Blood in your urine, clinically referred to as haematuria, is not something to be taken lightly. It can be either visible (seen as red or tea-coloured urine) or microscopic (detected only through laboratory testing). Regardless of how it is discovered, haematuria can be a crucial warning sign that your urinary system may be under distress.
Understanding the Causes
According to Dr Sanman Gowda, Urology, KMC Hospital, Mangalore, while younger individuals may sometimes present with benign causes, such as infections or physical exertion, haematuria in older adults, especially when painless, can be an ominous sign. In such cases, it could indicate underlying malignancies like kidney, bladder, or prostate cancer in men and cervical cancer in women.
He adds that the potential causes of haematuria are varied and include urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney or bladder stones, trauma, congenital vascular abnormalities, or use of blood thinners. Particularly concerning are cases with risk factors such as age above 50, smoking history, or exposure to industrial chemicals and dyes—common in certain occupations like factory or paint workers.
Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore
Dr Gowda outlines some warning signs that merit immediate medical attention:
- Age over 50 years
- History of smoking or nicotine use
- Visible, painless blood in urine—especially with clots
“In these situations, prompt consultation with a urologist is essential,” he says. “Even if the bleeding stops, it may recur and delay diagnosis of serious conditions.”
Digging Deeper into the Causes
Echoing this urgency, Dr Ravi Shankar, Urology, Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, states that blood in urine is never normal and must always prompt further evaluation. Most commonly, haematuria results from urinary tract infections, which can affect the kidneys, bladder, or, in men, the prostate. Infections are usually accompanied by symptoms such as pain or a burning sensation while passing urine.
Another frequent culprit, Dr Shankar points out, is the presence of stones in the urinary tract. These stones, whether in the kidneys, ureters, or bladder, can cause mechanical irritation, resulting in bleeding. Often, this will also be accompanied by pain in the abdomen or flank.
Could It Be Cancer?
Importantly, cancers within the urinary system, affecting the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or prostate, can present as blood in the urine. “These cases may be painless initially,” says Dr Shankar, “which is why they are often overlooked or misattributed.”
Less common but still noteworthy causes, according to him, include medical kidney diseases, post-surgical bleeding, and medication-related side effects. In all cases, ignoring the symptom can lead to delayed treatment and worsened outcomes.
Getting the Right Diagnosis
Dr Shankar explains that diagnosis begins with a basic urine examination and an ultrasound of the abdomen and pelvis. Depending on these findings, further evaluations, such as a CT scan or cystoscopy (a camera-based bladder exam), may be required.
His advice is simple but firm: “Do not ignore blood in your urine. Your bathroom visit may be sounding a critical alarm. Early detection through timely medical consultation can mean the difference between a curable condition and a late-stage disease. Listen to your body—it could be trying to tell you something life-saving.”
