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2. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Slideshow Pictures
3. Urinary Incontinence in Women Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Gary D. Steinberg, MD

Medical Author:

G. Joel DeCastro, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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In this Article

• What is blood in urine (hematuria)?
• What are the causes of blood in urine?
• How is blood in urine diagnosed?
• How is blood in urine treated?
• Blood in Urine (Hematuria) At A Glance
• Patient Comments: Blood In Urine - Describe Your Experience
• Patient Comments: Blood in Urine - Causes
• Blood In Urine Index

Treatments for hematuria vary widely and depend wholly upon the reason for the bleeding. It is important to note that there is often no source found for the hematuria. This should not be a source of major concern, however, since an appropriate workup effectively rules out the most serious causes of hematuria (for example, cancer). In cases where a workup is negative and the cause of the hematuria remains unknown, observation with repeat urinalyses is a reasonable option. A blood test to check kidney function and a blood-pressure check should be done as well. Men over 50 should discuss with their doctor the yearly prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test to screen for prostate cancer.

Further discussion of the treatment for hematuria would depend upon the results of the previously mentioned workup and the exact cause for the hematuria. The urologist who performs this examination would direct any further treatment or workup that would be necessary.

• Blood in urine can sometimes be visible only with a microscope.
• Evaluating blood in urine requires consideration of the entire urinary tract.
• Tests used for the diagnosis of blood in urine include a CT scan, cystoscopy, and urine cytology.
• Management of blood in the urine depends upon the underlying cause.

Previous contributing author: Mark H. Katz, MD