First things first.
If you see some pink or red in the toilet after you pee, don’t panic. Blood in urine (aka hematuria) is a common occurrence. It’s estimated that it affects as many as 30 percent of U.S. adults.
In many cases the cause of blood in your urine is harmless, but sometimes it can be a sign of something serious. Either way, it isn’t always easy to know the cause. That’s why it’s important to get checked out and get to the bottom of what’s going on down there.
What causes blood in urine?
Blood in the urine is typically a sign that something’s amiss in your urinary tract. It can look pink, red or brown. The amount of blood can be visible or may be too small to see with the naked eye. You may also see spots of blood in the water or on the toilet bowl after peeing.
Blood in the urine can happen for a wide range of reasons. Common causes include:
- Urinary tract infection (UTI).
- Kidney infection.
- Bladder infection.
- Kidney or bladder stones.
- Vigorous sexual activity.
- Certain medications, including some antibiotics, blood thinners and pain relievers.
- Hard exercise.
- Eating certain foods, including beets and rhubarb.
- Having your period.
In some cases, blood in the urine can be a sign of a more serious problem, including:
- Kidney or bladder cancer.
- Enlarged prostate.
- Kidney disease.
- Blood clots or conditions that cause blood clots.
Certain factors can increase the likelihood of blood in your urine, including:
- A family history of kidney disease.
- Exposure to radiation and certain chemicals.
- On-the-job hazards, including exposure to metals, fumes, dyes and rubbers
- Smoking.
Age and gender. Middle-aged and older men may be more likely to have blood in their urine due to an enlarged prostate gland. The risk of certain cancers that cause blood in the urine may also rise after the age of 50.
When should I worry about bloody urine?
Having blood in your urine may not be serious, but it’s never normal and should never be ignored. A checkup is the only way to determine the cause.
If you see red in the toilet, Indigo can ease your mind. Indigo Urgent Care is here when you need medical care for minor illness and injuries that can’t wait. Just walk into one of our neighborhood locations or book an appointment online. Our doors are open 8 am to 8 pm every day so you can get care on your schedule.
To determine the cause of blood in your urine, an Indigo clinician will give you a physical exam, discuss your symptoms and health history, and order a urine test to look for signs of infection. In some cases, additional tests may be needed.
With labs onsite at all Indigo locations, you can expect same-day test results and a prompt diagnosis, treatment plan and prescription, if needed. And if you need a higher level of care, we’ll refer you to a specialist.
Most cases of visible blood in the urine are not emergencies, but you should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Blood clots (not related to your period) when you pee.
- Inability to pee.
- Nausea and/or vomiting.
- Chills.
- Fever.
- Pain in your low back, side or abdomen.
