Seeing blood in your urine can be frightening. Sometimes the urine looks pink, red or brown, while in other cases the blood is only detected during a laboratory test. The medical name for blood in urine is haematuria. It can have several causes, and it should always be checked rather than ignored.
1. Urinary tract infection: A UTI can irritate the bladder and cause blood to appear in the urine. Other symptoms may include burning, urgency and lower abdominal discomfort.
2. Kidney stones: Hard mineral deposits can form in the kidneys. When they move through the urinary tract, they may cause severe side or back pain and bleeding.
3. Kidney infection: An infection affecting the kidneys can cause fever, chills, back pain, nausea and sometimes blood in the urine.
4. Bladder cancer: Blood in urine is an important possible warning sign of bladder cancer, particularly when it appears without pain. It does not mean cancer is definitely present, but investigation is essential.
5. Kidney disease: Some kidney conditions damage the tiny filtering structures and allow blood cells to enter the urine.
6. Prostate problems: In men, an enlarged or inflamed prostate can sometimes cause urinary symptoms and bleeding.
Final thoughts: Do not assume blood in urine is caused by a UTI, especially if you have not been tested. A doctor may request urine tests, blood tests or imaging. Visible blood should be assessed even if it happens only once. Seek urgent care if bleeding is heavy, you cannot urinate, or you have severe pain or fever.
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