blood only detectable under a microscope).
Although the sight of blood can be startling, numerous instances have benign explanations. However, hematuria can sometimes indicate a serious health problem.
That’s why it’s important to identify the underlying cause rather than ignore this symptom. Each treatment approach is tailored specifically to address whatever is causing the bleeding.
Signs of Blood in Urine
Blood in urine may appear pink, red, or brown like cola. Even a small amount of red blood cells can change the color of urine.
Many people don’t feel pain when this happens, but passing blood clots through the urinary tract can cause discomfort.
When to Get Medical Help
Contact your doctor right away if you notice red or pink urine. Don’t wait to see if it goes away on its own.
Remember that red-colored urine isn’t always due to blood. Some medications like phenazopyridine (which treats urinary discomfort) can turn urine red. Certain foods such as beets and rhubarb might also cause this color change.
It’s often difficult to tell just by looking whether the color comes from blood or something else. For this reason, it’s always best to have a healthcare provider examine you to determine the exact cause of the unusual urine color.
Causes
Blood in urine happens when blood cells leak into the urinary system. This can occur for many different reasons.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) often cause visible blood in urine. When bacteria enter the urethra and multiply in the bladder, they can damage tissue and cause bleeding. This makes urine appear red, pink, or brown.
People with UTIs typically experience:
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Burning pain during urination
- Strong-smelling urine
Kidney Infections
Kidney infections are serious UTIs that affect the kidneys. Bacteria can reach the kidneys through the bloodstream or by traveling up from the bladder through the ureters.
These infections share symptoms with other UTIs but often include fever and pain in the back, side, or groin area.
Stones in the urinary system form when minerals in urine crystallize into hard deposits in the kidneys or bladder. While sometimes painless, these stones can cause intense pain if they block urine flow or move through the urinary tract.
They commonly cause blood in urine that may be visible or only detectable through testing.
Prostate Issues
Prostate issues can lead to urinary bleeding in men. The prostate gland sits just below the bladder and naturally enlarges with age. This enlargement puts pressure on the urethra, partially blocking urine flow.
Both an enlarged prostate and prostate infections (prostatitis) can cause:
- Difficulty urinating
- Urgent need to urinate
- Blood in urine
Kidney Disease
Kidney disease, particularly glomerulonephritis, occurs when tiny kidney filters become inflamed. This inflammation often causes microscopic bleeding that can only be detected through laboratory testing.
This condition may develop independently or as part of broader health issues like diabetes.
Cancer
Cancer affecting the kidneys, bladder, or prostate can cause visible blood in urine, especially in advanced stages. Unfortunately, these cancers often produce few early symptoms when treatment might be more effective.
Genetic Conditions
Genetic conditions can sometimes lead to urinary bleeding. Sickle cell anemia affects red blood cells and may cause blood to appear in urine. Alport syndrome damages small blood vessels in the kidneys, which can also result in urinary bleeding.
Physical Trauma
Physical trauma to the kidneys from accidents or contact sports can damage these organs and cause blood to leak into urine.
Medications
Medications linked to urinary bleeding include:
- Cancer treatment drug cyclophosphamide
- Some antibiotics, like penicillin
- Blood-thinning medications, such as heparin
- Anti-platelet drugs, including aspirin
Intense Exercise
Intense exercise sometimes causes temporary blood in the urine. This occurs most commonly after:
- Contact sports (possibly due to bladder trauma)
- Endurance activities like marathon running (causes less understood)
Exercise-related urinary bleeding typically resolves within a week. However, you should never assume blood in urine is simply from exercise – always consult a healthcare provider.
In many cases, the exact cause of blood in urine remains unknown despite thorough testing.
Risk Factors
Red blood cells in urine can affect almost anyone, including children and teens. Several factors may increase your chance of developing this condition:
Age-Related Factors
- Middle-aged and older men face higher risk due to enlarged prostate glands
- Cancer risks that can cause blood in urine increase after age 50
Medical Conditions
- Urinary tract infections rank among the most common causes in children
- Family history of kidney disease may increase your risk
Medication Influence
Some medications can raise your chances of finding blood in urine:
- Pain relievers
- Blood thinners
- Certain antibiotics
Physical Activity
Intense exercise sometimes triggers this condition, especially:
- Marathon running (sometimes called “marathon runner’s hematuria”)
- Contact sports that involve physical impacts
The presence of blood in urine doesn’t always indicate a serious problem.
For children, urinary tract infections represent a primary reason for visible blood in urine. Parents should watch for other symptoms like frequent urination, burning sensations, or fever.
Men over 50 should be particularly aware of this symptom as it may relate to prostate enlargement, which becomes increasingly common with age. This natural growth of the prostate can press against the urethra and bladder, sometimes causing bleeding.
Family medical history plays an important role in your risk assessment. If your parents, siblings, or other close relatives have experienced kidney disease, you may have a higher chance of developing conditions that cause blood in urine.
Your medication regimen might contribute to this symptom. Blood thinners naturally increase bleeding risks throughout the body, including the urinary tract. Some antibiotics and pain medications can irritate the bladder lining or affect kidney function.
Athletes should be aware that intense physical activity sometimes causes temporary bleeding. This happens due to bladder trauma during high-impact activities or through the breakdown of red blood cells during prolonged exercise.
