Blood in Urine

Blood in the urine, known medically as hematuria, occurs when red blood cells leak into your urine somewhere along the urinary tract, from the kidneys to the bladder. Visible bleeding can tint urine pink, red, or cola-coloured, while microscopic bleeding is invisible and is picked up only by laboratory testing. In most cases the underlying cause is identifiable and treatable.

Hematuria is fairly common and has many possible causes, ranging from minor to more serious. It is generally not considered normal, so it deserves attention. Certain foods such as beetroot, some medicines, or vigorous exercise can colour urine without real blood being present. Because you cannot reliably tell the difference yourself, any persistent or visible change should be checked.

Frequent causes include urinary tract infections, kidney or bladder stones, and inflammation of the bladder or kidneys. In older men, an enlarged prostate is a common reason. Less often, hematuria can be linked to kidney disease, certain inherited conditions, or tumours of the bladder or kidney. Identifying the source guides the right care.

Yes. Some blood-thinning medicines can make existing bleeding more noticeable, and a few drugs may genuinely contribute to it. Strenuous activity, especially long-distance running, can occasionally cause temporary hematuria that settles with rest. Because these explanations cannot be assumed, a doctor should still confirm the cause rather than attributing the change to exercise or medication alone.

A doctor usually starts with your history and a urine test to confirm the presence of blood and check for infection. Further evaluation may include blood tests, imaging such as ultrasound or a scan, and sometimes a camera examination of the bladder. These steps help pinpoint where the bleeding comes from and what is causing it.

Treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause. An infection may be treated with antibiotics, stones may need procedures to remove them, and prostate or kidney conditions are managed according to their type. When tests find no concerning cause, your doctor may simply monitor you over time. The goal is to treat the source rather than the bleeding itself.

Seek urgent care if you cannot pass urine at all, pass large clots, or have heavy visible bleeding, especially with severe pain, fever, or feeling very unwell. These can signal a blockage or serious problem needing prompt attention. If you feel faint or have signs of a major infection, contact local emergency services without delay.

You should arrange a medical review whenever you notice visible blood in your urine, even a single time and even without pain. Also see a doctor if a test reports microscopic blood, or if you have ongoing urinary symptoms such as burning, urgency, or back pain. Prompt assessment ensures any treatable condition is found early.