Hematuria
Understanding Hematuria: Unraveling the Mystery of Blood in Your Urine
Hematuria, or the presence of blood in your urine, can manifest in two distinct forms: gross hematuria, which is visible to the naked eye, and microscopic hematuria, detectable only through specialized lab testing. If you ever notice blood in your urine, it’s best to contact your doctor promptly to explore potential underlying causes.
What Causes Hematuria
Many factors can trigger the release of blood into the urinary tract, ranging from benign to more severe conditions, including:
1. Common Occurrences: Certain situations, such as female menstruation, sexual activity, physical trauma, dehydration, strenuous exercise, as well as the presence of bladder, kidney, or ureteral stones, sexually transmitted diseases, medications, viral infections, or urinary tract infections, can sometimes lead to hematuria.
2. Potentially Serious Concerns: On the other hand, more grave causes could involve an enlarged prostate, the formation of blood clots, liver diseases, polycystic kidney disease, sickle cell disease, blood disorders, or the presence of kidney or bladder cancer. Inflammation of the kidney, urethra, prostate, or bladder can also be underlying factors.
Please note: Certain dietary elements, such as beets, food coloring, rhubarb, and specific medications, have the capacity to alter the color of urine, giving it an unusual appearance. It’s crucial to distinguish these cases from hematuria, as they are not indicative of a medical issue.
Treatment Options for Hematuria
At Orange County Urologic Institute, we offer several treatments to address the cause of hematuria:
Schedule an appointment today with one of our healthcare providers at Orange County Urologic Institute to help you regain control of your overall health.