Using the restroom only to find blood in your urine is disconcerting for anyone. This issue is called hematuria, and it can have a number of causes. Changes in your urine can be caused from things as simple as certain foods you eat, or changes in exercise. But the cause for blood in the urine can be serious so it is best to contact your doctor right away.

According to the Mayo Clinic, here are some of the causes of hematuria:

1)Urinary Tract Infections: UTI’s are caused by bacteria entering through the urethra and multiplying in the bladder.

2) Kidney Infection: This can be caused by bacteria entering the kidneys through the bloodstream or traveling up from the bladder.

3) Bladder or Kidney Stones: Sometimes the minerals in urine can form crystals on the bladder or kidney. They can cause visible or microscopic blood in the urine and can be incredibly painful.

4) Enlarged Prostate: The prostate gland can get larger in middle-aged men and this causes pressure on the urethra, making it more difficult to urinate. Visible or microscopic blood can be a sign of enlarged prostate.

5) Cancer: Urine in the blood can be a sign of kidney, bladder, or prostate cancer.

Almost anyone can have blood in their urine for one reason or another. There is no need to worry, but it is important to contact a doctor right away. Urology Austin is there to help. Our experienced staff will figure out the cause of the hematuria and how to treat it.

Please contact us with any questions or concerns regarding this condition.