Hematuria, or blood in your urine, can be caused by a variety of issues with your urinary tract. At Tricounty Urology in Uniontown and Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, the practice helps patients determine the cause of their hematuria and the best treatment options for their condition. Led by Sunil Rayan, MD, and Mukul Patil, MD, Tricounty Urology specializes in comprehensive, results-driven patient care. To speak with a doctor about your condition, call one of the offices or request an appointment online today.
Hematuria Q & A
What are the symptoms of hematuria?
Visible blood in your urine is referred to as gross hematuria. Gross hematuria can cause you to have pink, red, or dark brown urine. Although the sight of blood in your urine may be alarming, only a small amount of blood is required to discolor your urine.
Blood that’s only visible under a microscope is called microscopic hematuria. Microscopic hematuria is typically found during a urine test.
In many cases, hematuria occurs without any accompanying symptoms. To treat your hematuria, your doctor first determines the cause of the urine in your blood.
What causes hematuria?
Several urological conditions can cause hematuria. Hematuria occurs when blood cells leak into your urine from some part of your urinary tract.
One of the most common causes of blood in your urine is a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs occur when bacteria enter through your urethra. In addition to hematuria, UTIs can also cause painful urination and strong-smelling urine.
Other conditions that can cause blood in your urine include:
Hematuria can also happen as a result of certain medications or strenuous exercise.
An accurate diagnosis helps your doctor plan the right treatment for your condition. If a cause can’t be identified, your doctor might recommend ongoing monitoring to track any changes to your urinary health.
How is hematuria diagnosed?
If you notice blood in your urine, your doctor performs a physical exam and urine test to confirm the presence of urine in your blood. In some cases, certain medications and foods like beets, rhubarb, or berries can change the color of your urine.
Once the presence of blood is confirmed, your doctor may perform a number of tests to determine the underlying cause of your hematuria. Tricounty Urology offers several on-site labs and radiology services. Depending on your condition, your diagnosis may involve:
Effectively treating the underlying condition can clear the blood from your urine. During your appointment, your doctor works with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan customized to your needs. Tricounty Urology offers a full range of treatments for many different urological conditions.
To find out the cause of your hematuria, book an appointment at Tricounty Urology by phone or online today.