Seeing blood in your urine, a condition known as hematuria, can be an alarming experience. While it may not always signal a serious problem, it should never be ignored. Understanding the potential blood in urine causes is the first step toward seeking appropriate medical care. A prompt and thorough hematuria evaluation is essential to determine the source of the bleeding. Recognizing certain urology urgent symptoms associated with hematuria is critical, as they may indicate a condition that requires immediate attention. It is important to consult a healthcare professional to receive an accurate diagnosis and a clear path toward resolution.
At Doral Health & Wellness, we provide comprehensive and reassuring care for urological conditions like hematuria. Our expert medical team is committed to conducting a precise evaluation to identify the cause of your symptoms and provide the necessary treatment with trust and reliability.
Common Blood in Urine Causes
Hematuria can be either “gross” (visible to the naked eye) or “microscopic” (only detectable with a microscope during a urine test). The presence of blood can originate from anywhere along the urinary tract, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Numerous conditions can lead to this symptom.
Less Severe, Common Causes
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) – An infection can cause inflammation and irritation of the bladder lining, leading to bleeding.
- Kidney Stones – Hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys can cause significant pain and bleeding as they pass through the urinary tract.
- Enlarged Prostate (BPH) – In men, an enlarged prostate can put pressure on the urethra, causing bleeding.
- Strenuous Exercise – Intense physical activity can sometimes cause temporary, harmless hematuria, though the exact reason is not fully understood.
- Medications – Certain drugs, particularly blood thinners like aspirin and heparin, can increase the risk of visible blood in the urine.
More Serious Causes
- Bladder or Kidney Cancer – Cancers of the urinary tract can cause bleeding, which is often painless. This is a primary reason why hematuria must always be evaluated.
- Kidney Disease (Glomerulonephritis) – Inflammation of the kidney’s filtering system can lead to microscopic hematuria.
- Trauma or Injury – A direct blow to the kidneys or urinary tract can cause visible bleeding.
When to Seek Immediate Care: Urology Urgent Symptoms
While any instance of hematuria warrants a visit to a healthcare provider, certain accompanying symptoms are red flags that require same-day medical attention. These include:
- Inability to urinate
- Passing blood clots
- Fever and chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe pain in your back, side, or abdomen
These urology urgent symptoms could indicate a serious blockage or infection. Seeking prompt evaluation from a urology doctor is crucial.
The Hematuria Evaluation Process
A comprehensive diagnostic process is necessary to identify the source of the bleeding. Your doctor will perform a systematic evaluation to rule out or confirm potential causes.
What to Expect During Your Visit
- Medical History and Physical Exam – Your provider will ask about your symptoms, medical history, medications, and risk factors like smoking or occupational chemical exposure.
- Urinalysis and Urine Culture – A urine sample is examined for red blood cells, white blood cells (a sign of infection), and bacteria.
- Urine Cytology – This test checks for abnormal or cancerous cells in the urine.
- Blood Work – Blood tests can assess kidney function and check for other markers of disease.
- Imaging Tests – A CT urogram or a renal ultrasound provides detailed images of the entire urinary tract to look for stones, tumors, or other abnormalities.
- Cystoscopy – A procedure where a urologist inserts a thin, flexible tube with a camera into the urethra to directly visualize the bladder lining. This is the most definitive way to check for bladder tumors.
Finding the best urologist near me who can perform a thorough evaluation is a key step toward getting answers.
Risk Factors and Seeing a Specialist
Certain factors increase the risk of hematuria being linked to a more serious condition, such as urinary tract cancer. These include being over the age of 40, a personal history of smoking, and occupational exposure to certain industrial chemicals.
If you see blood in your urine, it is imperative to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider. They can perform an initial assessment and, if necessary, refer you to a specialist. For residents in New York seeking expert care, a consultation with a urology doctor in NY can provide specialized diagnostic services and treatment plans.
Your Health, Our Priority
Discovering blood in your urine can be unsettling, but a structured and thorough hematuria evaluation will provide clarity and peace of mind. By understanding the potential blood in urine causes and knowing which urology urgent symptoms require immediate action, you can take control of your health. A consultation with a trusted urology doctor is the most important step you can take toward an accurate diagnosis and effective care.
The team of experts at Doral Health & Wellness is dedicated to providing our Brooklyn community with leading medical care in a state-of-the-art facility. We are here to offer guidance and support, ensuring you receive a comprehensive evaluation and a personalized treatment plan. Contact Doral Health & Wellness today at 1-718-365-2555 or visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212. For general information about Doral Health & Wellness services, you can contact or email info@doralhw.org.
