At some point in our lives we’ll probably all experience an abnormal urine color or smell but it doesn’t mean it’s time to panic. Foods like asparagus can cause a foul odor, and blood in the urine (hematuria) might be caused by something as benign as overexerting yourself while exercising. So when is it time to panic?
If you see blood in your urine the first thing to do is note the color. Hematuria can be pink, red or dark brown. According to the Mayo Clinic, bloody urine can occur without other signs or symptoms. If the blood disappears within a few days, then there’s probably no reason to seek medical advice; however, if the hematuria lasts longer than a few days, you should see your doctor.
You could also have blood in your urine and not know it. This will be detected when your physician tests your urine for another condition or during routine tests.
The job of the kidneys is to remove waste (including excess fluid from your blood) and convert it to urine. The urine then flows through your ureters to your bladder. In the bladder, your urine is stored until you feel the urge to urinate and release it.
If you have blood in your urine, it means a part of your urinary tract has allowed blood to leak into the urine.
Possible Causes of Blood in the Urine
Strenuous Exercise
Sometimes intense exercise can cause trauma to the bladder, but not drinking enough water can also cause blood in the urine so make sure you hydrate yourself before, during and after exercise.
Sometimes the minerals in concentrated urine leak out and form crystals on the walls of your kidneys. Those crystals can turn into hard stones which can be painful if they cause a blockage or are trying to pass,. They can also cause blood in the urine.
Cancer
Uh-oh, the dreaded “C” word. Most people probably assume the worst when they see blood in their urine, and unfortunately blood can often be a sign of prostate, bladder or kidney cancer. So don’t wait to see your doctor if the bleeding occurs for more than a few days.
Medication
You might not be aware of it but reaching for an aspirin can actually cause blood in your urine. In fact, any type of blood thinner can be a culprit.
Genetics
If you love blaming your parents for your woes, then this one is for you. Certain genetic disorders including sickle cell anemia and Alport Syndrome can be responsible for the blood in your urine.
Urinary tract infections
UTI’s (as they are commonly referred to) aren’t just for women; they can occur in men too, and at some point in our lives, most of us will wind up with a urinary tract infection. They occur when bacteria enter your body through your urethra and they do what bacteria do best: the multiply.
It is not uncommon for men over the age of 50 to have an enlarged prostate, and unfortunately this is also one of the leading causes of visible urinary blood.
Kidney Injury
Believe it or not, a blow to your kidney (from a fight, contact sport, or accident) can cause blood in your urine.
Diagnosis
In addition to taking a urine sample, your doctor might order a CAT scan, MRI, or ultrasound.
If your doctor needs to examine your bladder and/or urethra more closely, he might perform a cystoscopy. This is a procedure where a narrow tube fitted with a miniature camera is inserted into your bladder. Sounds painful but if you really want to know what’s going on, this could be your best bet.
