Seeing blood in your urine can be alarming. Seeing a blood clot can be even more concerning, especially when you don’t know why it’s happening.
A blood clot in urine can form when there’s enough bleeding in the urinary tract for some of the blood to collect before it leaves your body. You may see small strands or larger clots. Passing a clot can also hurt or make it harder to urinate.
There are several possible causes, from an infection to kidney stones. But because blood in the urine can also be a sign of a more serious problem, it’s important to find the cause.
Where Does a Blood Clot in Urine Come From?
Your kidneys make urine. It travels through tubes called ureters to your bladder and leaves your body through the urethra.
Bleeding can start anywhere along this path. In men, it can also come from the prostate.
Seeing a clot can give your urologist clues about where the bleeding started. Tests may be needed to find the exact cause.
What Can Cause Blood Clots in Urine?
Several conditions can cause enough bleeding to form a clot.
1. Urinary Tract Infection
A urinary tract infection (UTI) can irritate the urinary tract and cause bleeding.
Other symptoms may include:
- Burning when you urinate
- Needing to urinate more often
- A strong urge to urinate
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
If the infection reaches your kidneys, you may also have a fever or pain in your side or back.
2. Kidney or Bladder Stones
Kidney and bladder stones can irritate the urinary tract and cause bleeding.
Kidney stones often cause severe pain in the side or back that may move toward the lower belly or groin. Bladder stones may cause pain when you urinate or make it hard to empty your bladder.
3. An Enlarged Prostate
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is common as men get older. An enlarged prostate can affect urine flow, and blood vessels in the prostate can bleed.
Other signs of BPH include:
- A weak urine stream
- Trouble starting to urinate
- A urine stream that stops and starts
- Feeling like your bladder isn’t empty
- Getting up several times at night to urinate
4. Urinary Tract Inflammation
Inflammation in the prostate, bladder, urethra, or kidneys can sometimes cause bleeding.
You may also have pain or burning when you urinate, pelvic pain, fever, or changes in how often you urinate.
5. A Procedure or Injury
Blood can appear after a catheter, cystoscopy, or another procedure involving the bladder or prostate.
An injury to the urinary tract can also cause bleeding. If you see blood in your urine after a fall or blow to your back or belly, seek medical care.
6. Bladder or Kidney Cancer
Blood in the urine can sometimes be a sign of bladder or kidney cancer. The bleeding may happen without pain or other symptoms.
That’s why you shouldn’t ignore unexplained blood in your urine, even if it happens once and then goes away.
What About Blood Thinners?
Blood thinners can make bleeding easier to notice or cause it to last longer. But they may not explain why the bleeding started.
If you take a blood thinner and see blood or clots in your urine, talk with your doctor. Don’t stop taking a prescribed medication unless your doctor tells you to.
When Is a Blood Clot in Urine an Emergency?
A blood clot can sometimes block the flow of urine. This can cause urine to build up in your bladder and become very painful.
Seek urgent medical care if you:
- Can’t urinate even though your bladder feels full
- Pass repeated or large blood clots
- Have heavy bleeding that doesn’t stop
- Have severe pain in your side, back, belly, or pelvis
- Feel faint, weak, or very lightheaded
A blockage caused by blood clots needs treatment right away.
See a Urologist for a Blood Clot in Urine
Don’t ignore a blood clot in urine, even if you only see one and the bleeding stops. A urologist can find the cause, recommend treatment, and rule out a more serious problem.
Oregon Urology Institute treats urinary problems for patients in the Eugene and Springfield areas. Call 541.334.3350 to schedule an appointment.