Is blood in the urine always a sign of a serious illness?
August 2, 2022 | 90,00 EUR | answered by Jan Schulz
Dear Doctor,
My name is David Widmann and I have a question regarding urology. For a few days now, I have noticed that my urine is reddish in color and contains traces of blood when I urinate. This concerns me greatly and I am worried if this could be a sign of a serious illness.
Some background information: I am 37 years old, I have no pre-existing conditions, and I lead a healthy lifestyle. I do not experience any pain while urinating or any other symptoms. However, I have observed that the blood in my urine varies in intensity. I have not yet undergone any medical examinations for this issue.
My question to you as a urologist is: Is blood in the urine always a sign of a serious illness? Are there possible causes that are not as serious and may resolve on their own? Should I see a doctor immediately or should I wait to see if the situation improves on its own?
Thank you in advance for your assessment and possible advice. I look forward to your response.
Kind regards,
David Widmann
Dear David Widmann,
Thank you for your message and for trusting in my expertise as a urologist. It is understandable that you are concerned when you notice blood in your urine. I will try to answer you in as much detail as possible.
Blood in the urine, also known as hematuria, can have various causes. It is important to note that not all causes of blood in the urine are serious, but it is still important to have this evaluated by a specialist. Common causes of blood in the urine include infections in the urinary tract, kidney stones, injuries, inflammation, or even medications that can increase bleeding tendencies. In some cases, benign enlargement of the prostate in men can also lead to blood in the urine.
However, it is important to emphasize that blood in the urine can also be a symptom of more serious conditions such as kidney stones, kidney infections, bladder cancer, or even kidney cancer. Therefore, it is advisable for you to see a urologist to determine the exact cause of the blood in the urine. The doctor will likely take a thorough medical history to better understand your symptoms, and then perform appropriate tests such as a urine analysis, blood tests, imaging procedures like ultrasound, or cystoscopy to determine the cause.
It is important not to wait too long before seeing a doctor, especially if the blood in the urine continues or if your symptoms worsen. Depending on the cause, an early diagnosis and treatment can be crucial to avoid potential complications.
In the meantime, you can try to increase your fluid intake to support kidney function and dilute the urine. Also, avoid excessive physical exertion and do not take pain medications without consulting a doctor, as they may mask the symptoms.
I hope that my response was helpful to you. Please do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with a urologist in your area to receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Best wishes for your health and I am available for any further questions.
Sincerely,
Jan Schulz, Specialist in Urology
