What is blood in the urine or hematuria?

Hematuria is the medical term for blood in the urine. It can be alarming to see, but in many cases, the cause is not serious. Still, it is important to find out why it is happening, because sometimes it can be a sign of a more serious problem with the kidneys, bladder, or urinary tract.

There are two types of hematuria:

• Gross hematuria means the blood is visible—you may notice pink, red, or cola-colored urine.
• Microscopic hematuria means the blood is not visible to the eye but is found under a microscope during a urine test.

Blood in the urine can come from anywhere in the urinary tract, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, prostate (in men), or urethra. Common causes include:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Kidney stones
• Strenuous exercise
• Injury to the kidneys or bladder
• Enlarged prostate
• Kidney or bladder disease

Sometimes no cause is found, especially when the bleeding is mild or short-lived. However, blood in the urine should always be evaluated, even if it goes away on its own.

Doctors usually start by checking a urine sample for red blood cells, protein, or signs of infection. Additional tests may include blood work, imaging scans, or a cystoscopy (a look inside the bladder with a small camera).

Treatment depends on the cause. For example, antibiotics may be used for infections, or a procedure may be needed for stones. If the cause is related to kidney disease, further testing and long-term monitoring may be necessary.

While not all cases of hematuria are serious, it should never be ignored. Early testing can help detect and treat underlying problems before they get worse.

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