The advice is simple: If you see blood in your urine, call your doctor or urologist.
“No amount of blood in urine is normal and it should be evaluated,” said Dr. Michael Dusing, urologist with St. Elizabeth Healthcare.
Urine tests conducted during routine physicals usually don’t include tests for blood and probably don’t have to, he said. But if the patient is a lifelong smoker and in his 40s, “I imagine a primary doctor should check” for it, said Dusing, because that patient may be at a higher risk for related cancers.
Why does it happen?
The cause of blood in urine may be serious or benign but that question can only be answered by a doctor. It can be a symptom of something going on in the bladder or kidneys. That something could simply be a urinary tract infection, enlarged prostate, or kidney stones or cysts. Also, a blow to the kidneys or strenuous exercise, including long-distance running, can allow blood to leak into urine. Or it could indicate bladder or kidney cancer.
Some medications and even specific foods, including berries or beets, can cause the color of urine to look red but visible blood ““ with or without pain ““ looks different.
According to the Mayo Clinic, if you go to the doctor with blood in your urine, you should ask:
- What are the possible causes?
- What tests do I need?
- Is it temporary?
- Will I need treatment? What kind?
- Do you have any brochures I can take home with me?
Mayo suggests patients be prepared to answer questions from the doctor, including:
- Do you have pain when you urinate?
- Do you see blood in your urine only sometimes or all the time?
- Are you also passing blood clots?
- What medications are you taking?
- Do you smoke?
- Have you been exposed to chemicals? What kinds?
- Have you ever had radiation therapy?
