We can see blood in urine due to several reasons, and it could be in small or big amounts, and in all cases, we shouldn’t ignore this condition because it might indicate a serious health condition.

Blood in urine

Blood in urine is an indicator of many conditions that might be simple or serious, and sometimes, there might be blood in the urine that can’t be seen with the naked eye, but it’s discovered with urine tests.

Hematuria is a common condition worldwide, and it’s been estimated that around 20% of people have it, and in most of the cases, the blood can’t be seen with the naked eye.

Causes and risk factors leading to blood in urine

There are numerous causes for blood in urine:

• Urinary tract infections.
• Urinary stone disease, such as kidney stones, bladder stones, and ureteral stones.
• Kidney and bladder infections.
• Chronic kidney disease.
• Enlarged prostate.
• Urinary tract injury.
• Endometriosis.
• Sickle cell anemia.
• Kidney, bladder, ureteral, and prostate cancers.
• The risk of hematuria increases in the following conditions:
• Congenital urinary abnormalities.
• Smoking.
• Not drinking enough water.
• Being older than 50 years old.
• Family history.
• Playing contact sports and doing vigorous physical activity.
• Using chemicals during work and working with metals, dyes, or rubber.

Other symptoms of blood in urine

The urine might seem pink, red, or dark red. In some cases, other symptoms can occur alongside the blood in the urine, such as:

• Pain and burning during urination.
• Frequent urination.
• A strong need to urinate.
• Fever and chills.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Pain in the flanks, lower back, or abdomen.

Diagnosis of blood in urine

• In case of not seeing blood in urine with the naked eye, the diagnosis is done by analyzing the urine with other methods.
• Physical examination.
• Imaging tests.
• Cystoscopy (bladder endoscopy).

Treatment of blood in urine

• The treatment depends on the cause of hematuria, and sometimes the condition doesn’t require any treatment.
• The risk of urine in blood can be reduced by drinking enough water, practicing good hygiene, reducing exposure to hazardous materials and chemicals as much as possible, avoiding smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight.