Blood in your urine, or hematuria, is blood that is found in your urine. It can be microscopic or gross.
Blood that looks like it is in the urine may actually be coming from other sources, such as:
In any case, you should see a health care provider.
The urine can also turn a red color from certain drugs, beets, or other foods.
You may not see blood in your urine because it is too small. Your health care provider may find it while checking your urine during a routine exam. The health care provider will follow up to see if it persists and find the cause.
When you can see blood in your urine, you will need an evaluation as soon as possible. Children may need to stay in the hospital for tests.
There are many possible causes of blood in the urine. Often, bloody urine is due to a problem in your kidneys or other parts of the urinary tract. If there is no problem with your kidneys, urinary tract, prostate, or genitals, your doctor may check to see if you have a bleeding disorder.
Kidney and urinary tract causes include:
Causes from blood disorders include:
Never ignore blood in the urine. Tell your doctor about this symptom and get it checked, especially if you also have:
Call your doctor right away if:
Also call your doctor if:
Your doctor will take a medical history and perform a physical examination. Medical history questions may include:
Tests that may be done include:
The treatment will depend on the cause of blood in the urine. If a urinary tract infection is confirmed, you may take antibiotics. Your health care provider may also prescribe pain medications, if you need them.
Hematuria; Blood in the urine
Gerber GS, Brendler CB. Evaluation of the urologic patient: History, physical examination, and the urinalysis. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 3.
Landry Dw, Bazari H. Approach to the patient with renal disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 116.
Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Scott Miller, MD, Urologist in private practice in Atlanta, Georgia. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc
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