Blood in urine, medically known as hematuria, can be easily detected in some cases, while in others it requires medical testing.
Visible Blood
Sometimes, the blood is visible to the naked eye. This is often indicated by:
- Red or pink urine: The most obvious sign is a change in the color of your urine, turning it red or pink.
- Cloudy urine: The urine might appear cloudy or murky due to the presence of blood.
Microscopic Blood
In many instances, the amount of blood is too small to be seen without assistance. This is called microscopic hematuria and can only be detected through:
- Urinalysis: A urinalysis is a routine urine test that checks for blood cells and other components in your urine. This test can detect even microscopic amounts of blood. The amount may be very small and only detected with urine tests or under a microscope. (Source: Penn Medicine and Cleveland Clinic)
When to See a Doctor
While blood in urine isn't always serious, it's crucial to seek medical attention. Many conditions can cause hematuria, ranging from minor infections to more serious issues like kidney disease or bladder cancer. Lots of things can cause bloody urine. Some are serious problems, and others are harmless. Find out why it's always important to get a checked out by a GP. (Source: Mayo Clinic and NHS)
Blood in the urine, also called hematuria, is a sure sign that something is wrong. (Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center)
It is important to note that other symptoms, such as pain during urination, a strong urge to urinate, or lower abdominal pain, can accompany hematuria and should also prompt a visit to the doctor. (Source: WebMD)
In summary, noticing red or pink urine is a clear indicator of blood. However, microscopic hematuria requires a urinalysis for detection. Always consult a healthcare professional if you notice blood in your urine.
