Blood In Urine

What is blood in the urine?

Seeing blood in your urine can come as a shock at first. While it’s often harmless, it can also indicate an underlying condition that requires treatment. There are two distinct classifications of blood in your urine:

Gross hematuria

Gross hematuria means you have enough blood in your urine that you can see it. Your urine might be red, pink, or brown because of the high amount of red blood cells in it. Typically, gross hematuria isn’t associated with pain or discomfort.

Microscopic hematuria

Microscopic hematuria is blood in your urine that you can’t see with a naked eye. When your physician tests a urine sample, they can see the blood cells under a microscope. 

What causes blood in urine?

There are many possible causes of blood in your urine, some harmless and others urgent. The blood comes from your kidneys or other areas of your urinary system with some form of damage. Possible causes include:

• Kidney infections
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Sickle cell anemia
• Strenuous exercise
• Kidney stones
• Bladder stones
• Kidney disease
• Certain medications
• Enlarged prostate

It’s important to book an appointment at Houston Kidney Specialists Center if you notice blood in your urine, even if you suspect that the cause is mild. In some cases, you might notice red or pink shades in your urine because of something in your diet, like beets or berries. 

What are my treatment options for blood in urine?

Your course of treatment for blood in your urine depends on the underlying condition. If tests confirm that the blood in your urine is due to a medication or strenuous exercise, you might not need treatment at all, and the blood should go away within a few days. 

Possible treatments for the common causes of blood in urine include:

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are an effective treatment for bacterial infections, like UTIs or kidney infections. 

Shock wave therapy

If your urine contains blood because of kidney or bladder stones, the team at Houston Kidney Specialists Center might recommend shock wave therapy to break them apart, so they’re easier to pass.

Medications for enlarged prostate

If the blood in your urine comes from a prostate complication, the team can prescribe medication to reduce its size and alleviate the bleeding. 

If you notice a red or pink tint to your urine, call Houston Kidney Specialists Center or book an appointment online for testing and treatment.