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Seeing blood in your urine is alarming as it points to a range of urinary tract conditions. At Mission City Urology in San Antonio, Texas, Arpan Satsangi, MD, PhD, offers expert evaluations and advanced testing to determine the cause and provide the proper treatment. From infections to more severe conditions, patients receive comprehensive care in a supportive setting. Don’t ignore blood in your urine. Call Mission City Urology today or schedule a consultation online for peace of mind.
Blood in the Urine Q & A
What does it mean if there’s blood in my urine?
Blood in the urine (hematuria) indicates a urinary tract disorder. Sometimes, the blood is visible, making your urine pink, red, or brown. At other times, urinalysis is the only way to detect blood in the urine.
Seeing blood in your urine can be concerning, but it’s not always a sign of something severe. Dr. Satsangi at Mission City Urology finds the cause and prescribes the appropriate treatment.
What causes blood in the urine?
The many possible causes of blood in your urine range from minor problems to more serious health concerns. These include:
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
UTIs can irritate the bladder lining and lead to bleeding.
Kidney stones
Kidney stones often scrape the urinary tract as they move, causing bleeding.
Enlarged prostate (in men)
An enlarged prostate can cause pressure and bleeding during urination.
Vigorous exercise
Activities like long-distance running can cause bladder trauma or dehydration-related bleeding.
Urinary tract injury
Falls and other accidents or catheter use can cause urinary tract bleeding.
Some medications
Medicines like blood thinners and some antibiotics can increase the risk of urinary tract bleeding.
Infections or inflammation
Infections and inflammation affecting the kidneys, bladder, or urethra can cause blood in the urine.
Blood in the urine isn’t always painful. Some people feel burning or pain when they urinate, especially if they have an infection or a kidney stone. But in many cases, there’s no pain at all. You should seek medical advice for painless blood in your urine.
How is blood in the urine diagnosed?
Dr. Satsangi starts the diagnostic process with a physical exam. He asks about your symptoms and medical history. You’ll also provide a urine sample for testing.
He could recommend an ultrasound or CT scan, depending on his findings. Another procedure you might need is a cystoscopy, where Dr. Satsangi looks inside your bladder with a tiny camera.
Which treatments are available for blood in the urine?
Treatment depends on what’s causing the bleeding. If it’s a UTI, antibiotics usually clear it up quickly. For kidney stones, Dr. Satsangi will recommend medication, hydration, or a procedure to remove the stone.
If the cause is more severe, like a tumor, he’ll discuss treatment choices and the next steps in detail.
Call Mission City Urology today or book an appointment online if you see blood in your urine.