Blood in Urine

Blood in your urine (hematuria) doesn’t usually indicate a serious health problem, but it can be concerning and stressful. It’s important to get a comprehensive evaluation from experts you can trust. The urologists at UMass Memorial Health have extensive experience diagnosing and treating a range of urinary symptoms in men, women and children. 

You have access to routine tests and treatments in locations close to home. Advanced services, such as biopsy procedures, are available at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester. The team there includes the region’s only fellowship-trained urologists. They offer a depth of experience and are advancing the field through research — giving you access to world-class care.

How the Urinary Tract Works 

The urinary tract removes wastes and extra fluid from your body through urine (pee). Many muscles and nerves work together to ensure your urinary tract works as it should. 

It starts with your kidneys, which filter blood and produce urine. The urine flows from your kidneys to your bladder through thin tubes called ureters. Your bladder holds urine until you’re ready to empty it by urinating. The urine leaves your bladder and your body through a tube called the urethra. 

Problems anywhere along your urinary tract can lead to symptoms such as blood in your urine. 

What Causes Blood in the Urine? 

There can be many reasons for blood in your urine, ranging from mild infections to serious diseases. 
 

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate)
• Endometriosis
• Kidney infection
• Kidney stone disease
• Prostate, bladder, kidney, penile or testis (genitourinary) cancers
• Ureteral obstruction
• Ureteral stricture disease
• Urinary tract infection
• Urinary tract injuries
• Vigorous exercise or sexual activity

Tests for Blood in the Urine

Blood in your urine can take two forms. Gross hematuria means you can see blood when you pee. Microscopic hematuria is blood that’s only visible under a microscope.

Our urologists perform comprehensive evaluations to get to the root of hematuria. They do a physical exam and ask you about other symptoms, such as pain with urination, bladder leaks or problems emptying your bladder. 

Other tests for blood in your urine may include: 

• Blood tests
• Cystoscopy
• CT scan
• Kidney biopsy
• MRI
• Ultrasound