Blood in your urine, or hematuria, is blood that is found in your urine. It can be microscopic or gross.
Microscopic hematuria is when there is very little blood in the urine and it can only be detected with urine tests or under a microscope.
Gross hematuria is when there is enough blood in the urine that you can see it with the naked eye. Usually it turns toilet water pale pink or bright red. Or, you may see spots of blood in the water after urinating.
Hematuria; Blood in the urine
Blood that looks like it is in the urine may actually be coming from other sources, such as:
Ejaculation, often due to a prostate problem (in men)
A bowel movement
In any case, you should see a health care provider.
The urine can also turn a red color from certain drugs, beets, or other foods.
You may not see blood in your urine because it is too small. Your health care provider may find it while checking your urine during a routine exam. The health care provider will follow up to see if it persists and find the cause.
When you can see blood in your urine, you will need an evaluation as soon as possible. Children may need to stay in the hospital for tests.
There are many possible causes of blood in the urine. Often, bloody urine is due to a problem in your kidneys or other parts of the urinary tract. If there is no problem with your kidneys, urinary tract, prostate, or genitals, your doctor may check to see if you have a bleeding disorder.
24-hour urine collection for creatinine, protein, calcium
The treatment will depend on the cause of blood in the urine. If a urinary tract infection is confirmed, you may take antibiotics. Your health care provider may also prescribe pain medications, if you need them.
Gerber GS, Brendler CB. Evaluation of the urologic patient: History, physical examination, and the urinalysis. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 3.
Landry Dw, Bazari H. Approach to the patient with renal disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 116.
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Scott Miller, MD, Urologist in private practice in Atlanta, Georgia. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc