OVERVIEW
Blood in the urine can either be gross (visual to the naked eye) or microscopic (visual under the microscope).
Symptoms
Oftentimes blood in the urine is painless, but you may experience the following symptoms:
- Burning with urination
- Urinary frequency or urgency
- Lower abdominal discomfort or back pain
Causes
While there are many different causes for blood in the urine, it is most commonly due to one of the following: urinary tract infection, inflammation, kidney stones, enlarged prostate, kidney cancer or bladder cancer.
Diagnosis/Evaluation
- What to know before your visit:
- During your visit your doctor will ask you questions regarding your medical history and will perform an exam with focused attention on the abdomen, genitalia, and potentially a rectal exam (for male patients). Information regarding stone history, infection history, cancer history and smoking history will also be discussed.
- Tests that may be performed during or after your visit:
- Urinalysis: This evaluates for any blood in the urine or infection
- Post-void residual: The physician will often ask you to void and then check to make sure you are emptying your bladder
- Cystoscopy: This is a procedure performed in the office where the physician inserts a small scope into the urethra to evaluate the urethra, prostate (for males) and bladder
- Imaging: This will be either a CT scan, MRI scan or ultrasound depending on your history and kidney function. These tests allow us to evaluate the urinary tract.
- Labs: Urine culture and cytology may be obtained. A urine cytology evaluates the urine cells for evidence of cancer on a microscopic level. Blood work to assess kidney function may also be obtained.
Treatment
If you notice blood in the urine, increase your hydration in order to dilute your urine. The majority of the time the bleeding will stop on its own. Your ultimate treatment will depend on the results of the work-up. If bleeding does not stop, patients may either need a urinary catheter or cystoscopy and fulguration to stop the source of bleeding.
Remember to call your provider if there are any blood clots, bleeding does not improve with hydration, or you have difficulty urinating.
Schedule an appointment with a MidLantic Urology physician near you today!