Seeing blood in your urine—known medically as hematuria—can be alarming. While sometimes it’s harmless, it can also be a sign of a more serious urologic condition that needs evaluation.
Types of Hematuria
Gross hematuria: Blood is visible to the naked eye, turning urine pink, red, or brown.
Microscopic hematuria: Blood is only detectable under a microscope during a lab test.
Possible Causes
Hematuria can result from a wide variety of conditions, including:
Kidney stones
Urinary tract infections
Trauma to the kidneys or urinary tract
Certain medications or strenuous exercise
Kidney disease or, in some cases, cancers of the kidney or urinary tract
When to See a Urologist
Any presence of blood in your urine—visible or not—should be evaluated. Our team may recommend urine testing, imaging (like a CT scan), or cystoscopy (a look inside the bladder and urethra).
Early Evaluation
While the cause of hematuria is often benign, it’s important not to ignore it. A timely diagnosis can help rule out serious conditions and put your mind at ease.
If you’ve noticed blood in your urine, contact our urology team to schedule a consultation.
