There are two primary forms of hematuria:

1. Gross hematuria

Gross hematuria is the medical term for visible blood in the urine. This can cause your urine to appear pink, red, purplish-red, brownish-red, or tea-colored. While this may be alarming, knowing that just a tiny bit of blood can cause a color change is important.

2. Microscopic hematuria

Microscopic hematuria is when the urine looks normal despite the presence of a small number of blood cells. These cells can’t be seen with the naked eye, but they can be found using laboratory tests such as:

• A routine urinalysis that checks for different substances in the urine, including blood.
• A chemically treated strip called a dipstick, which, when placed in the urine to indicate the presence of red blood cells.
• Looking at the urine under a microscope to confirm the presence of red blood cells.

There can be several reasons why you may have hematuria. Conditions that can lead to the presence of blood in the urine including:

• Bladder infection or acute cystitis
• Kidney infection, known as pyelonephritis
• Kidney stones, which can irritate the urinary tract
• Strenuous exercise
• Trauma to the urinary tract
• An enlarged prostate
• Blood clotting disorders
• Kidney disease
• Bladder, prostate, or kidney cancer

To determine why you might have hematuria, your doctor may recommend several diagnostic tests, including:

1. Urine tests

• A urinalysis to examine urine content
• Examination of urine under the microscope
• Urine cytology to detect abnormal cells

2. Imaging tests

Imaging tests are non-invasive and provide a detailed view of your urinary tract, helping to identify any structural issues that might be causing the problem.

• Magnetic resonance imaging
• CT scan
• Ultrasound

3. Blood tests

Blood samples from your arm may be taken and sent to the laboratory to check how well your kidneys are functioning and to look for diseases.

4. Cystoscopy

In this procedure, a thin tube with a camera called a cystoscope is inserted into your bladder through your urethra. This allows your doctor to visually examine the lining of your bladder for any abnormalities.

5. Kidney biopsy

If needed, a small sample of your kidney tissue will be taken for laboratory analysis, which can help diagnose specific kidney diseases.

Treatment for hematuria depends on what is causing it. Possible treatments include:

Follow-up testing. If the initial tests don’t show a specific cause or if you have a less serious condition, your doctor might recommend regular monitoring and follow-up tests to monitor the situation.

Lifestyle modifications. Sometimes, simple changes in your lifestyle can help. Recommended changes might include:

• adjusting your physical activity
• changing medications, you’re taking

Treating infections. If an infection in your urinary tract or kidneys is causing the problem, antibiotics are usually prescribed to clear it up.

Managing kidney stones. Your doctor may recommend a procedure like lithotripsy, which breaks up stones using sound waves, or surgery to remove them.

Prostate-related treatments for men. If you have an enlarged prostate, your doctor may recommend medications or, in some cases, surgical procedures to relieve symptoms and improve urinary flow.

Blood in your urine is concerning but isn’t always a sign of a significant problem. However, it should never be ignored since it can indicate a range of health issues, from minor infections to more serious conditions like kidney disease or bladder cancer.

If you have noticed blood in your urine, schedule an appointment with a doctor for an evaluation. They will perform tests to determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment options.

1. Is hematuria painful?

Hematuria itself is often painless. However, the underlying condition causing blood in the urine, such as a urinary tract infection or kidney stones, can be painful.

2. Is hematuria dangerous?

While hematuria can be alarming, it’s not always a sign of a serious condition. However, it can sometimes indicate more concerning health issues like kidney disease or cancer, so seeking a prompt medical evaluation is essential.

3. Will I know if I have hematuria?

It depends on the type of hematuria. Gross hematuria is definitely noticeable since blood will be visible in the urine. Microscopic hematuria, however, can only be detected through a urine test.

4. Can hematuria resolve on its own?

In some cases, hematuria can resolve on its own, especially if it is caused by vigorous exercise or minor injuries. However, a medical evaluation should be done to rule out serious causes.