Blood in Urine? Why It's Happening and Medically Approved Next Steps

Seeing blood in urine can be alarming. The medical term for this is hematuria. Sometimes the urine looks pink, red, or brown. Other times, blood in urine is only found under a microscope during a routine urine test.

While it's natural to feel worried, blood in urine does not always mean something serious. However, it should never be ignored. Understanding the possible causes and knowing the right next steps can help you act quickly and appropriately.

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What Does Blood in Urine Look Like?

Blood in urine can appear in two main ways:

• Gross hematuria – You can visibly see blood. Urine may look pink, red, cola-colored, or contain small clots.
• Microscopic hematuria – Blood is present but only detected during lab testing.

Both types deserve medical attention.

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Common Causes of Blood in Urine

There are many reasons for blood in urine. Some are mild and temporary. Others require more urgent care.

1. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

UTIs are one of the most common causes of blood in urine, especially in women.

Other symptoms may include:

• Burning during urination
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
• Pelvic discomfort

UTIs are typically treated with antibiotics. Left untreated, they can spread to the kidneys.

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2. Kidney Infections

A kidney infection is more serious than a lower UTI.

Symptoms may include:

• Fever and chills
• Back or side pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Blood in urine

Kidney infections require prompt medical treatment to prevent complications.

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3. Kidney Stones

Kidney stones can cause sharp pain and blood in urine when they move through the urinary tract.

Common signs:

• Severe side or back pain
• Pain that comes in waves
• Nausea
• Pink or red urine

Small stones may pass on their own. Larger ones may need medical procedures.

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4. Enlarged Prostate (in Men)

An enlarged prostate can press on the urethra and cause:

• Difficulty starting urination
• Weak urine stream
• Frequent nighttime urination
• Blood in urine

While often non-cancerous, it should still be evaluated.

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5. Vigorous Exercise

Strenuous exercise, especially long-distance running, can sometimes cause temporary blood in urine. This usually resolves within 24–72 hours.

If it persists, medical evaluation is needed.

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6. Medications

Some medications may lead to blood in urine, including:

• Blood thinners
• Aspirin
• Certain antibiotics
• Chemotherapy drugs

If you notice blood after starting a new medication, contact your doctor.

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7. Kidney Disease

Certain kidney conditions can cause microscopic blood in urine.

Possible signs include:

• Swelling in hands or feet
• High blood pressure
• Foamy urine (protein in urine)

These conditions often require lab tests for diagnosis.

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8. Cancer (Bladder, Kidney, or Prostate)

Although less common, blood in urine can be an early sign of:

• Bladder cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Prostate cancer

Important facts:

• Painless blood in urine is a classic warning sign of bladder cancer.
• Risk increases with age, smoking history, and chemical exposure.
• Early detection significantly improves outcomes.

This is why visible blood in urine should always be evaluated, even if you feel fine.

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When Should You Seek Immediate Medical Care?

Go to urgent care or the emergency room if blood in urine is accompanied by:

• Severe pain
• Fever over 101°F (38.3°C)
• Inability to urinate
• Large blood clots
• Dizziness or weakness
• Recent injury to the abdomen or back

These symptoms may signal a serious condition.

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How Doctors Diagnose Blood in Urine

Your doctor may recommend:

1. Urinalysis

Checks for infection, protein, and abnormal cells.

2. Urine Culture

Identifies bacterial infections.

3. Blood Tests

Evaluates kidney function and overall health.

4. Imaging Tests

• Ultrasound
• CT scan
• MRI

These help detect stones, tumors, or structural problems.

5. Cystoscopy

A small camera is inserted into the bladder to look for abnormalities.

Not everyone needs all these tests. Your doctor will decide based on your age, risk factors, and symptoms.

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What You Can Do Right Now

If you notice blood in urine:

• ✅ Stay calm but take it seriously
• ✅ Drink water unless told otherwise
• ✅ Write down any other symptoms
• ✅ Note recent activities, medications, or injuries
• ✅ Schedule a medical appointment

If you're experiencing symptoms and want to understand what might be causing them, try this free AI-powered blood in urine symptom checker to get personalized insights in minutes. While this tool doesn't replace professional medical advice, it can help you identify potential causes and determine how urgently you should seek care.

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Risk Factors That Increase Concern

Certain factors make blood in urine more concerning:

• Age over 40
• Smoking history
• Family history of kidney disease
• Exposure to industrial chemicals
• Repeated UTIs
• Previous kidney stones
• Use of blood thinners

If any of these apply to you, prompt evaluation is especially important.

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Can Blood in Urine Go Away on Its Own?

Sometimes, yes.

Examples:

• Exercise-related hematuria
• Minor infections treated early
• Small kidney stones

However, never assume it is harmless without evaluation. Even if blood in urine happens once and stops, you should inform your doctor.

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Special Considerations

In Women

Menstrual blood can sometimes be mistaken for blood in urine. If unsure, a urine test can clarify.

In Children

Blood in urine in children may be due to infection, inherited kidney conditions, or injury. Pediatric evaluation is important.

During Pregnancy

Blood in urine during pregnancy may indicate infection or kidney issues and should be assessed promptly.

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The Bottom Line

Blood in urine is a symptom — not a diagnosis. It can result from:

• Infections
• Stones
• Medications
• Exercise
• Prostate issues
• Kidney disease
• Cancer

Many causes are treatable, especially when caught early. The key is not ignoring it.

If you notice blood in urine:

• Do not panic
• Do not delay evaluation
• Do seek medical advice

Some causes are mild. Others can be serious or even life-threatening if left untreated. If you experience severe pain, fever, weakness, or heavy bleeding, seek emergency care immediately.

Most importantly, speak to a doctor about any episode of blood in urine — especially if it is visible, persistent, painless, or accompanied by other symptoms. Early medical evaluation can provide clarity, reassurance, and if necessary, timely treatment.

Your health is too important to guess. If something doesn't feel right, get it checked.