MBBS, MRCS(EDIN), MMED(SURG), FRCS(UROL) (RCPSG), FAMS(UROL)
BSC(Monash), MBBS(NSW), FRCS(Glasgow), FRACS, MMED(Surgery), FAMS(Urol)
Blood in your urine should never be ignored, as even a single episode could signal an underlying condition that needs attention from a urology clinic. Some causes of blood in urine could be mild and temporary, while others are more serious and require treatment, but it is often difficult to tell the difference based on appearance alone.
A urology specialist may be able to identify the cause, rule out serious conditions and guide the right treatment if early intervention is required.
Key Takeaways
- Blood in urine, whether visible or microscopic, should always be evaluated by a doctor
- Common causes include urinary tract infections, kidney stones, enlarged prostate and bladder or kidney conditions
- Early assessment at a urology clinic helps rule out serious conditions and guides appropriate treatment
- Seek urgent medical attention if you have heavy bleeding, blood clots, inability to urinate or severe pain with fever or vomiting
What is Blood in Urine (Hematuria)?
Blood in urine, also called hematuria, means that red blood cells are present in the urine. It can appear in two main forms: gross hematuria and microscopic hematuria.
Gross hematuria refers to blood in urine that is visible to the naked eye. This form of bleeding is more noticeable and often prompts medical attention. The urine may appear pink, red or brown. The colour can vary depending on the amount of blood and how long it has been in the urine.
Microscopic hematuria is typically only detected during routine health screenings or tests. This is because the red blood cells in the urine are not present in large enough quantities to change the colour of the liquid. Even without visible changes, microscopic hematuria can still indicate an underlying issue and should not be dismissed.
The presence of blood, whether visible or not, can be linked to conditions affecting the kidneys, bladder, ureters or prostate.
What Are the Common Causes of Blood in Urine?
Blood in urine can result from a range of conditions affecting the urinary tract or nearby organs. Common causes include:
- Urinary tract infections
- Kidney stones
- Enlarged prostate
- Kidney or bladder conditions
Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections can irritate the lining of the bladder and urethra, which may lead to bleeding.
Apart from blood in the urine, common signs include:
- Burning sensation during urination
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
- Lower abdominal discomfort
Infections are one of the most common and treatable causes of hematuria. Symptoms often improve within a few days of appropriate antibiotics.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones can cause bleeding when they move through the urinary tract and irritate or scratch the lining. Even small stones can cause noticeable bleeding as they pass out, while larger stones may need surgical treatment to be broken up.
Typical features include:
- Sudden and severe pain in the back or side
- Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen or groin
- Nausea or vomiting
Enlarged Prostate
An enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), can affect urine flow and lead to bleeding in men. This may occur due to increased pressure and changes in blood vessels around the prostate.
Common symptoms that accompany bleeding include:
- Weak urine stream
- Difficulty starting urination
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
Kidney or Bladder Conditions
Various conditions affecting the kidneys or bladder can lead to blood in urine. These may range from inflammation to more serious diseases.
Examples include:
- Kidney inflammation such as glomerulonephritis
- Bladder inflammation such as cystitis
- Structural abnormalities in the urinary tract
- Tumours in the kidney or bladder
Some of these conditions may not cause pain, which is why evaluation is important even if blood in the urine is the only symptom.
When is Blood in Urine an Emergency?
Blood in urine should always be assessed by a doctor. However, some situations may be classified as urgent medical emergencies, as they may indicate a more serious or rapidly worsening condition. You should seek immediate care if you experience any of the following.
- Heavy bleeding or visible clots in the urine: Passing large amounts of blood or clots can suggest significant bleeding in the urinary tract. Clots may also block urine flow and lead to complications.
- Inability to urinate: Difficulty or inability to pass urine, especially with visible blood or clots, can indicate a blockage. In other cases, it may be linked to nerve-related issues that affect the bladder’s ability to contract and empty properly. This is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment to relieve pressure on the bladder and kidneys.
- Severe pain or systemic symptoms: Intense pain in the back, side or abdomen may point to kidney stones or other acute conditions. Fever, chills, nausea or vomiting may suggest a serious infection that needs urgent care.
If any of these symptoms occur, you should go to the nearest emergency department or seek urgent medical evaluation. Early treatment can prevent complications and address potentially serious underlying causes quickly.
Take Control of Hematuria with Timely Urological Care
While there are multiple conditions that could cause hematuria, it is never easy to determine severity based on appearance alone. Even a single episode of blood in your urine warrants a proper evaluation from a urologist. Seeking early assessment at a urology clinic allows for accurate diagnosis and timely management, helping to prevent complications and ensure the most appropriate treatment plan.
At Tan Urology, care is tailored to each individual, focusing on clear diagnosis and patient-centred management of unique symptoms. Our consultant urologist, Dr Lincoln Tan, leads the clinic with a thorough and considered approach, guiding patients through each step of investigation and treatment based on their specific condition.
If you notice blood in your urine at any time, do not delay seeking medical advice. Contact us today to arrange a medical review.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Blood in Urine
Can blood in urine go away on its own?
In some cases, blood in the urine may resolve without treatment, particularly if it is caused by temporary factors such as minor infections or dehydration. However, even if blood disappears, this does not guarantee that the underlying cause has fully resolved. Some conditions can be intermittent or progress silently, which is why medical evaluation is still recommended to rule out more serious concerns and ensure there is no ongoing issue.
How can you prevent blood in urine?
Prevention depends on the underlying cause, but general measures can help reduce risk. Staying well-hydrated supports urinary tract health and may lower the likelihood of infections and kidney stones. Practising good hygiene, managing chronic conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, and attending regular health screenings are also important. For individuals with a history of urinary issues, early consultation at the first sign of symptoms can help prevent recurrence or complications.
Can exercise cause blood in urine?
Yes, intense or prolonged physical activity, particularly high-impact exercises such as long-distance running, can sometimes lead to temporary blood in the urine. This is often referred to as exercise-induced hematuria and may be linked to dehydration, bladder irritation or the breakdown of red blood cells during exertion.
Is red urine always caused by blood?
Not all red or discoloured urine is due to blood. Certain foods, such as beetroot, as well as medications and supplements, can alter urine colour and mimic the appearance of blood. However, it can be difficult to distinguish between harmless causes and true hematuria without proper testing.
Meet Our Urologists
Dr Lincoln Tan
MBBS, MRCS(Edin), MMED(Surg), FRCS(Urol)(RCPSG), FAMS(Urol)
Dr Lincoln Tan is experienced in managing a wide range of urological conditions, with particular expertise in minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery. He is actively involved in advancing evidence-based approaches to improve diagnostic accuracy and clinical decision-making. As principal investigator in the first local study validating the Prostate Health Index for cancer risk assessment, he has contributed to reducing unnecessary biopsies and has been among the clinical leads introducing freehand, office-based transperineal biopsies in Singapore. Dr Tan is committed to comprehensive, patient-centred urological care.
Dr Robert Tan Tin Kiat
BSC(Monash), MBBS(NSW), FRCS(Glasgow), FRACS, MMED(Surgery), FAMS(Urol)
Dr Robert Tan has over 35 years of experience in the diagnosis and management of a wide range of urological conditions. As one of the first urologists in Singapore to perform transurethral resection of the prostate, he has played a key role in advancing minimally invasive urological care. A founding member of the Singapore Urological Association, Dr Tan is also a local pioneer in non-invasive urinary stone treatment, including extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy. His practice emphasises careful assessment and personalised care supported by appropriate medical technology.