Hematuria

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 30, 2025.

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What is hematuria?

Hematuria is blood in your urine. The 2 types are gross and microscopic hematuria. Gross hematuria is when you can see blood in your urine. Your urine may be pink or bright red to dark brown. Microscopic hematuria is when blood in your urine can only be seen under a microscope.

What other signs and symptoms might I have with hematuria?

You may have no signs or symptoms, or you may have any of the following:

• Fever or chills
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain or bruising in your lower back or sides
• Pain or burning when you urinate
• Urgent need to urinate during the day and night
• Blood clots in the toilet after you urinate

What causes hematuria?

Ask your healthcare provider for more information about these and other causes of hematuria:

• Kidney, bladder, or a urinary tract infection
• Infections such as streptococcus or hepatitis
• Kidney or bladder stones
• An enlarged prostate
• Kidney disease such as glomerulonephritis
• Abdominal or pelvic injury
• Kidney, bladder, or prostate cancer
• Intense exercise, or sexual activity
• Certain medicines such as antibiotics, NSAIDs, or blood thinners

How is hematuria diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and examine you. Tell your provider if you have any medical conditions and if you smoke. Your provider may also ask about medicines you take. You may need any of the following:

• Blood and urine tests may be used to check for an infection and how well your kidneys work.
• Ultrasound, CT, or MRI pictures may be used to check for problems with your urinary tract. You may be given contrast liquid to help these areas show up better in the pictures. Tell healthcare providers if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell the provider if you have any metal in or on your body.
• A cystoscopy is a procedure to look inside your bladder and urethra. The cystoscope is a long tube with a lens and a light on the end.

How is hematuria treated?

Hematuria may go away without treatment. Treatment depends on the cause of your hematuria. You may need medicines to treat an infection. Ask your healthcare provider for more information about the treatment you may need.

How can I manage my symptoms?

• Drink liquids as directed. Liquids may help flush blood from your urinary system. Liquids may also help prevent a urinary tract infection. Ask your healthcare provider how much liquid to have each day and which liquids are best for you. You may need to limit or not drink alcohol. Alcohol may damage your kidneys.
• Manage health conditions. Conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes that are not controlled may damage your kidneys.
• Do not smoke. Smoking may damage blood vessels and reduces blood flow in your kidneys. Smoking may raise your blood pressure. Ask your provider for information if you currently smoke and need help quitting. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your provider before you use these products.
• Clean your genital area every day with soap and water. Wipe from front to back after you urinate or have a bowel movement. Wear cotton underwear. Fabrics such as nylon and polyester can stay damp. This can increase your risk for infection. Urinate within 15 minutes after you have sex.
• Be physically active and maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight puts pressure on your bladder and may make your symptoms worse. Ask your provider what a healthy weight is for you. Your provider can help you create a weight loss plan, if needed. The plan will include ways to be physically active that will not put extra pressure on your bladder.

When should I seek immediate care?

• You have blood in your urine after a new injury, such as a fall.
• You have severe back or side pain that does not go away with treatment.
• You cannot urinate or urinate very small amounts.
• Your urine gets darker, even after you drink extra liquids.

When should I call my doctor?

• You feel like you cannot empty your bladder.
• You have a fever that gets worse or does not go away with treatment.
• You cannot keep liquids or medicines down.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition, treatment, or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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