There's Blood in My Urine—What Should I Do?

What Is Blood in the Urine (Hematuria), What Causes It, and When Is It Dangerous?

What Does Blood in the Urine Mean?

Blood in the urine, medically known ashematuria, is a condition in which the urine appears visibly red, pink, or cola-colored, or in which red blood cells are detected under a microscope.
While this condition may be due to asimple and temporarycause, it can sometimes bethe first sign of a serious urological disease.

As Prof. Dr. Volkan İzolfrequently emphasizes in hisclinical practice,the presence of blood in the urine should never be considered “insignificant”; the cause must always be investigated.

What Are the Types of Blood in Urine?

🔹 Macroscopic Hematuria

Visible changes in the urine:

  • Red
  • Pink
  • Coke color

This is the case. Patients usually seek medical attention because “there was blood in their urine.”

🔹 Microscopic Hematuria

The urine appears to be a normal color, but blood cells are detected in the urinalysis.
This condition is often discoveredby chance.

📌Important:
Macroscopic hematuria requiresmore urgent and thorough evaluation.

The Most Common Causes of Blood in the Urine

The source of blood in the urine can beanywhere along the urinary tract, starting with the kidneys.

1️⃣ Urinary Tract Infections

It is more common in women, in particular.

Symptoms:

  • Burning sensation when urinating
  • Frequent urination
  • Foul-smelling urine
  • Lower abdominal pain
  • Cloudy or bloody urine

Infection-related hematuria usuallyresolves with treatment, but it must be confirmed.

2️⃣ Kidney Stones and Urinary Tract Stones

It is one of the most common causes of blood in the urine.

On the stones:

  • Sudden-onset side pain
  • Severe pain in the groin
  • Nausea – vomiting
  • Blood in the urine

can be seen.

As the stone moves, it irritates the urinary tract, causing bleeding.

3️⃣ Bladder Disorders

🔹 Bladder Tumors

In particular:

  • Painless
  • Clotted
  • Recurring

The presence of blood in the urineis a warning sign of bladder cancer.

📌The risk is much higher among smokers.

Prof. Dr. Volkan İzol specifically emphasizesthatpainless hematuriamust be evaluated without delay via cystoscopy.

4️⃣ Kidney Diseases

🔹 Kidney Cysts

Simple cysts are usually harmless; however, they can rarely cause bleeding.

🔹 Kidney Tumors

  • Painless bleeding
  • Side pain
  • Weight loss

may accompany.

5️⃣ Prostate-Related Causes (in Men)

  • Benign prostatic hyperplasia
  • Prostate infection
  • Prostate cancer

It can disrupt the vascular structure of the prostate tissue, leading to blood in the urine.

6️⃣ Physical Strain and Trauma

  • Long-distance running
  • Intense exercise
  • Impacts or accidents

Transient hematuria may occur afterward. However,if it recurs, it must be investigated.

7️⃣ Medications Used

  • Blood thinners
  • Aspirin
  • Some pain relievers

It may contribute to blood in the urine.
However, medication usealone is not considered a sufficient explanation; the underlying cause must be ruled out.

When Is Blood in the Urine Dangerous?

An urgent urological evaluationis required in the following situations:

  • If there is visible blood in the urine
  • If the bleeding is painless
  • If you're passing blood clots
  • If you are over 40
  • If you smoke
  • If the bleeding recurs
  • If weight loss is accompanied by fatigue

In Prof. Dr. Volkan İzol’sapproach, “waiting for it to go away” is one of the most common and riskiest mistakes.

What Tests Are Performed When There Is Blood in the Urine?

The diagnosis is aimedat determining the source of the problem.

Possible Tests:

  • Urinalysis
  • Urine culture
  • Blood tests
  • Ultrasonography
  • Computed Tomography (CT)
  • Cystoscopy (examination of the bladder using a camera)
  • An MRI or biopsy, if necessary

📌Not every test is performed on every patient. The evaluation is tailored to each individual.

Why Is Cystoscopy Important?

Cystoscopy allows for direct examination of the bladder using a camera.

  • Bladder tumors
  • Bleeding sites
  • Stones
  • Constrictions

It is clearly visible.

Prof. Dr. Volkan İzol emphasizes that cystoscopy isthe gold standardfor painless hematuria.

If Blood in the Urine Goes Away on Its Own, Is the Problem Solved?

❌ No.

The fact that the bleeding has stopped does not mean the underlying cause has been resolved.
Bleeding caused by tumors, in particular, can beintermittent.

For this reason:

  • The “it happened once, it’s over” approach is wrong
  • The issue should not be closed without determining the cause

Is Blood in the Urine a Sign of Cancer?

Blood in the urine does not necessarily mean cancer.
However, it is important to remember that:

  • The most common first symptom of bladder canceris blood in the urine
  • Painless bleeding is more suspicious
  • Early diagnosis saves lives

The Most Common Mistakes Patients Make

  • Ignoring the bleeding
  • Diagnosing a Condition Online
  • Making do with plant-based products
  • Waiting, thinking, “It’s just a bump in the road”
  • Taking antibiotics without getting a follow-up checkup

Recommendations for Patients with Blood in Their Urine

  • As soon as you see blood, make a note of it (color, clots, pain)
  • Drink plenty of fluids, but don't wait
  • Be sure to consult a urologist
  • Don't relax until the tests are complete
  • Don't miss your regular checkups

Conclusion

Blood in the urineis a symptom that should never be ignored. While it may be caused by simple reasons, it can also be the first sign of serious urological diseases.
With early evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and timely intervention, many serious problemscan be detected in their early stages.

The goal of the approach adopted by Prof. Dr. Volkan İzolis not to frighten the patient, butto raise their awareness and encourage them to take the right steps without delay.