Hematuria / Blood in Urine
Hematuria Evaluation in La Mesa, CA
Evaluation for visible or microscopic blood in the urine, including urinalysis, blood testing, CT imaging, IVP, cystoscopy, and care planning based on the underlying cause.
Hematuria is the presence of red blood cells in the urine. When blood is visible in the urine, it is called gross hematuria. Microscopic hematuria is visible only under a microscope and is most often discovered as part of a routine medical exam.
Hematuria evaluation near San Diego.
Alvarado La Mesa Urology provides evaluation for blood in the urine and related urinary concerns for patients in La Mesa and surrounding San Diego communities.
Types of Hematuria
When blood is visible in the urine, it is called gross hematuria.
Microscopic hematuria is visible only under a microscope and is most often discovered as part of a routine medical exam.
Urine can appear red, pink, tea-colored, or cola-colored for several reasons. A medical evaluation can confirm whether red blood cells are present and what may be causing them.
Causes of Hematuria
Bleeding can occur at any location along the urinary tract. This includes the kidneys, ureter, bladder, urethra and the prostate in men. While blood in the urine is not always the sign of a serious disease or condition, it may be an indication of any of the following conditions:
- Urinary tract infection
- Prostate infection
- Cancer of the bladder, kidney, prostate or urethra
- Kidney disease
Hematuria may also be caused by an injury to the urinary tract.
Urinary tract infection or prostate infection may cause blood in the urine.
Kidney disease or bleeding from the kidneys, ureter, bladder, urethra, or prostate may be involved.
Hematuria can be associated with urinary tract cancers or injury to the urinary tract.
Diagnosis of Hematuria
To determine the cause of hematuria, a doctor may order a series of diagnostic tests that may include:
- Urinalysis
- Blood test
- CT scan
- Intravenous pyelogram, (IVP)
A cystoscopy may also be performed to examine the lining of the bladder and the urethra.
Urine and blood testing can help confirm hematuria and look for infection, kidney-related findings, or other abnormalities.
Imaging may help evaluate the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urinary tract.
Cystoscopy may be used to examine the lining of the bladder and urethra directly.
Treatment of Hematuria
The treatment for hematuria varies depending on the cause as well as the patient's condition, symptoms and medical history. Often no specific cause of hematuria can be found. However, hematuria may be the result of another more serious condition, so it is important to consult a doctor at the first sign of blood in the urine.
Treatment depends on what is causing the blood in the urine, such as infection, prostate issues, kidney disease, stones, injury, or another condition.
If no specific cause is found, follow-up may still be recommended depending on symptoms, risk factors, and test results.
Blood in the urine can be a sign of a serious condition, so evaluation at the first sign is important.
Treatment is individualized. Your urologist may consider your age, smoking history, infection history, prostate symptoms, kidney function, imaging results, urinalysis findings, and whether blood is visible or microscopic.
When to Call a Doctor
Hematuria may be the result of another more serious condition, so it is important to consult a doctor at the first sign of blood in the urine.
Visible blood, pink urine, red urine, cola-colored urine, or blood clots should be evaluated.
Microscopic blood found on routine testing may still require urologic evaluation based on risk factors and test findings.
Seek urgent care for heavy bleeding, blood clots that make it hard to urinate, severe flank or abdominal pain, fever, inability to urinate, dizziness, or worsening symptoms.
Common questions about hematuria.
These answers are general educational information and are not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. A urologist can evaluate blood in the urine and recommend appropriate testing.
What is hematuria?
Hematuria is the presence of red blood cells in the urine.
What is gross hematuria?
When blood is visible in the urine, it is called gross hematuria.
What is microscopic hematuria?
Microscopic hematuria is visible only under a microscope and is most often discovered as part of a routine medical exam.
Where can bleeding come from in the urinary tract?
Bleeding can occur at any location along the urinary tract, including the kidneys, ureter, bladder, urethra, and the prostate in men.
What can cause hematuria?
Hematuria may be associated with urinary tract infection, prostate infection, cancer of the bladder, kidney, prostate or urethra, kidney disease, or injury to the urinary tract.
How is hematuria diagnosed?
To determine the cause of hematuria, a doctor may order diagnostic tests such as urinalysis, blood test, CT scan, intravenous pyelogram, and cystoscopy.
How is hematuria treated?
Treatment varies depending on the cause as well as the patient's condition, symptoms, and medical history.
Can hematuria happen without a clear cause?
Yes. Often no specific cause of hematuria can be found, but evaluation is still important because it may be the result of another more serious condition.
When should I see a doctor for blood in the urine?
It is important to consult a doctor at the first sign of blood in the urine.
Where can I get hematuria evaluation near San Diego?
Alvarado La Mesa Urology provides hematuria and blood in urine evaluation in La Mesa, CA, serving patients from San Diego, El Cajon, Spring Valley, Lemon Grove, and nearby communities.
Credible educational references.
The educational information on this page is supported by reputable medical organizations and patient education resources. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Schedule a hematuria evaluation in La Mesa.
If you notice blood in your urine or were told you have microscopic blood on a urine test, Alvarado La Mesa Urology can evaluate your symptoms and discuss appropriate testing.