Finding blood in your urine can be a startling experience. Whether you notice a change in color or your doctor finds microscopic traces during a routine check-up, it’s a symptom that naturally sparks concern.
Medical professionals call this hematuria. While it often points to a treatable, non-life-threatening condition, it is always something that requires medical investigation.

Not all cases of hematuria look the same. Doctors categorize it into two main types:

Types of Hematuria

• Gross Hematuria: This is when you can see the blood with the naked eye. Your urine may look pink, red, or the color of tea/cola. Even a small amount of blood can change the color of the urine.
• Microscopic Hematuria: The urine looks completely normal, but blood cells are visible when a sample is examined under a microscope or tested with a dipstick.
  Common Causes
  Hematuria isn’t a disease itself; rather, it’s a symptom that something is happening within your urinary tract (which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra).

1. Infections
   UTIs are one of the most frequent causes. Bacteria enter the body through the urethra and multiply in the bladder, causing inflammation and bleeding. Kidney infections (pyelonephritis) can cause similar symptoms, often accompanied by fever and flank pain.
2. Stones
   Kidney or bladder stones are hard crystals that form from minerals in your urine. When they move through the urinary tract, they can cause blockages and small tears in the lining, leading to both gross and microscopic blood.
3. Prostate Enlargement
   In men, as the prostate gland grows (often due to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH), it compresses the urethra. This can cause difficulty urinating and may trigger bleeding.
4. Kidney Injury or Disease
   A direct blow to the kidneys (from sports or an accident) can cause visible blood. Additionally, various kidney diseases, such as glomerulonephritis, can cause the kidney’s filtering system to leak blood cells.
5. Certain Medications
   Some drugs, such as the anti-cancer drug cyclophosphamide or certain blood thinners (aspirin, heparin), can contribute to urinary bleeding.
   When Should You See a Doctor( Dr Adittya Kr Sharma)?
   The short answer: Always.
   Even if the blood disappears the next time you go to the bathroom, you should schedule an appointment. It is especially urgent if you experience:

Difficulty or pain during urination.
Severe pain in your back or side (flank pain).
Fever or chills.
Unexplained weight loss.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

To find the root cause, your healthcare provider will likely use a combination of the following:
Test What it looks for
Urinalysis Checks for infection, mineral levels, and the concentration of red blood cells.
Imaging (CT/Ultrasound) Visualizes the kidneys and bladder to check for stones, tumors, or structural issues.
Cystoscopy A thin tube with a camera is inserted into the bladder to look for abnormalities.
Blood Tests Measures creatinine levels to see how well your kidneys are filtering waste.

Note: Sometimes, urine can look red due to things other than blood. Eating large amounts of beets, rhubarb, or blackberries, or taking certain medications like Rifampin, can harmlessly tint your urine. However, you should never assume this is the case without a professional opinion.

Final Thoughts
Hematuria is a vital “check engine light” for your body. While the cause is often a simple infection or a small stone, early detection is key to managing more serious underlying conditions.
Would you like me to help you draft a list of specific questions to ask your doctor regarding these symptoms?