The presence of blood in male urine is a serious concern that usually indicates an underlying problem, such as a urinary tract infection or kidney stones, to more severe issues like bladder injuries or prostate cancer. Learn more in today’s text.
Blood in the urine, known as hematuria, can be caused by different reasons and can be worrisome for anyone. Regardless of the initial cause, this can be a sign of serious diseases, such as prostate cancer.
Therefore, at the first sign of apparent bleeding in the urine, seeking immediate medical attention is essential.
Ignoring this symptom can lead to serious and potentially fatal complications if the problem is not treated properly.
This can be a warning sign and may require immediate medical intervention. What does blood in male urine mean, after all? Follow along and learn more about the subject.
What are the causes of blood in urine?
Blood in urine can be a symptom of diseases that can be easily treated: it is not always a sign of a serious problem. However, in many cases, it can also be the first symptom that something more serious is happening in your body.
To clear the doubt, the help of a urologist is essential. Blood in male urine what can it be? Know the main causes below:
Urinary tract infections (UTI)
Bacterial infection of the urinary tract, which can affect the bladder, ureters, or kidneys, can irritate the walls of the urinary tract, resulting in bleeding. This is one of the most common causes of complications that cause hematuria.
Kidney or bladder stones
Also common, kidney or bladder stones can cause damage to the tissues of the urinary tract, leading to bleeding.
Enlarged prostate
The enlargement of the prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (usually associated with male aging), can compress the urethra and lead to bleeding during urination.
Prostatitis
Also in the prostate, an infection called prostatitis can occur. Often caused by a bacterial infection, it can result in blood in the urine.
Prostate or bladder cancer
Hematuria can also be a symptom of cancer. Both prostate cancer and bladder cancer can cause urinary bleeding.
Trauma or injuries
A direct impact on the pelvic area or kidneys, when it happens, is also a possible cause for bleeding in the urine.
Clotting disorders
If there are blood clots in a man’s urine, this may mean that some medical conditions affecting clotting are causing abnormal bleeding, including in the urine. However, for confirmation of this condition (like all others), a thorough medical evaluation is necessary.
Side effects of medications
In addition to health problems, some medications, such as anticoagulants, can increase the risk of bleeding in the urine as a side effect.
Is it dangerous to find blood in a man’s urine?
The presence of blood in male urine can indeed be worrying, in addition to being a strong indicator of a more serious underlying condition, such as cancer or a kidney infection, for example.
Although it is not always a sign of a serious condition, blood in the urine should never be ignored.
Assuming that initially, a urinary tract infection is identified, which requires relatively simple treatment: if untreated, it can spread to the kidneys and cause serious complications.
Depending on the underlying cause, associated risks may exist, especially if the problem is not treated properly.
If bleeding occurs due to more serious conditions, such as cancer, the lack of diagnosis and early treatment can result in significant complications and even life-threatening risks.
What are the symptoms associated with blood in the urine?
Normally, blood is visible in the urine, but there are some frequently associated symptoms, which may vary depending on the underlying cause.
Among the main ones are:
- Pain or discomfort when urinating;
- Frequent or urgent urination;
- Cloudy urine or with a strong odor;
- Other changes in coloration, such as pink or brown urine;
- Fever or chills, commonly indicative of a possible infection;
- Nausea or vomiting;
- Pain in the abdominal, pelvic, or back area;
- Feeling of heaviness or pressure in the pelvic area.
How is the diagnosis of blood in male urine made?
To investigate the causes of blood in the urine, the doctor may request some tests, such as blood, urine, and imaging tests.
It’s important to always remember that each case is individual and investigated according to the patient’s history, in addition to the evaluation of the symptoms presented and the doctor’s suspicions regarding the bleeding.
Among the main tests are:
- Urine test: which can detect the presence of blood and provide information about other components of the urine;
- Urine culture: which better identifies the specific type of bacteria, if applicable;
- Blood tests: which are generally carried out to assess kidney function, blood cell count, and levels of certain substances in the blood;
- Ultrasound: one of the first imaging tests performed, which can visualize the urinary tract organs, such as kidneys, bladder, and prostate, and detect abnormalities
- Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging: which are more advanced and complex imaging tests, and can offer a more detailed view.
- Cystoscopy: a slightly more invasive procedure, which involves inserting a thin, flexible tube equipped with a small camera into the urethra to view the urinary tract.
When to seek medical help?
If you identify blood in the urine, it is important to seek medical help immediately. Do not hesitate: go to an emergency room.
Regardless of the amount or the presence of other symptoms, as explained above, the condition can indicate more serious problems. For this reason, it is always important to check.
Is red urine always blood?
If you’ve ever eaten beets, you know that red urine is not always blood! Often, even food can change the hue of pee.
Besides beets, other foods such as blackberries can also cause a reddish coloration in the urine. Medications and dyes can cause a red or orange color.
In other cases, dehydration can also cause a darker and possibly more concentrated hue.
However, if you have not consumed foods or medications that can affect the color of the urine and still notice a red coloration, it is important to seek medical guidance.
Is it possible to prevent blood in the urine?
Looking at the adjacent causes, it is possible to say yes: it is possible to prevent blood in the urine, mainly with good health habits.
Among the main strategies are:
- Frequent hydration;
- Balance diet;
- Avoiding excess of foods that can irritate the bladder, such as caffeine and alcohol;
- Regular physical exercise;
- Maintaining good personal hygiene (mainly thinking about avoiding infections;
- Keep your routine exams up to date.
If you are facing urinary problems, know that we are here to help! At EMC clinic, we offer effective solutions to address your concerns and promote your urinary health.
Contact us and schedule an appointment to receive the specialized care you need!
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