Haematuria, or blood in the urine, is the term used to describe red blood cells in the urine. It could be visible without a microscope (termed gross haematuria) or appear only under the microscope on normal testing (microscopic haematuria). You can get this condition at almost any age, but how it happens to you can depend on your age, gender, and general health.
In most instances, blood in urine haematuria is painless, making it especially misleading. That doesn't mean it's harmless. It's a smoke signal from your body — it might be a small irritation, or it might be a fire that requires immediate action. Whether it's a blood in urine male or blood in urine female situation, the causes can vary from straightforward infections to severe diseases such as cancer.
When you see blood in your urine, the first thing to wonder is, "Blood in urine—what is the cause?" The causes may range from something as temporary as exercise-induced haematuria to more chronic and serious conditions such as kidney disease or tumours. Whatever the case, if blood shows up — even for once — it's a reason to talk to your healthcare provider.
Understanding the type of haematuria you’re dealing with, helps in narrowing down the blood in urine causes and directing the right treatment.
Gross Haematuria
This is the gross type — your urine changes colour to red, pink, or brown. There can be tiny clots at times. Gross haematuria tends to be more pressing and will get people to the doctor quicker. It can be caused by a urinary tract infection, trauma, or even bladder cancer.
Microscopic Haematuria
Here, the urine looks normal, but a microscopic examination done in the laboratory shows red blood cells. Most find microscopic haematuria by chance during routine examination. It is particularly dangerous because it can remain undetected for years, which gives rise to the root cause.
Temporary vs Persistent Haematuria
Temporary haematuria may be due to:
Persistent haematuria is far more significant. It may be an indicator of chronic kidney disease, structural abnormalities in the urinary tract, or malignancies.
For blood in urine male and blood in urine female patients alike, finding out the length and frequency of bleeding is imperative to determining if the issue is acute or chronic.
Healing Hands Clinic offers thorough diagnostic pathways to differentiate between temporary and chronic haematuria, giving you clarity and confidence in your treatment plan.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Blood in urine—what is the cause?” — the answer can range from completely benign to life-threatening. Here are the most common causes of blood in urine reasons:
1. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Especially common among women, UTIs can inflame the lining of the bladder and urethra, causing pain and blood in the urine. In blood in urine female cases, UTIs are the leading cause.
2. Kidney Stones
These hard, knife-like mineral deposits may scratch the urinary tract and cause pain and bleeding. Both microscopic and gross haematuria occur.
3. Enlarged Prostate (BPH)
This happens primarily in blood in urine male patients aged above 50 years. The prostate is enlarged and puts pressure on the bladder and urethra, leading to inability to urinate and blood in some cases.
4. Cancer
Cancer of the bladder, kidney, or prostate can lead to painless haematuria. It is usually the sole manifestation, particularly during the initial stages.
5. Medications and Blood Thinners
Certain medications such as aspirin, warfarin, or even some antibiotics will make the urinary tract bleed.
6. Strenuous Exercise
Although not as frequent, long-distance runners or individuals engaged in high-impact training will develop transient haematuria, or "jogger's haematuria."
7. Genetic and Autoimmune Disorders
Diseases such as polycystic kidney disease or lupus also result in blood in the urine.
Healing Hands Clinic is equipped with top-level urological specialists and nephrologists who evaluate each patient's medical history and conduct advanced tests to determine the exact cause.
Not every instance of haematuria is accompanied by symptoms, but when they are, it narrows down the causes of blood in urine. Here are the symptoms to watch out for:
In male patients with blood in urine, conditions such as prostate enlargement or cancer can lead to a thin stream of urine along with haematuria. In female patients with blood in urine, UTIs can also result in lower abdominal cramps or pelvic pain.
1. Physical Exam and Medical History
They will inquire about lifestyle, family medical history, and past problems with kidney or urinary function.
2. Urinalysis
The laboratory test looks for red and white blood cells, bacteria, or crystals that may signal infection or stones.
3. Imaging Tests
4. Cystoscopy
A thin camera is placed in the urethra to examine the lining of the bladder, particularly if cancer or structural abnormalities are suspected.
5. Blood Tests
To monitor kidney function and diagnose conditions such as glomerulonephritis.
The accurate diagnosis aids in formulating the best blood in urine treatment strategy, which is specifically suited to the underlying cause.
Treatment Depending on the Cause
There is no one-size-fits-all in treating hematuria blood in urine. This is how it's generally treated depending on diagnosis:
For both blood in urine male and blood in urine female patients, follow-up is essential to make sure the problem doesn't happen again.
If psychological issues such as stress or depression are causing your ED, therapy can be helpful. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most prevalent types of therapy utilized to treat performance anxiety, stress, and depression, and it can be a valuable component in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Remember, blood in urine treatment is not all about putting a stop to the bleeding — it's about dealing with the cause.
Haematuria — or the presence of blood in urine — is never to be ignored. Whether it's caused by a UTI, a kidney stone, an enlarged prostate, or something more serious such as cancer, you owe it to yourself to determine what's happening. Both blood in urine male and blood in urine female presentations warrant equal concern, as the causes and health implications may vary but are equally important.
So, the next time you catch a reddish hue in the bowl, or you're told your urine test was abnormal, don't brush it off. Ask the proper question: "Blood in urine—what is the cause?" and then work with your physician to discover the answer. The sooner you act, the better your chances of catching and curing whatever's amiss.
Healing Hands Clinic is committed to guiding you through that journey — from initial worry to expert diagnosis and long-term peace of mind. With renowned specialists, advanced diagnostic capabilities, and a compassionate care team, you're not alone in facing haematuria.
So, the next time you ask yourself, “Why is my urine red?”, know that answers — and treatment — are just one appointment away.
A cystoscope is passed into the bladder via the urethra to look visually at the urinary system. It's a brief, office procedure and might feel like some pressure or pain.
Painless haematuria is never to be dismissed since it can be indicative of bladder cancer, kidney pathology, or kidney stones. Prompt assessment is necessary even if symptoms appear trivial.
Yes, excessive exercise or dehydration can result in transient haematuria, yet always must be assessed to exclude underlying severe aetiologies if persistent or recurring.
You can be tested for urine microscopy, culture, CT urogram, ultrasound, and cystoscopy. These identify infection, tumours, stones, or structural defects.
Yes, particularly if the aetiology is unknown or cancer-related risk. Your urologist can advise you on yearly imaging and urine studies to track recurrence.