What is it?
Haematuria means the presence of blood in the urine. It can be visible to the eye (gross haematuria) or only detected under a microscope or dipstick test (microscopic haematuria).
While it may be caused by minor issues such as infection, stones, or exercise, it can also be an early sign of significant conditions such as bladder or kidney cancer. Because of this, haematuria should never be ignored.
Key Symptoms:
- Red, pink, or cola-coloured urine (visible blood)
- Microscopic haematuria often has no symptoms and is found on routine testing
- May be associated with pain, frequency, urgency, or burning with urination (depending on the cause)
Causes & Risk Factors:
- Urinary tract infections
- Kidney or bladder stones
- Prostate enlargement in men
- Trauma or vigorous exercise
- Medications (e.g. blood thinners)
- Kidney disease
- Bladder, kidney, or prostate cancer (especially in people over 40, smokers, or those with family history)
Diagnosis & Evaluation:
Assessment usually includes:
- Medical history & physical exam
- Urine tests (to confirm blood, rule out infection)
- Blood tests (kidney function, other markers)
- Imaging (ultrasound or CT urogram to check kidneys and urinary tract)
- Cystoscopy (camera examination of the bladder)
- Additional tests depending on risk level and age
Why evaluation matters:
- Even a single episode of visible haematuria requires full evaluation.
- Microscopic haematuria may also need further testing, especially in people over 40 or with risk factors.
- Early detection of serious causes such as bladder cancer significantly improves outcomes.
Treatment:
Treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause:
- Infections → antibiotics
- Stones → medication, procedures, or surgery if required
- Enlarged prostate → medication or surgery
- Cancers → referral to a specialist for tailored management
When to seek help:
See a doctor promptly if you notice blood in your urine. Even if the bleeding stops, it’s important to have a full evaluation to rule out serious causes.