When Should You Seek Medical Help for Blood in the Urine?

Have you noticed blood in your urine recently? The sight of blood in your urine, formally known as hematuria, can be understandably frightening. Any time you notice blood during or after urination, it is essential to have it evaluated promptly to determine the underlying cause and whether any further action or treatment is necessary, as hematuria may indicate a serious underlying condition that can worsen if left untreated. At Kasraeian Urology in Jacksonville, FL, Dr. Ahmad Kasraeian and Dr. Ali Kasraeian, experienced board-certified urologists, are highly knowledgeable in the diagnosis and management of hematuria. Here, Dr. Kasraeian discusses important information about hematuria, including the potential causes of blood in the urine, when evaluation by a urologist is needed, and what treatment options may help to clear the blood in your urine.

What is hematuria?

Hematuria can present in two forms: gross and microscopic. Gross hematuria is visible to the naked eye and may appear as bright red blood in some cases. Other times, gross hematuria simply makes the urine look darker than normal, which may not be as obvious or easily recognizable. The other type of blood in the urine — microscopic hematuria — is detected through laboratory analysis, where red blood cells are observed under a microscope. Both forms of hematuria can occur with or without accompanying symptoms.

Is hematuria a sign of something more serious?

While hematuria may raise concerns about serious medical conditions, it's important to note that many instances of hematuria are benign and may actually resolve spontaneously. Still, there are some causes of blood in the urine that can indicate serious conditions, injuries, or abnormalities that require prompt evaluation and treatment. Some of the common causes of hematuria include:

• Kidney stone
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Bladder cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Injury or trauma
• Recent urologic surgery, such as a prostate biopsy

Do I need to call my doctor if I have blood in my urine?

Regardless of whether you experience gross or microscopic hematuria and whether it is an isolated occurrence or happens multiple times, it's essential to inform your healthcare provider and schedule an evaluation. It is also important to recognize certain red flags that may warrant more immediate attention. If you notice persistent blood in your urine accompanied by symptoms like fever, pain, nausea, vomiting, or unexplained weight loss, seek medical assistance as soon as possible. These additional symptoms, combined with blood in the urine, may indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires urgent intervention.

What treatments clear blood in the urine?

Resolving hematuria begins with first understanding its root cause and treating the underlying cause accordingly to prevent the progression of any underlying condition that may be responsible for the urinary blood. For instance, if hematuria is ultimately found to be caused by a UTI, the urinary infection will be addressed with antibiotic therapy as appropriate. At Kasraeian Urology, we utilize advanced diagnostic tools such as the PCR urine test to expedite the identification of bacteria that may be causing a UTI and tailor treatment accordingly — with most PCR urine test results offering same-day results, including information about which antibiotics will be most effective against your UTI, that allow treatment to begin almost immediately. Our goal is to provide rapid relief from symptoms and prevent recurrence through comprehensive management strategies.

Don't delay a visit to the doctor if you see blood in your urine. Our Jacksonville, FL urologists are here to help

While hematuria can be unsettling, many cases of blood in the urine are relatively harmless and can be cleared quickly. Still, it is important to keep in mind that some instances of hematuria can indicate a serious or even severe urologic problem that needs prompt evaluation and treatment. Even if your symptoms seem mild, it's always best to err on the side of caution and consult with a urologist any time you see blood in your urine. If you're experiencing blood in your urine or have other concerns about your urologic health, don't hesitate to contact Kasraeian Urology in Jacksonville, FL to schedule your consultation with board-certified urologists Drs. Ahmad and Ali Kasraeian today.