Condition
Blood in urine (haematuria)
Finding blood in your urine can be alarming, but it is a symptom we investigate carefully every week. Most causes are benign — however every episode should be fully assessed to rule out anything serious.
Overview
What is this condition?
Haematuria means blood in the urine. It may be visible (the urine looks pink, red or brown) or microscopic — only picked up on a urine dipstick or laboratory test.
Blood may come from anywhere along the urinary tract: the kidneys, ureters, bladder, prostate or urethra. Because the causes vary widely, a structured specialist assessment is the safest way to identify what is going on.
Common symptoms
Symptoms to be aware of
Symptoms vary from person to person. Specialist assessment helps determine the underlying cause.
Pink, red or brown urine
Visible (macroscopic) haematuria.
Blood found on dipstick
Non-visible (microscopic) haematuria.
Burning on passing urine
May suggest infection or inflammation.
Loin or flank pain
Can point to a stone or kidney cause.
Frequency or urgency
Bladder irritation or infection.
Clots in the urine
Always requires urgent assessment.
Possible causes
What can cause it
Urinary tract infection
One of the most common causes of blood in the urine, particularly in women.
Kidney or bladder stones
Stones can graze the urinary tract lining and cause bleeding.
Prostate enlargement
An enlarged prostate can bleed, especially after exercise or straining.
Bladder or kidney tumours
Painless visible haematuria is the classic presenting feature — always investigated.
Anticoagulant medication
Blood thinners can unmask a small underlying cause of bleeding.
Many causes are benign and highly treatable. A structured consultant-led assessment is the fastest way to reach a clear diagnosis and a personalised plan.
When to seek medical advice
Some symptoms should always prompt prompt specialist review. Please seek urgent medical advice — through your GP, NHS 111 or A&E — if you notice any of the following.
- Visible blood or clots in the urine at any age
- Inability to pass urine
- Fever, shivering or severe loin pain
- Unintentional weight loss with urinary symptoms
- Persistent haematuria despite treatment for infection
Diagnosis
How the diagnosis is made
A single-visit haematuria pathway is offered at Spire Cardiff wherever possible.
- 01
Medical history
Detailed review of symptoms, medications, family history and risk factors.
- 02
Examination
Abdominal, flank and — where relevant — prostate examination.
- 03
Urine tests
Dipstick, microscopy and culture to exclude infection.
- 04
Blood tests
Kidney function, clotting and PSA where indicated.
- 05
Imaging
Ultrasound or CT urogram of the kidneys, ureters and bladder.
- 06
Flexible cystoscopy
Comfortable outpatient camera examination of the bladder under local anaesthetic.
Treatment options
Treatments tailored to you
Treatment depends on the underlying cause — the majority of patients need reassurance and follow-up rather than surgery.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions, answered
Why patients choose Mr Teleb
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Substantive Consultant Urologist at University Hospital of Wales.
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Patient information
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FRCS (Urol)
Fellowship-trained consultant
5.0 patient rating
Verified private reviews
Seen within days
Same-week appointments
All major insurers
BUPA · AXA · Aviva · Vitality · WPA