Blood in urine: causes and solutions

There are a couple of things that you might expect to see in the toilet bowl after nature calls, but blood is not one of them (unless you’re menstruating, but that’s a different context). When blood is in the urine, it is called haematuria, and could be due to a serious issue somewhere along the urinary system, which is comprised of the kidneys, renal pelvis, ureters, bladder, and urethra. We spoke to a leading urologist about what blood in urine might signify, and why you shouldn’t panic.

What is haematuria?

Urine should normally be clear, yellow, or a pale green, but when blood is in the urine it will become pink, red, or brown, depending on the amount of blood. There are instances where the blood may not be visible under the naked eye but is still present and can only be detected using a dipstick test, but this will not be as dire as notable blood.

Haematuria can be caused by:

• urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• sexually -transmitted infections (STIs) or diseases (STDs)
• kidney or bladder stones
• enlarged prostate (in men only)
• cancer of the bladder
• cancer of the kidney
• injury

When should I be concerned about blood in urine?

Cases of haematuria tend to be benign and unurgent, however, every one in five cases can be cancer so it is important to consult with a doctor or urologist so that they can investigate the cause.

It is advised to seek medical attention if the presence of blood in urine is accompanied by:

• Pain during urination
• Pain in the abdomen or pelvis area
• Changes in urinary habits such as difficulty urinating, or increased frequency

Those who are older than 40, have a family history of cancer, or are frequent smokers should go to a doctor immediately upon noticing blood in the urine, as the risk factors are higher.

How is haematuria diagnosed and treated?

A thorough diagnostic process will involve testing the urine to examine its composition, CT scans to look for abnormalities in the urinary system, blood tests, or using a small camera to assess the condition of the bladder and urethra.

The treatment for haematuria will differ depending on the root of the issue. Infections can be managed with antibiotic prescriptions. For enlarged prostates, there are minimally-invasive surgeries, such as Aquablation, available to reduce their size and the haematuria should cease. Some kidney and bladder stones can be removed with medications to break down the stones, but surgical excision may be necessary for large stones and tumours. Drinking enough water daily helps to stave away UTIs and kidney stones.

If you have encountered blood in your urine, or have concerns regarding your urinary tract, you can consult a urologist via Top Doctors.