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Alternative names Return to top
Hematuria; Blood in the urineDefinition Return to top
Blood in your urine can turn toilet water pale pink or bright red. Or, you may just see spots of blood in the water after urinating.
Considerations Return to top
In women, blood may appear to be in the urine when it is actually coming from the vagina. In men, what may be mistaken for urinary bleeding is sometimes a bloody ejaculation, usually due to a prostate problem.
Discoloration from certain drugs, beets, or other foods can mimic blood in the urine.
You may not see blood in your urine. In some cases, it is found microscopically when your doctor checks your urine during a routine exam. Your doctor will follow up on this problem to see if it persists and identify the cause.
When blood is visible to the naked eye, prompt and thorough evaluation is always needed. In children, hospitalization is often necessary to complete the work up.
Common Causes Return to top
There are many potential causes of blood in the urine. Often, bloody urine is from a problem in your kidneys or other parts of the urinary tract. If your kidneys, urinary tract, prostate, and genitals turn out to be fine, your doctor may check to see if you have a bleeding disorder.
Kidney and urinary tract causes include:
Causes from blood disorders include:
Home Care Return to top
Treatment for blood in the urine depends on the underlying cause found on evaluation by your doctor.Call your health care provider if Return to top
Blood in the urine should never be ignored. Tell your doctor about this symptom and get an appropriate evaluation, especially if you have unexplained weight loss, burning with urination, frequent urination, or urgent urination.
Call your doctor right away if:
Also call your doctor if:
What to expect at your health care provider's office Return to top
Your doctor will take a medical history and perform a physical examination. Medical history questions may include:Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:
TREATMENT
The treatment will depend on the cause of the blood in the urine. If a urinary tract infection is confirmed, antibiotics may be prescribed. If appropriate, pain medications will be administered.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |