Have you recently noticed that your urine looks pink or red? Many people assume this means something is seriously wrong, like kidney disease. The good news is that hematuria, or blood in the urine, can occur for various reasons, and it isn’t always serious.
At Associated Urologists of North Carolina, PA, our expert urology team regularly treats hematuria in our offices in Cary, Clayton, Dunn, Raleigh, and Wake Forest, North Carolina. In this blog, we explain what hematuria is, common causes, and when to see a urologist for treatment.
Hematuria is the presence of red blood cells in your urine. It’s not an official diagnosis, but rather a symptom of an underlying medical issue.
There are two types:
This type causes your urine to appear red, brown, or pink and is often recognized when using the toilet.
This type causes your urine to appear normal (clear or yellow) and isn’t detected until routine testing, such as urinalysis.
Blood in the urine is one of the most common reasons for urology visits, accounting for about 20% of cases. A large percentage of cases are benign (harmless) and caused by factors such as:
Less common, but potentially serious causes of blood in the urine include kidney disease, bladder or kidney cancer, blood disorders, and trauma or injury to the urinary system.
Because serious and benign causes often present similar symptoms, identifying the cause is essential for your health and peace of mind.
Schedule an evaluation with our caring team if you notice any blood in your urine. Even though most cases are nothing to worry about, it’s important to rule out potentially serious issues. This is especially true if your urine discoloration occurs with persistent urinary symptoms such as burning, urgency, or pain.
Prompt evaluation and diagnosis can reduce the risk of serious complications and help prevent the problem from worsening.
To diagnose hematuria, we review your health history and ask about your symptoms, including when you first noticed the blood in your urine and whether you experience pain or difficulty urinating.
Next, we order several tests, including urinalysis and diagnostic imaging, such as a CT scan or MRI, to assess your kidneys, ureters, and urethra. We may also recommend cystoscopy, a minimally invasive procedure that uses a thin tube with a light on the end to view the lining of your urethra and bladder.
After identifying the source, we develop a custom treatment plan. Depending on your needs, we may suggest:
The goal is to support the health of your urinary system and prevent the problem from recurring.
If you’ve noticed blood in your urine, don’t wait to seek care. To make an appointment, call the nearest office in Cary, Clayton, Dunn, Raleigh, or Wake Forest, North Carolina, or schedule online.
