Noticing blood in your urine can be alarming and for good reason. While its not always serious, hematuria (the medical term for blood in urine) can be a warning sign of an underlying problem in the urinary system that needs medical attention.
In this blog, well break down:
- What causes blood in the urine
- The different types of hematuria
- When it’s indicative of something serious
And when to seek the advice of a urologist like Dr. Rajesh Dhake
What Is Hematuria?
Hematuria is the presence of red blood cells in the urine. There are two types:
1. Gross Hematuria
- Blood is visible in the urine pink, red, or cola-colored.
- You may also notice clots or experience pain.
2. Microscopic Hematuria
- Blood is not seen with the naked eye.
- Seen only with the aid of a urine test.
Even if you can’t see it, microscopic hematuria is equally serious and not to be ignored.
Common Causes of Blood in Urine
There are numerous reasons why you may have hematuria some harmless, others in need of urgent treatment.
1. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
- Burning during urination, urgency, and cloudy urine are typical.
- Infections cause inflammation of the bladder or urethra, leading to bleeding.
2. Kidney Stones
- Severe pain in the back or abdomen
- Scratches and irritates the lining of the urinary tract.
3. Enlarged Prostate (BPH)
Prevalent among older men, an enlarged prostate can compress the bladder and lead to leakage of blood.
4. Bladder or Kidney Infections
- Fever and pain usually accompany these.
- Treatable with antibiotics and careful monitoring.
5. Vigorous Exercise
- Also referred to as “jogger’s hematuria.”
- Transitory and harmless, but needs to be eliminated properly.
6. Cancer
- Cancer of the bladder, kidney, or prostate can also have blood in the urine as a symptom.
- Particularly if you’re over 50, smoke, or have a history of cancer in your family.
7. Trauma or Injury
” Any blunt trauma to the kidney, bladder, or pelvis can cause bleeding in urine.
8. Medication
” Anti-coagulant medications such as aspirin or warfarin can cause or aggravate bleeding.
When Should You Be Concerned?
Consult a urologist at once if:
- You notice blood in your urine repeatedly
- You have pain or burning during urination
- You are experiencing fever, chills, or back pain
- You are more than 40 years old
- You have a history of kidney or bladder cancer in your family
- You have experienced recent trauma or an accident
Even when the bleeding stops by itself, never think it’s nothing. Delayed diagnosis can let severe ailments such as bladder cancer or kidney disease remain undetected.
How Is Hematuria Diagnosed?
At Dr. Rajesh Dhake’s urology clinic, a step-by-step process is adopted to determine the cause:
1. Urine Analysis To test for infection, red blood cells, and protein
2. Urine Culture To test for bacteria
3. Ultrasound or CT Scan To determine stones, tumors, or structural issues
4. Cystoscopy A tiny camera inserted into the bladder to examine its lining
5. Blood Tests To measure kidney function and exclude systemic diseases
Treatment Options
Treatment varies with the underlying cause, and can involve:
- Antibiotics For UTIs or bladder infection
- Alpha-blockers For prostate-associated bleeding
- Stone removal surgery Such as laser lithotripsy
- Cystoscopic procedures To remove bladder tumors or to cauterize oozing blood vessels
- Cancer therapy If malignancy is diagnosed
Dr. Rajesh Dhake provides state-of-the-art diagnostic services and minimally invasive treatments for all the causes of hematuria.
Can Hematuria Be Prevented?
Though not all causes can be prevented, you can lower the risk of:
” Keeping yourself hydrated
” Not smoking (particularly useful for bladder health)
” Safe hygiene to prevent UTIs
” Controlling blood pressure and diabetes
” Protective gear during sporting activities to avoid trauma
Need Help with Hematuria?
If youve noticed blood in your urine, its time to consult a specialist.
Dr. Rajesh Dhake, a prominent urologist of Pune, offers holistic treatment for kidney, bladder, and prostate conditions.
