Many things can lead to blood in the urine (hematuria). The blood may be seen with the eye. Or it may only be seen when the urine is looked at under a microscope. Some of the most common causes of blood in the urine are listed below. Often, no cause for the blood can be found. This is called idiopathic hematuria.
Kidney or bladder stones are collections of crystals. They form in the urine. Stones may be found anywhere in the urinary tract. But they form most often in the kidneys or bladder. In addition to blood in the urine, they can cause severe pain. |
BPH stands for benign prostatic hyperplasia. It is enlargement of the prostate gland. It happens as men age. BPH often causes problems with urination. It sometimes causes blood in the urine. |
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is due to germs called bacteria growing in the urinary tract. It can cause blood in the urine. Other symptoms include burning or pain with urination. You may need to urinate often. You may also have a fever. |
Damage to the urinary tract may cause blood in the urine. This damage may be due to a blow or accident. It may also result from the use of a urinary catheter. Very hard exercise may sometimes irritate the urinary tract and cause bleeding. |
Cancer may occur anywhere in the urinary tract. A tumor may sometimes cause no symptoms other than bleeding. |
Other possible causes of bleeding include:
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