Bloody urine may make you wonder, “Am I sick?” It can be alarming. It can signify many things, from a minor infection to a severe condition. Here are some things you need to know about blood in urine and what it might mean for your health.

Symptoms of Blood in the Urine

Also known as blood in the urine, Hematuria is a condition in which blood is found in the urine. Hematuria occurs when blood leaks into the urine from the urinary tract. The two types of Hermaturia are Gross Hematuria and Microscopic Hematuria.

When you have Gross Hematuria, you can see blood in your urine, while Microscopic Hematuria means the blood is not visible. Due to this, it will only be visible under a microscope during tests by your doctor.

Gross Hematuria appears in a cola-colored, red, or pink form because of the red blood cells. A small amount of blood is necessary to make red urine, and the bleeding is usually not painful. A blood clot in your urine, however, can make you very uncomfortable.

You can help your doctor diagnose the problem by carefully noting what the blood in your urine looks like. Pay attention to the color and consistency:

If you notice just one or two small blood clots, a pinkish or reddish tint, or if the blood is thin enough that you can still see through the urine, it’s probably not an emergency.
However, if you see several blood clots or if the blood is so thick you can’t see through the urine, it could be more concerning.

Blood in the urine often appears without any other symptoms.

Can Diet or Supplements Change the Color of Your Urine?

It’s worth noting that not all red or discolored urine is caused by blood. Certain foods, such as beets, blackberries, or rhubarb, can tint your urine a pinkish or reddish hue. Some vitamins—especially B-complex or vitamin C—can also give urine a deeper yellow or orange shade. Even some medications and food dyes are notorious for altering urine color. While these changes might be startling, especially if you’re on the lookout for blood, they’re usually harmless and not related to hematuria. If you’re ever unsure, consulting your healthcare provider is the safest bet.

Should You Ignore Blood in Your Urine If It Only Happens Once?

Even if you notice blood in your urine only a single time, it’s important not to brush it off. While it might seem like an isolated event or disappear on its own, even one episode can be a sign of something more significant happening in your body—sometimes, even the first and only warning sign of a small tumor or another serious medical condition.

Ignoring blood in the urine—even if it doesn’t come back—could mean missing an early chance to spot and treat underlying issues. It’s always wise to check in with your doctor, just to rule out anything that might require attention.

Causes of Blood in the Urine

Gross Hematuria can result from one of the following:

An enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy): The most common cause of blood in the urine for men over 50 is an enlarged prostate pressing against the bladder and causing bleeding. This condition is prevalent but does not usually cause other symptoms. An enlarged prostate may also make urination difficult.
kidney stones: Small kidney stones can often pass without causing any symptoms other than blood in the urine and some mild pain, but larger kidney stones could cause severe flank pain that radiates to the groin. If you feel that you have a kidney stone, visit urgent care at your nearest hospital emergency room.
Urinary tract infection (UTI): UTIs are more common in women and may cause discomfort or burning with urination along with frequent urination and urinary urgency. They are not often associated with flank pain, but if they are not treated promptly, they may cause kidney.
Blood clots in the urinary tract: Blood clots can form when urine flow stops or slows down, like kidney stones or after surgery. Blood clots can damage the lining of the urinary tract and cause bleeding.
Bladder infection: A bladder infection (cystitis) may produce enough blood to make your urine look red. Infections are easier to cause when bacteria are able to penetrate the bladder. The risk of bladder infections is higher in women than in men, probably because women have a shorter urethra (urinary tube).
Kidney infection: A kidney infection (pyelonephritis) may also cause blood to appear in your urine. Kidney infections are not as common as bladder infections and can be very serious if not trnb neated promptly.

When to Seek Immediate Care

If you have gross hematuria, your doctor will typically perform a cystoscopy and a CT scan to inspect your urinary tract and help determine the cause. A CT scan provides detailed images to look for masses or stones, while a cystoscopy allows your doctor to examine the inside of your bladder and its lining.

Sometimes, gross hematuria can be accompanied by additional symptoms, including:

Several blood clots in the urine
Inability to urinate
Fever
Chills
Nausea or vomiting

If you notice any of these symptoms along with blood in your urine, it may indicate a serious infection or blockage in your urinary tract. In these cases, it’s important to seek emergency care right away.

Other factors that cause blood in the urine are kidney injuries, engaging in strenuous exercises, inherited disorders, and medications.

