What does it mean if blood is in your urine?

Although finding blood in your urine can be frightening, it does not necessarily point to a serious issue. This medical condition, known as hematuria, can be caused by a number of different factors, some more serious than others. Only a medical professional will be able to definitively say which one is impacting a particular patient.

There are four key areas where the blood might be coming from: kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Each of these parts of the body can be afflicted by various infections or injuries that can cause this issue. Looking at other potential symptoms accompanying the blood can help patients and doctors identify the source of the problem.

In the kidneys, the presence of blood can be caused by an infection, kidney stones, or a kidney disease. Fevers, chills, and pain in the lower back often accompany infections. Kidney stones will often be accompanied by pain, which can be severe, in the abdomen or pelvis. A kidney disease can cause high blood pressure and swelling, including puffiness around the eyes and feelings of weakness.

It is also possible for a person who has suffered a kidney injury from an accident, or while playing sports to experience some blood in the urine.

The bladder can also develop various infections that can cause blood. With a bladder infection, there is also pain or burning with urination. Tumors in this area can also cause hematuria.

Certain diseases, such as an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer, can also cause blood in the urine.

Vigorous exercise can sometimes cause blood in urine. Although the medical community is not sure what exactly causes this to occur, it is possibly linked to dehydration, trauma to the bladder, or the breakdown of red blood cells.

Certain medications can cause this symptom. If you are starting any new medication and notice this symptom, you should alert your physician.

Blood in the urine can be an unnerving experience for many who suddenly experience this symptom, but there are a variety of different causes of this problem, some more serious than others.

Patients who see signs of blood should make an appointment with their physician right away to discuss this and any other symptoms they might have. If you are experiencing this issue, please feel free to contact us here to schedule an appointment.