Hematuria means blood in the urine. This is often tested as part of annual screening by your primary care physician. In some cases the blood is microscopic, meaning it is present in quantities too small to see and is identified only through a urine test performed in the office or during a routine physical. In other cases the blood is visible to the naked eye, a condition referred to as gross hematuria, and the urine may appear pink, red, or brown. Some patients also pass blood clots. Any amount of blood in the urine, whether visible or detected only on testing, deserves evaluation.
Blood can enter the urine at any point along the urinary tract, from the kidneys and ureters down through the bladder, prostate, and urethra. Common sources include inflammation, urinary tract infection, kidney stones, and bladder stones. Hematuria may also result from scar tissue, prior radiation therapy, or from tumors of the kidney, bladder, or prostate. Because the possible causes range from benign and easily treated to serious, the purpose of evaluation is to identify the specific source rather than to assume one.
Our evaluation is tailored to each patient. We consider your age, smoking history, occupational and chemical exposures, medication use, and other risk factors when determining which studies are appropriate. A typical workup may include urine testing, imaging of the kidneys and ureters, and cystoscopy, which is an office procedure that allows direct visualization of the bladder and urethra. Once the source is identified, we discuss the findings with you and outline a treatment plan.
Our specialists diagnose and treat a complete range of urological conditions. We can answer your questions about hematuria or set up your appointment today.
Concerned About Blood in Your Urine?
If you have been told you have blood in your urine, or if you have noticed a change in the color of your urine, we encourage you to schedule an evaluation with Urology Associates of Green Bay.