Risk Factors

The risk factors for blood in the urine are:

Age: Most men above 50 experience Hematuria due to an enlarged prostate.
The family history: If you have a family history of kidney disease or kidney stones, you might be more likely to experience urinary bleeding.
A recent infection: Children with visible urinary blood most often have inflammation of their kidneys after a viral or bacterial infection (post-infectious glomerulonephritis).
Strenuous exercises: Exercise-induced urinary bleeding is particularly prevalent in long-distance runners. It is commonly called jogger’s Hematuria. However, it can affect anyone who exercises vigorously.
Certain medications: There is evidence to suggest that aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers, and antibiotics such as penicillin increase the risk of bleeding in the urinary tract.

How to Diagnose Blood in Urine

Your physician can detect blood in the urine using the following tests and exams:

A physical examination: It involves a regular physical and discussing your medical history.
Urine tests. You will likely undergo another test to determine if your urine still has red blood cells in it, even if the bleeding was discovered through urine testing (urinalysis). Urinalysis can also reveal the presence of kidney stones and urinary tract infections.
Imaging tests. Hematuria is often diagnosed with an imaging test. Your doctor may recommend MRI or CT scans or ultrasound exams.
Cystoscopy. Your physician will use a narrow tube fitted with a tiny camera to examine your bladder and urethra during the examination.

Dipstick Analysis vs. Microscopic Urine Examination

There are two primary ways your physician might analyze your urine for signs of blood or infection:

Dipstick Urine Analysis: This involves dipping a chemically treated strip into your urine. The strip quickly changes color if substances like blood, protein, or signs of infection are present. It’s a fast, straightforward screening tool often used right in the office.
Microscopic Examination: Here, a lab technician or your doctor examines a sample of your urine under a microscope. This method provides more detailed information by actually counting red blood cells, white blood cells, or spotting crystals and bacteria that may not show up on a dipstick.

These tests are often used together, giving your healthcare provider a solid picture of what’s happening—helping narrow down the cause of blood in your urine.

Urine bleeding problems can sometimes be impossible to diagnose.

If you have a history of radiation therapy or a risk factor for bladder cancer, your doctor may recommend regular follow-up tests.

The Importance of Annual Physical Exams and Urinalysis

Regular checkups aren’t just about ticking a box—they play a vital role in spotting health issues early, especially when it comes to blood in the urine. Hematuria can be sneaky; sometimes, the amount of blood is so small that only a microscope can detect it. That’s why having a yearly physical, paired with comprehensive urine testing, is crucial.

During these routine visits, your doctor will likely request a fresh urine sample. But not all urine tests are created equal. A microscopic analysis is more thorough than the simple dipstick test. While the dipstick uses a chemical strip to highlight abnormalities, a microscopic exam allows your provider to actually see red blood cells—often before you notice any changes yourself.

Catching hematuria at this hidden stage makes it far easier for your doctor to investigate and address anything unusual, potentially preventing more serious issues down the road. Regular exams and proper urinalysis are your best defense, especially if you have risk factors or a family history of kidney or bladder troubles.

Treatment for Blood in Urine

You may not need treatment in some cases. If you have Hematuria caused by a urinary tract infection, antibiotics might clear it, shrinking an enlarged prostate may require prescription medication. In addition, shock wave therapy may be necessary to break up kidney or bladder stones.

Does Drinking Water Help Treat Blood in Urine?

It’s a common belief that simply drinking plenty of water will cure blood in the urine. While staying hydrated is always good for your urinary tract and can help flush your system, it’s important to remember that drinking water alone does not address the reason blood is present in your urine in the first place. Hydration may help dilute the blood and make urination less uncomfortable, but it won’t treat infections, kidney stones, or any other underlying issues.

If you notice blood in your urine, it’s best to see your doctor to determine the exact cause rather than relying solely on water as a solution. Proper treatment depends on the specific condition, whether it’s an infection, stone, or another medical concern.

If you have blood in your urine after treatment, talk to your doctor to ensure the problem is not recurring.

It’s important not to ignore any blood in your urine, whether it’s visible to the naked eye (gross hematuria) or only detected under a microscope (microscopic hematuria). Only a healthcare professional can determine the underlying cause. Make an appointment as soon as you notice blood, even if it seems minor.

Your doctor may recommend further tests, especially if you have visible blood in your urine. These tests can include:

Cystoscopy – using a thin tube with a camera to examine your bladder and urethra.
CT scan – creating detailed images to check for masses or other issues in your urinary tract.

These tests help pinpoint the source of bleeding, ensuring you get the right treatment.

When to seek urgent care:

If you notice blood in your urine and experience any of the following symptoms, seek emergency attention right away:

Blood clots in your urine
Difficulty urinating
Fever or chills
Nausea or vomiting

These could be signs of a blockage or a serious infection that requires prompt medical intervention.

Blood in the urine (hematuria) – Symptoms and causes