Blood in the urine can be caused by a number of different issues, ranging from strenuous exercise to kidney disease or bladder stones.
There are a number of reasons for blood being present in the urine (hematuria). Many of these are benign and should not be a cause for distress. However, everyone should be evaluated as it can be an indicator for a more serious issue.
Causes for blood in the urine include the following:
Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the urinary system, caused by bacteria that has entered the urinary tract.
Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis)
A kidney infection is technically a urinary tract infection and can occur when bacteria enters the urinary tract via the urethra and makes its way to the kidneys where it multiplies.
Cancer
Urinary bleeding may be a symptom of advanced prostate cancer, bladder cancer or kidney cancer.
Bladder Stones or Kidney Stones
Kidney stones and bladder stones are hard, solid crystals of various sizes formed from the salts in urine. Larger stones can be very painful when passed and can cause bleeding in the urinary tract.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia – Enlarged Prostate
As men get older the prostate can enlarge, which can restrict the flow of urine to the urethra. It can also cause blood to pass into the urine.
Kidney Disease or Kidney Trauma
Urinary bleeding is commonly a symptom of kidney disease, or can be the result of kidney trauma, such as a heavy blow to the organ from sports or an accident.
Strenuous Exercises
Very strenuous exercise may result in traces of blood being found in the urine, though it is unsure why.
Treatment of Blood In The Urine
Dr Arianayagam is a highly skilled urological surgeon who treats cancers and other disorders of the urinary system.
Evaluation includes a check inside the bladder (cystoscopy) where a fine telescope is introduced via the waterpipe (urethra), urine testing looking for abnormal cells and also a scan of the kidneys.
Please contact Dr Arianayagam’s office on 1300 307 990 if you need to be evaluated for blood in the urine.
