It is a shocking sight to see blood in your urine. This can make you worry about your health. It doesn’t necessarily mean anything serious but it can be caused by several things. You should call your doctor immediately if you experience this.
You should also understand what is happening in your body. You can see urine in a variety of colors, from pink to slightly darker to bright red. You can also see clots that may come from the prostate, urethra (tubes connecting kidney to bladder), kidneys, or ureters.
It may happen over time, only once, or come and go. While your doctor may not be able to pinpoint the exact cause of blood in urine, it is important that you consult him or her so they can rule anything out. We spoke with urologist Robert Abouassaly MD to better understand possible causes.
Causes and symptoms of bloody Urine
Blood in urine is a common problem that can affect anyone. However, certain issues are more prevalent among men and those assigned male at conception (AMAB) than with women or those assigned female at conception (AFAB). There are also higher rates of bladder, kidney and prostate cancer in men.
The American Cancer Society predicts that in 2022 there will be 50,000 new cases in men, and 28,710 for women. In 2022, the American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 61,700 more new bladder cancer cases among men than women (19,480).
There are many other conditions that may cause bloody urine.
Urinary tract problems
It is possible that the blood in your urine could be due to a Urinary tract infection. An UTI occurs when bacteria from your outside body enter your urinary system, which includes your kidneys ureters bladder and urethra, causing inflammation and an infection.
Bladder Stones may also be to blame. The stones form when minerals in the urine that remains in your bladder after you urinate crystallize and clump together. This can lead to infections, problems with urination, and yes, even bleeding.
The removal of bladder stones requires more invasive methods, such as surgery.
Kidney problems
Kidney Stones can cause blood in urine, just like bladder stones. They form when your urine is not enough to remove all the waste from your urinary system. These substances can crystallize and form stones.
Even though smaller stones can be passed through urination, they may still cause pain that your doctor prescribes pain medication. In other cases, a variety of surgical options are available to break up or remove the kidney stone.
Kidney Disease occurs when the kidneys become damaged and lose their ability to filter blood. Untreated, this condition can develop into chronic kidney disease. This condition can lead to serious complications, such as dialysis or organ transplants.
Prostate problems
The presence of blood in urine is a sign of Prostate Cancer. This cancer is the most common among men and women AMAB. Although symptoms are not always present in the early stages, they may appear later.
An enlarged prostate is a less severe condition. It affects men and people with AMAB. Your prostate can become enlarged and squeeze your urethra. This will limit the flow of urine from your body. Blood is a common sign of an enlarged prostrate, but it can also develop if left untreated.
Other causes
Other causes of blood in urine include:
- Vigorous exercise.
- Aspirin and blood thinners are examples of medications.
- Some inherited conditions, such as sickle-cell disease and hemophilia.
According to Dr. Abouassaly it is important to remember that, while blood in urine can be a sign of cancer, most of the time, this condition is not cancerous.
Does bloody urine disappear on its own?
Blood in urine can disappear if you stop doing strenuous exercise or taking certain medications. Blood in urine is a serious condition that should not be ignored.
When to Call Your Doctor
If you notice blood in your urine and it is associated with any of the following:
- Painful Urination
- Frequent urination.
- Urgent urination.
- You may experience abdominal pain.
- Nausea.
- Fever.
- Vomiting.
Even if it is not a serious problem, the symptoms are still an indication that something is wrong. According to Dr. Abouassaly if the condition is serious, it should be treated immediately. “If it’s bladder cancer or any other serious condition, any delay will greatly compromise treatment and cure rates.”
