Blood in urine
Blood in the urine is a warning sign - do not hesitate to seek medical advice.
What does blood in the urine mean?
Urine is filtered from the blood in the kidneys, concentrated and transported to the bladder via the ureters.
There it is stored until it is excreted through the urethra when the bladder is emptied.
Urine does not normally contain blood, as red blood cells do not pass through the kidneys’ filter mechanism.
If blood is present in the urine, this means that there is an increased number of red blood cells in the excreted fluid.
The urine can take on different shades of red.
This condition is known in medicine as “hematuria”.
Although this is not always an indication of a serious illness, bloody urine should definitely be checked by a doctor to determine the cause.
A urologist is the right person to consult.
How is blood in urine tested?
Blood in the urine can have various causes.
The most common include urinary tract infections, kidney stones and cystitis.
In addition, injuries, tumors or kidney diseases can also be responsible.
Given the large number of possible causes, a precise diagnosis is essential to enable targeted and effective treatment.
The first step is a comprehensive physical examination, which includes measuring the blood pressure and palpating the abdomen and flanks.
A urine sample is then taken and examined for the presence of red blood cells (erythrocytes).
A quick test with test strips can provide initial indications, but a microscopic examination in the laboratory is required to make a definitive diagnosis.
A complete urological examination usually includes an ultrasound of the bladder, kidneys and, in men, the prostate.
The urologist checks the organs for possible changes.
When should you see a urologist?
Blood in the urine should never be ignored. Early diagnosis helps to prevent serious illnesses and initiate targeted treatment. Contact your urologist with confidence if you notice any abnormalities.