Blood in Urine (Hematuria)

What is hematuria?

Hematuria is the presence of blood in the urine. Hematuria can be very visible in the urine (when the urine is pink or red) or it can be present in the urine but are only visible through a microscope.

What are the causes of hematuria?

There are different reasons why a person may have hematuria. The following reasons may include:

• Urinary tract infection
• trauma
• extensive exercise
• viral illness
• sexual activity
• menstruation
• endometriosis
• urethral cancer
• bladder cancer
• kidney cancer
• inflammation of the urinary system or prostate
• blood-clotting disorders
• sickle cell disease
• polycystic kidney disease

What are the symptoms if you have hematuria?

The common symptom of hematuria include burning sensation when urinating, pain  when urinating, urge to urinate and strong smelling urine

What can be done?

The doctor will a medical history and perform a physical examination. This will help to better understand your symptoms. Tests will order. These tests may include:

• • • Urinalysis, where urine samples will be tested.
    • Urine culture, where the urine sample will be checked for an infection
    • Urine cytology, where the urine sample will be tested for any abnormal appearing cells.
    • Cystoscopy, where a device called a cystoscope will be used to look at the inside of the bladder and urethra.
    • Computed tomography (CT) scan, where the cross-sectional images of the abdomen and pelvis will be scanned with the use of X-rays and computer technology.

The treatment of hematuria depends on the cause. If there is no serious condition that is causing a patient’s blood in the urine, typically there’s no need for treatment. For blood in the urine that is caused by urinary tract infection, a common treatment is antibiotics. For more serious cases, the treatment will be based on the underlying cause.  

If you have hematuria call Desert Sky Urology today and schedule an appointment.