Hematuria or blood in the urine is not typically brought about by anything serious but must be assessed further by a doctor.
When to consult a doctor
A doctor should be seen if there is blood in the urine even if:
- There are no other accompanying symptoms
- It occurred only once
- Not certain that it is blood
- There is only a limited amount of blood
Hematuria or the presence of blood in the urine might appear red, bright pink or dark brown.
Hematuria or the presence of blood in the urine might appear red, bright pink or dark brown. If this is present, it should be assessed by a healthcare professional since it might be a sign of cancer. Remember that it is easier to manage if detected early.
What happens during a check-up?
The doctor will ask about the symptoms and examine the rectum or vagina. The following are also done:
- A urine sample or blood test is taken for analysis
- Antibiotics are prescribed if an infection is likely
What are the causes?
Hematuria or blood in the urine can stem from any region in the urinary tract – kidneys, bladder or urethra. In case there are other symptoms, it might provide an indication on the cause.
Is it something else?
There are instances in which it is blood in the urine if the following are present:
- Individual recently consumed beetroot which can turn the urine into pinkish color
- Using a new medication since certain drugs can turn urine brown or reddish in appearance
- Bleeding from the bottom instead
- An episode occurs during menstruation among women