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What is Urinary Bleeding?

J.M. Willhite
J.M. Willhite

The passing of blood during urination is a common condition known as urinary bleeding, or hematuria. Individuals may experience urinary bleeding for a variety of reasons that may be behavioral or medical in nature. Since there is no single, established treatment for a hematuria, treatment is dependent on the underlying cause for the urinary bleeding.

There are two presentations associated with urinary bleeding. Microscopic hematuria is the passing of blood in urine which is invisible to the naked eye. Only detectable under a microscope, this form of hematuria may be detected during routine testing or evaluations for secondary conditions. Bleeding that is visible is known as gross hematuria.

A urinalysis is typically used to help diagnose the causes of urinary bleeding.
A urinalysis is typically used to help diagnose the causes of urinary bleeding.

Several factors may contribute to the passage of blood during urination. The urinary tract is comprised of several organs, including the bladder, kidneys, and urethra. A hematuria occurs when blood cells are allowed to pass into urine that is expelled through the urethra. Any of the organs associated with the production, storage, or passage of urine may leak blood cells.

Smoking cessation can help reduce the risk of urinary bleeding.
Smoking cessation can help reduce the risk of urinary bleeding.

Urinary tract infections are the most common condition associated with the development of a hematuria. Additional conditions such as kidney disease, cancer, and an enlarged prostate may contribute to the development of a hematuria. Common issues affecting the kidneys, such as stones and bacterial infections like pyelonephritis, may also cause bleeding. Regular use of certain over-the-counter and prescription medications, such as aspirin and penicillin, may contribute to the passing of blood. Strenuous exercise, the consumption of certain foods, and injury to the kidney region can also cause a gross hematuria to occur.

Kidney stones may cause urinary bleeding.
Kidney stones may cause urinary bleeding.

Individuals with urinary bleeding may pass urine that is red, pink, or brownish in color. The darkened hue of the urine is due to the presence of the leaked blood cells. Generally, symptomatic individuals experience no pain and present no other symptoms. Although, in cases where blood clots develop, individuals may experience some pain when the clots pass in the urine. Although some instances of a hematuria may be temporary and benign in nature, a medical consultation and testing should be sought as a precautionary measure for persistent symptoms.

Urinary bleeding may be a sign of a kidney disorder.
Urinary bleeding may be a sign of a kidney disorder.

There are several diagnostic tests that may be performed in addition to a physical examination to determine the underlying cause of a hematuria. A urinalysis may be performed to check for signs of infection or mineral markers indicative of the presence of kidney or bladder stones. Imaging testing, such as a computerized tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound, may be conducted to evaluate the condition of the bladder and kidneys. In some cases, a cystoscopy may be necessary to more closely assess the urethra and bladder. Sometimes the cause for a hematuria may be elusive, necessitating regular monitoring and periodic testing.

The use of antibiotics may be necessary for the treatment of a urinary tract infection.
The use of antibiotics may be necessary for the treatment of a urinary tract infection.

Treatment for a hematuria is entirely dependent on its underlying cause. The use of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications may be necessary in the presence of an urinary tract infection or kidney disease. Other conditions, such as cancer and inherited disorders, may require extensive treatment that may include the use of drug therapies, surgery, and blood transfusions.

Conditions such as an enlarged prostate may contribute to the development of a hematuria.
Conditions such as an enlarged prostate may contribute to the development of a hematuria.

Though a hematuria can affect anyone of any age, there are some individuals who may be at an increased risk for this condition. Individuals who are recovering from a kidney infection, taking certain prescription medications, or who have a family history of kidney stones or disease may be more likely to become symptomatic. Additionally, those who participate in contact sports or regularly adhere to a strenuous exercise regimen may increase their risk of developing a hematuria due to injury or exertion. Drinking plenty of water, maintaining a healthy body weight, and consuming a healthy, balanced diet may reduce one’s risk for developing conditions that may contribute to the development of a hematuria. Smoking cessation, staying active, and avoiding environments that foster exposure to toxic chemicals may also reduce an individual’s risk for developing conditions that may lead to urinary bleeding.

Discussion Comments

Certlerant

@Glasis - This is a common cure people have been talking about for years. There is a lot of research on cranberry juice and urinary infections and there are positive results. The truth is that it does help a lot of people, but not everybody. A few people have negative reactions to drinking cranberry juice during a urinary issue too.

You can’t go wrong with cranberries anyway, if they are something you take well. They are very good for you. They are high in antioxidants. If you like cranberry juice and it works for you, drinking some when you feel a bit down is probably a good thing.

A new trend is taking cranberry supplements. These accomplish the same thing as drinking the juice, but they tend to be expensive. These supplements are generally easy to get, even though they cost a pretty penny.

So, it is good for you to drink cranberry juice in this instance, but de aware. If it starts making things worse, stop. Start with a little at a time too, don’t go all crazy with it.

Glasis

There are a lot of people that say drinking cranberry juice is good for keeping away a urinary tract infection. I know people who have cranberry juice on hand for drinking when they feel bad. Is it good to drink cranberry juice when you might have an infection in your urinary tract?

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    • A urinalysis is typically used to help diagnose the causes of urinary bleeding.
      By: jcreaxion
      A urinalysis is typically used to help diagnose the causes of urinary bleeding.
    • Smoking cessation can help reduce the risk of urinary bleeding.
      By: Minerva Studio
      Smoking cessation can help reduce the risk of urinary bleeding.
    • Kidney stones may cause urinary bleeding.
      By: airborne77
      Kidney stones may cause urinary bleeding.
    • Urinary bleeding may be a sign of a kidney disorder.
      By: tomschoumakers
      Urinary bleeding may be a sign of a kidney disorder.
    • The use of antibiotics may be necessary for the treatment of a urinary tract infection.
      By: Syda Productions
      The use of antibiotics may be necessary for the treatment of a urinary tract infection.
    • Conditions such as an enlarged prostate may contribute to the development of a hematuria.
      By: peterjunaidy
      Conditions such as an enlarged prostate may contribute to the development of a hematuria.
    • A urologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diseases and conditions of the urinary system.
      By: Darren Baker
      A urologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diseases and conditions of the urinary system.