Don’t Ignore Blood in Your Urine

Hematuria is the clinical diagnosis when you find blood in your urine. This blood may be visible in the toilet after you go (gross hematuria) or is only detected under a microscope (microscopic hematuria).

Regardless of the type of hematuria you have, it’s important to undergo a thorough urological evaluation. Blood in your urine is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong.

At Gulf Coast Urology in Houston and Nassau Bay, Texas, experienced urologists John E. Bertini, Jr., MD, FACS and James M. Harris, MD are ready to help identify the cause of your hematuria and provide treatments to resolve your condition.

Understanding the urinary tract

Your urinary tract is a complex system designed to remove waste and excess fluid from your body. Blood in your urine can come from anywhere in this system, including the:

• Kidneys
• Ureters
• Bladder
• Urethra

Each day, adult kidneys filter 122-150 quarts of blood to produce between one to two quarts of urine. This waste flows through your ureters and into the bladder for storage until you’re ready to urinate. Urine exits your bladder through the urethra.

What blood in your urine might mean

Not all causes of hematuria are serious. A woman may have blood in her urine due to her period, endometriosis, or after sexual activity. Men can develop blood in the urine due to an enlarged prostate.

Other possible causes of blood in the urine for both sexes include:

• Vigorous exercise
• Certain medications, like blood thinners, antibiotics, and painkillers
• Bladder, kidney, or prostate infections
• Bladder or kidney stones
• Viruses like hepatitis
• Trauma to organs in your urinary tract

Because hematuria can indicate serious conditions, like kidney or bladder cancer, it is essential to get checked. Bladder and kidney cancers usually don’t cause physical symptoms in the early stages, so having blood in your urine shouldn't be ignored.

Here’s what to do if you see blood in your urine

Blood in your urine can show up in several ways. You may notice your stream looks pinkish, red, or brown, or you’ll see clots of blood. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment at our office right away.

Our team of experienced urologists have advanced training specialized with the urinary tract and offers expert diagnosis using state-of-the-art medical equipment on-site.

When you first come in, we’ll review your medical history and perform a comprehensive physical exam. If you’re a man, this exam might include a digital rectal exam to physically check your prostate and rectum for abnormalities. For women, we might conduct a pelvic exam to look for issues that could cause hematuria.

Depending on the findings from your physical exam, we may recommend additional tests, including:

• Urinalysis
• Blood tests
• CT or MRI scans
• Cystoscopy
• Kidney biopsy

After identifying the cause of your hematuria, we can work closely with you to outline the best course of treatment.

Blood in your urine isn’t a symptom to ignore. The sooner you seek evaluation, the sooner you’ll receive a diagnosis and treatment. Call Gulf Coast Urology today or use this website to schedule.