What would you be shocked to see when you go to the toilet and suddenly see that your urine is red? Maybe the water in the toilet bowl is pink. It is very normal to be scared when you see something like this. Many people get worried at this time. But before we get worried, let's understand this exactly. Today we are talking about blood coming out with this urine, which is a condition we call 'Hematuria' in medicine.
Simply put, what is Hematuria?
Hematuria (he-ma-tu-ria) is simply the presence of red blood cells in your urine (pee). This is actually a very common condition. But your urine is not always red or pink. Sometimes, there is a small amount of blood in the urine that is too small to be seen with the naked eye. This can only be detected when a doctor does a urine test.
However, if you notice that your urine has changed color, it could be a sign of something else. So if you notice something like that, you should definitely see a doctor.
What are the main types of blood in the urine?
We will divide this situation into three main ways. Once you understand that, you will have a better idea about this.
| Type | Simply explained |
|---|---|
| Gross hematuria | This means that there is blood in the urine that you can see with your eyes . The urine may be light pink or dark red. The water in the toilet bowl may also be red. |
| Microscopic hematuria | In this case, there is also blood in the urine, but the amount is so small that it is not visible to the naked eye . This can only be detected by examining the urine under a microscope. |
| Dipstick hematuria | This is detected by a test that involves dipping a small strip (dipstick) coated with chemicals into the urine. However, these tests are not 100% accurate. Sometimes, they can give false-positive results, even when there is no blood. Therefore , if this test shows blood, it must be confirmed under a microscope. |
What other symptoms accompany blood in the urine?
In most cases, there may be no symptoms other than blood in the urine. We call this 'asymptomatic'. However, some people may experience other symptoms.
Symptoms related to the urinary system:
- Needing to urinate more than usual (frequent urination).
- Pain or burning when urinating (dysuria).
- A sudden, strong need to urinate (urinary urgency).
Other common symptoms:
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Fever and chills.
- Lower abdominal pain.
- Lower back pain.
- Flank pain, just above the waist.
Blood in the urine is not always a sign of a serious illness. However, it can be an important warning sign that something is wrong inside your body. So never ignore it. See a doctor as soon as you notice it.
What are the main causes of blood in the urine?
There are many things that can cause this. Some are not that serious, but some are situations that require concern.
Common causes
- Urinary stone disease: These can be kidney stones, bladder stones, or stones that form in the urinary tract. These stones can cause injury to the urinary system and cause bleeding.
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): An infection of the urinary tract caused by bacteria. This is very common among women.
- Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis): This condition can occur when a UTI develops and spreads to the kidneys.
- Cystitis: Inflammation of the bladder due to an infection or other cause.
Is there a risk of cancer?
Yes, blood in the urine can be an early symptom of some types of cancer. That's why it's best not to ignore this symptom.
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Ureteral and urethral cancer
Other reasons
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): As men age, their prostate gland enlarges. This can cause obstruction of urination and bleeding.
- Injuries to the urinary system: A fall, car accident, or a hard blow while playing sports can cause injury to the kidneys or bladder.
- Menstruation in women: During menstruation, a small amount of blood may be seen mixed with the urine.
- Endometriosis: The growth of uterine tissue outside the uterus.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Long-term deterioration of kidney function.
- Sickle cell disease: An inherited condition that affects red blood cells.
How do you find this, Doctor?
When you see a doctor, he or she will ask you about your symptoms and any other medical conditions you may have. Then, they will perform a physical exam. After that, they may recommend several tests to help determine the exact cause.
| Test | What does this do? |
|---|---|
| Urinalysis | A sample of your urine will be checked for the appearance and presence of things that could cause symptoms (blood, sugar, protein). |
| Urine Culture | They are looking for bacteria that cause infections in the urine. |
| Urine Cytology | The urine is examined under a microscope to see if there are any abnormal cells, such as cancer cells. |
| Cystoscopy | A thin tube with a small camera is inserted through the urethra to examine the inside of the bladder and urethra. |
| Imaging tests | Scans such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI are performed to obtain images of the kidneys and urinary system. |
How is it treated?
The treatment for this depends entirely on the cause of the blood in the urine . The doctor will determine the cause after conducting tests and will provide you with the most appropriate treatment.
- If it is an infection like a UTI, antibiotics will be given.
- If it is a urinary stone, medication will be used to dissolve the stone or other methods will be used to remove the stone.
- If the prostate gland is enlarged, it may require medication or possibly surgery.
- If cancer is diagnosed, a team of specialist doctors (urologists, oncologists) will come together to develop the most appropriate treatment plan.
What can we do to prevent this?
While not all causes can be prevented, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day. This will help keep your urinary system healthy.
- Urinate before and after sex.
- When women clean themselves after using the toilet, they should always wipe from front to back. This prevents germs from entering the urinary tract.
- Maintain a healthy weight that suits your body.
- Limit foods high in sugar, salt, and animal protein.
- If you smoke, stop immediately.
- Minimize exposure to hazardous chemicals as much as possible.
When should you see a doctor?
If you notice that your urine is turning pink, red, or brown , see a doctor without hesitation.
Also, seek medical advice if you have any of these symptoms, even if your urine color does not change:
- Change in urination pattern (frequent urination, pain).
- Signs of infection such as fever and chills.
- Pain in the stomach, back, or sides of the hips.
If the symptoms are very severe, for example, if there is severe pain and bleeding, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Can eating and drinking cause blood in the urine?
No, food or drink doesn't actually cause blood to appear in the urine. However, some foods can change the color of the urine and make it look like there's blood in it. Then we get scared for no reason.
- Beet
- Blackberry
- Rhubarb
- Fava beans
Even if your urine changes color after eating a food like this, it's hard to tell for yourself whether it's blood or not. So the best thing to do if you have any doubts is to talk to your doctor. That will ease your fears and help you find out if there's a problem sooner.
Take-Home Message
- If you notice your urine turning red, pink, or brown, don't ignore it. See a doctor immediately.
- This is not always a sign of a serious condition like cancer. It can also be a simple cause like a UTI or urinary stones.
- Don't just guess at the cause. It's essential to find the cause by doing proper testing.
- Treatment depends on the cause, so the sooner the cause is identified, the easier it will be to treat.
- Many urinary tract diseases can be prevented by drinking plenty of water daily and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
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