Blood in Urine
(Hematuria)

Visible vs. Invisible Blood in Urine

Blood in urine (hematuria) comes in two forms: microscopic (invisible to the naked eye), or gross (visible blood in urine). In order to detect microscopic hematuria, only a urinalysis will work. Gross hematuria is plainly visible in urine or during urination due to discolored urine. Both types are a result of a leak of blood cells into the urinary tract.

Hematuria, both gross and microscopic, is often associated with not having symptoms. However, sometimes symptoms can occur.

Possible Symptoms

  • Abdominal or flank pain
  • Frequent and/or painful urination
  • Decreased urinary stream
  • Frequent urination
  • Fever

Causes

The potential causes of hematuria, both microscopic or gross, vary in range – from harmless and non-significant, to potentially serious.

Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) occur when bacteria enters the body through the urethra and begin to multiply in the bladder. Symptoms can include a persistent urge to urinate, pain and burning while urinating, and unusually strong-smelling urine. Some UTIs are related to, or a result of, blood in urine.

Urinary Tract Cancer
This is the most serious cause of blood in urine. Cancer of the urinary tract may cause gross (visible) bleeding in the urine, whether from cancer in the kidney, ureter, bladder and urethra, or prostate.

Bladder or Kidney Stones
The minerals in concentrated urine sometimes precipitate out, which can form crystals on the walls of the kidneys or bladder. Over time, the crystals may become small, hard stones. The stones are sometimes silent and painless, but if they begin to move and cause blockage, they can cause excruciating pain. At that point, the source of the blood in the urine is clear. Kidney stones are capable of causing pain that is comparable to that of childbirth. Bladder or kidney stones can cause both gross and microscopic bleeding.

Enlarged Prostate
The prostate gland, which is located just below the bladder and surrounds the top part of the urethra, typically begins growing as men approach middle age. When the gland enlarges, it can press down upon the urethra, partially blocking urine flow. Enlarged prostates are more prone to bleeding.

Kidney Infection
A kidney infection (pyelonephritis) can occur when bacteria enters the kidneys from your bloodstream, or when bacteria moves up from the ureters to the kidney (or kidneys). Signs and symptoms of a kidney infection are often similar to bladder infections, although kidney infections are more likely to cause fever and flank pain.

Kidney Disease
Microscopic (invisible) urinary bleeding is a common symptom of glomerulonephritis, which causes an inflammation of the kidney’s filtering system.

Kidney Injury
An external injury or blow to the kidneys from an accident or contact sport can be a potential cause of blood in urine.

Medications
The anti-cancer drug cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) has known to cause urinary bleeding. Gross urinary blood sometimes occurs if the patient takes an anticoagulant, such as aspirin or the blood thinner heparin, in conjunction with a condition that causes your bladder to bleed.

Strenuous Exercise
Although it is uncommon, hematuria may be linked to bladder trauma, dehydration, or the breakdown of red blood cells that occurs during sustained aerobic exercise. Although almost any athlete can develop visible urinary bleeding after an intense workout, runners are affected the most.

Diagnosis

In order to determine the cause of your Hematuria, your Urologist may run the following tests:

 

  • A physical exam: This includes a discussion of your medical history as well as your family’s medical history.
  • Urine test: also known as a urinalysis, this test will check to see if your urine still contains red blood cells. Urine testing can also check for UTI’s or possible Kidney Stones.
  • Imaging testing: This may be a CT scan or MRI.
  • Cystoscopy: This is when a small fiberoptic camera is inserted into the bladder to ensure that there are no tumors or stones.

Treatment Options

Based on the results of the diagnosis, your Urology Specialist can then begin to treat your Hematuria. Treatment can vary based on the underlying cause of hematuria. The standard diagnosis process for hematuria usually involves an imaging test (ultrasound or CT scan) along with performing a cystoscopy.

When to Visit Your Urology Specialist

If you have seen blood in your urine, or if it has been detected microscopically by your primary care provider, it is urgent for you to see a urologist to determine the underlying cause of your hematuria. Need more information? Get in touch with us today.