Discovering blood in your urine can be alarming and often raises immediate concerns about underlying health issues. Blood in urine — medically known as hematuria — does not always mean a serious condition, but it’s important to know what causes it and when to seek medical attention. Some serious symptoms in men and women that should be paid attention to are faint traces of blood or visible blood clots in urine. Let’s examine what it could mean, the possible blood in urine causes, and the steps you should take to get a diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding Hematuria
Hematuria happens when blood cells are present in the urine resulting from conditions that may affect any part of the urinary system. It is divided into two types: Gross Hematuria and Microscopic Hematuria. In Gross Hematuria, blood is visible to naked eye in the urine, and in Microscopic Hematuria, blood is only found through a blood in urine test. Gross hematuria may be a sign of serious conditions like kidney disease or bladder cancer. Also according to guidelines from the American Urological Association, approximately 6.5% of healthy individuals may experience Microscopic Hematuria. It is important to get checked by a doctor immediately for both types of hematuria to find the root cause.
Common Blood in Urine Causes
There are several reasons for blood in urine, ranging from mild infections to more serious conditions. Here are the most common causes:
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs):
Blood in urine is a common UTI cause, especially in women. The urinary tract can become invaded by bacteria, causing inflammation, irritation, and sometimes bleeding. Common symptoms include frequent urination, a burning sensation while urinating, and pressure or pain in the lower abdomen.
Kidney Stones:
Kidneys sometimes get hard deposits of minerals and salts, which can cause sharp pain and blood clots in urine as it passes through the urinary system. This can also be caused by kidney stones that can cause blockages that can lead to infection or damage.
Bladder or Kidney Infections:
Whether a male or female experiences blood in their urine, it can be caused by inflammation from infections in the bladder or kidneys. Other symptoms of these infections include fever, chills, and lower back pain.
Enlarged Prostate:
In some men, an enlarged prostate can press the bladder, interfering with the usual flow of urine. This pressure can irritate the tract and can make you bleed.
Cancer:
Although less common, blood in the urine can sometimes be an early sign of cancer of the urinary tract, including bladder, kidney, or prostate cancer. Early detection is important to get timely treatment, which is why any signs of it shouldn’t be ignored. According to research, smoking is one of the leading risk factors for bladder cancer, which often presents itself as blood in urine.
Strenuous Exercise:
It’s true that blood in urine male and female athletes can sometimes be caused by intense physical activity, especially endurance exercises. The exact cause is unclear, but it’s usually due to the breakdown of red blood cells during extended exertion.
Blood in Urine: Male and Female
Blood in urine female and blood in urine male may occur for different reasons because of anatomical and physiological factors. In women, it is linked with UTI or menstruation and men are more likely to get it as a result of prostate issues or intense physical activities. However, for both genders, persistent blood in urine always warrants medical investigation.
What Should You Do If You Notice Blood in Your Urine?
If you see blood in the urine, you should see a healthcare provider right away. Your doctor will probably suggest a series of tests to find out what is causing it. The first test is a urinalysis, which is a simple urine test looking for blood cells in your urine. The doctor may also order imaging tests, such as ultrasounds or CT scans, to find kidney stones, tumours, or other abnormalities in the urinary tract. In certain cases, a cystoscopy may be done. This process involves using a small scope to look at the bladder and urethra to find any possible bleeding sites.
Conclusion
So, hopefully, now you know why blood comes in urine and which tests to take to confirm infections. The good news is that most of these causes can be treated if timely intervention and diagnosis is done. If you see blood in your urine, even if it’s just a trace of blood in urine, don’t ignore it. Consulting a doctor could help avoid bigger health issues later on.
