Blood in urine
2-minute read
Blood in the urine, also called haematuria, is common. It might be detected on a urine test, or you might notice it yourself. If you notice bright red blood in your urine or it has turned pink, red or brown because it has blood in it, see your doctor straight away.
What causes blood in urine?
There are many causes, including infections, stones and tumours, however most causes are not serious.
Common causes of blood in the urine are:
- exercise, sexual intercourse or injury
- infection of the bladder, urinary tract or kidney
- a kidney stone
- cysts
- blood-thinning medication
- a disease of the blood
Blood in the urine can also be caused by:
- kidney disease
- injury to the kidney, ureter, bladder or urethra
In rare cases, tumours of the bladder, kidney or prostate may cause blood in the urine.
Check your symptoms with healthdirect’s Symptom Checker.
How is blood in urine diagnosed?
Your doctor will talk to you and will examine you.
They will ask for a urine sample for urine tests, and may ask for a blood test.
Other possible tests include:
- an ultrasound or CT scan of the kidneys, ureters and bladder
- a cystoscopy, in which a specialist looks into the bladder with a flexible camera
Blood in urine treatments and follow-up
There are many different treatments for blood in the urine, and it depends on the cause. It may involve antibiotics, or surgery, or treatment for the condition that caused the blood in the urine. Some causes of blood in urine don’t need any treatment.
It is important to have regular follow-ups with your doctor to ensure complete recovery.
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Last reviewed: October 2019
