Hematuria or blood in the urine is a common reason why someone visits a urologist.
Gross Hematuria
If blood in the urine is visible then it is termed gross hematuria.
Microscopic Hematuria
If blood is only detected on a urine test – such as a urinalysis or a urine dipstick – then it is termed microscopic hematuria.
Causes of Blood in the Urine
Some of the common causes of blood in the urine include:
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Bladder or kidney infection
- Kidney stones
- Kidney disease
- Enlarged prostate or prostate cancer
- Trauma to the kidney
- Malignancies of the urinary tract (bladder, kidney or prostate)
- Medications such as blood thinners like Coumadin, aspirin, penicillin, heparin, cyclophosphamide and phenazopyridine
Diagnosing Hematuria
Evaluation for hematuria usually includes:
- Initial or repeat urinalysis and culture
- Urine cytology
- CT scan
- Kidney ultrasound
- Intravenous pyelogram (IVP) – X-ray of urinary tract
- Cystoscopy
- Kidney renal biopsy
Treatment for Hematuria
The treatment for hematuria will depend on the underlying cause, determined by exam and tests.