Page 1 - Hematuria

Urological Health

Hematuria

Blood in the urine is a common problem which requires assessment by your physician.

he medical term for blood in the urine is hematuria. Microscopic hematuria can be an early sign of an
TWhen the blood is visible it is referred to as gross abnormality in the urinary tract and investigation is
hematuria. In most patients with hematuria, the blood often recommended. Gross hematuria suggests a
is only visible under the microscope, and therefore is higher likelihood that some disorder is present and
called microscopic hematuria. further testing is necessary. In many cases however,
investigations do not uncover an obvious source for
Blood may enter the urine anywhere along the urinary very small amounts of blood detected in the urine.
system, from the kidneys to the bladder outlet. Your
kidneys filter blood to eliminate waste products and Hematuria may be an early indication of damage
excess water which are excreted in the urine. The or injury to the kidney(s). In some, heavy exercise
urine drains from each kidney into a ureter, a long can cause blood to leak into the urine. Blood in the
narrow tube that conducts urine to the bladder. The urine is often found in those with a urinary infection or
bladder then expels urine through the urethra (in a stone. Men who have an enlarged prostate (benign
woman) or through the prostate and urethra (in a prostatic hyperplasia, BPH) are sometimes found to
man). have blood in the urine.
Hematuria may be a sign of a tumour in the urinary
system. For example, bladder tumours are often first
kidney identified when blood is seen in the urine. Kidney
tumours generally occur between the ages of 50 and
70 years and may grow slowly without producing any
symptoms until it reveals itself with blood in the urine.
Prostate cancer, although common in older men,
ureters
rarely leads to urinary bleeding.

Roula Drossis Your doctor will suggest investigations to identify a
source for your hematuria depending on many factors
including your age, past medical history, smoking
history, current voiding pattern and characteristics of
your urinary bleeding. Stopping smoking will greatly
bladder reduce your chances of bladder cancer.
urethra
Front view Tests of the urine and blood

bladder uterus A simple office urine dipstick test is often the first step
in investigating hematuria. Microscopic examination
prostate bladder of the urine will confirm the presence of blood
urethra
urethra and quantify the amount. Urine may be tested on
a number of separate occasions to determine if
Male side view Female side view microscopic hematuria is consistently present. Pus cells
in the urine may suggest the presence of infection.
Urinary protein may indicate kidney malfunction as a
source for hematuria.

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