Blood in your urine is called hematuria. The amount may be very small and only detected with urine tests or under a microscope. In other cases, the blood is visible. It often turns the toilet water red or pink. Or, you may see spots of blood in the water after urinating.
Alternative Names
Hematuria; Blood in the urine
Causes
There are many possible causes of blood in the urine.
Bloody urine may be due to a problem in your kidneys or other parts of the urinary tract, such as:
Recent urinary tract procedure such as catheterization, circumcision, surgery, or kidney biopsy
If there is no structural or anatomical problem with your kidneys, urinary tract, prostate, or genitals, your health care provider may check to see if you have a bleeding disorder. Causes may include:
Blood that looks like it is in the urine may actually be coming from other sources, such as:
The vagina (in women)
Ejaculation, often due to a prostate problem (in men)
A bowel movement
The urine can also turn a red color from certain medicines, beets, or other foods.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
You may not see blood in your urine because it is a small amount and is microscopic. Your provider may find it while checking your urine during a routine exam.
Never ignore blood you see in the urine. Get checked by your provider, especially if you also have:
The treatment will depend on the cause of blood in the urine.
References
Boorjian SA, Raman JD, Barocas DA. Evaluation and management of hematuria. In: Partin AW, Domochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 16.
Brown DD, Reidy KJ. Approach to the child with hematuria. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2019;66(1):15-30. PMID: 30454740 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30454740/.
Elsamra SE. Evaluation of the urologic patient: history and physical examination. In: Partin AW, Domochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 1.
Gharavi AG, Landry DW. Approach to the patient with renal disease. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 100.
Review Date:
7/1/2023
Reviewed By:
Kelly L. Stratton, MD, FACS, Associate Professor, Department of Urology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.