Seeing Red? Why You Should Never Ignore Blood in Your Urine
It can be a shocking and scary sight—looking into the toilet and seeing a tinge of pink, red, or even brownish-coloured urine. This is known as hematuria, or simply, blood in your pee.
While your first reaction might be panic, it's important to stay calm but take it seriously. Blood in your urine is your body's way of sending you a signal that something isn't right. It could be something minor, or it could be the first warning sign of a more serious health issue.
Here are 10 common reasons why you might be seeing blood in your urine.
10 Common Reasons for Blood in Urine
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
This is one of the most common culprits. A UTI happens when bacteria get into your urinary tract, causing an infection and inflammation that can lead to bleeding. You might also experience other classic UTI symptoms, like a burning feeling when you urinate or the constant urge to go to the bathroom.
- Kidney or Bladder Stones
Sometimes, minerals in your urine can crystallize and form hard "pebbles" known as stones. As these stones move around or try to pass out of your body, they can scrape the lining of your urinary tract, causing sharp pain and bleeding. In some cases, you might not feel any pain, and blood in the urine is the only clue you have.
- Enlarged Prostate
This is a common issue for many older men. As the prostate gland gets bigger, it can press on the urethra (the tube that carries urine), affecting urine flow and sometimes causing bleeding. This condition is usually benign (not cancerous) and can be managed with medication.
- Kidney Diseases
Certain diseases can cause inflammation in the kidneys' tiny filtering units, leading to blood leaking into the urine. This is often a silent problem, discovered only through a routine urine test. Catching it early is key to protecting your kidneys from further damage.
- An Early Warning Sign of Cancer
While it's a less common cause, painless blood in the urine can be an early warning sign of cancer in the bladder, kidneys, or prostate. This is one of the most important reasons why you should never ignore this symptom, even if it only happens once. Early detection is critical for successful treatment.
- Vigorous Exercise
Have you ever had a really intense workout? Sometimes, strenuous exercise like long-distance running can cause temporary bleeding in the urine. This is often harmless and usually resolves with rest. However, if it continues, it's important to see a doctor to rule out other causes.
- Inherited Disorders
Certain genetic conditions that run in families, like sickle cell disease or Alport syndrome, can affect the kidneys and lead to blood in the urine. These conditions often require regular monitoring by a doctor.
- A Side Effect of Medication
Some common medications, especially blood thinners like aspirin or certain antibiotics, can cause bleeding in the urinary tract as a side effect. If you notice blood in your urine and you've recently started a new medication, let your doctor know right away.
- Injury or Trauma
A direct blow to your back or abdomen from a fall or accident can injure your kidneys or bladder, causing internal bleeding that shows up in your urine.
- Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
For patients undergoing cancer treatment, radiation or certain chemotherapy drugs can sometimes irritate the bladder lining and cause it to bleed. This is a known side effect, and your oncology team should be informed immediately if it occurs.
The Bottom Line: Don't Wait and See
Seeing blood in your urine—even just once, and even if you have no pain—is your body's clear signal to see a doctor. While the cause may be harmless, you can't know for sure without a proper diagnosis.
Don't try to guess the cause or wait for it to go away on its own. Making an appointment with a healthcare professional is the only way to find out what's really going on and get the right treatment.