Hematuria (blood in urine) is experienced in two types, gross hematuria and microscopic hematuria. The first one is where you can witness visible blood in urine, while the latter type can only be diagnosed once you get it tested by your doctor. Regardless of the type, it is immensely important for anyone experiencing blood clots in urine, to get themselves checked and determine the reason that causes it. In this blog, you will get the answer to what causes small blood clots in urine. so let’s dig into the causes.
What is Hematuria (blood clots in urine)?
In cases where anyone witnesses a difference in the color of their urine and finds it turning pink or red, this can be a clear indication of blood clots in urine, called Hematuria.
Hematuria (blood in urine) can be defined as the presence of visible blood in the urine. This condition can be of two main types, The type in which the peeing blood clots can be visibly seen by the affected person is called gross hematuria. When the affected person needs to get it checked with a physician for them to examine their urine under a microscope is called microscopic hematuria.
What Causes Small Blood Clots in Urine?
What do the majority of people think about what causes blood clots in urine? Here is a list of reasons why people might witness visible blood in urine:
- Bladder, kidney stones, urinary tract infection, or benign prostatic hyperplasia
- viral illness and infections, such as hepatitis—a virus that causes liver disease and inflammation of the liver
- Excessive sexual interaction
- Rigorous exercise
- Menstruation
- Any trauma
- endometriosis—a problem in women that occurs when the kind of tissue that normally lines the uterus grows somewhere else, such as bladder stones or kidney stones.
What Are The Symptoms of Blood Clots in Urine?
Most of the time people do not experience any symptoms of hematuria (blood in urine), except for peeing. This is when your physician might categorize your condition as asymptomatic.
However, if you have been experiencing conditions and symptoms that are inclusive of feeling pain during urination, frequent urinating, or in some cases not being able to control urine at all. In such cases, you might also go through these associated symptoms: nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, fever, chills, back pain, or blood in the urine with abdominal pain.
Experiencing blood clots in urine might not always be an indication of advanced kidney stones, kidney disease, bladder, urinary tract infection, or prostate cancer, sometimes it might just be acting as a warning sign for a potential health issue.
Either way, Whether you have gross hematuria, microscopic hematuria, or visible blood in the urine should never ever be ignored or kept a secret – As soon as you understand what you’re witnessing, make sure to get in touch with your physician at your earliest.
Highest Risk Factors of Blood Clots in Urine
Regardless of age – any child, teen, adult, or even an old person can have red blood cells in urine. Listed below are a few factors that might make it more likely for you to experience such a health issue:
- Age: Due to an enlarged prostate gland, several men older than 50 experience occasional hematuria.
- A recent infection: One of the leading causes of visible urinary blood in children is kidney inflammation before a viral or bacterial infection.
- Family history: People who have a family history of kidney cancer, kidney disease, sickle cell disease, or kidney stones, may make you more prone to urinary bleeding.
- Medications: Certain medicines are known to increase the risk of urinary bleeding such as Aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers, and even antibiotics such as penicillin.
Evaluation of Blood in Urine
An in-depth evaluation of peeing blood clots or bloody urine is inclusive of an extensive X-ray study of your bladder and kidney. Along with cystoscopy which is comprised of the doctor having direct visual access to your bladder with the use of miniature cameras. Your primary care physicians can also conduct calcium blood tests to check blood in urine.
For anyone who has been experiencing blood in the urine with abdominal pain or even without any other related symptoms, contact your doctor right away, to have them determine the cause and proceed with the required treatment.
Treatment for Blood Clots in Urine
Treatment for blood clots in urine is solely based on the reason that causes the bleeding. Whatever the cause, if urine flow is blocked by them, doctors usually insert a flexible tube in the bladder (urinary catheter) and try to flush out the blood clot. Blockage can cause small blood vessels to burst, which can be dangerous.
Are Blood Clots in Urine An Emergency?
The majority of the cases of visible blood in urine are not considered to be emergencies. Nonetheless, you need to see a doctor right away if you are experiencing these symptoms: lightheadedness, inability to urinate, or extreme pain. Or schedule an appointment at Manhattan Medical Arts where preventative care physicians will ensure help you regain health.
What Does A Blood Clot In Urine Look Like?
The blood in the urine can be traced through its color and how much blood is passing can be seen in it as well. The urine will be passed in pink, red, and cola-colored which is painless in some cases. But if these tiny clots in urine flow, it will hurt you. These clots sometimes look like a reddish thread in your urine. The physician will ask you for an immediate test to check to notice blood and amount of blood in urine passing by a Urinalysis test.
In serious conditions, the physician can also perform a physical examination through cystoscopy by inserting a flexible viewing tube to have a look inside your urinary system. The doctor can also refer to a series of computerized tests in which ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging tests (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) can be included to view abnormality in kidney filtering disorder. If urinary or kidney problems are found then you will go with blood tests to evaluate kidney functionality percentage and sometimes kidney biopsy is also performed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal to pee small blood clots?
Seeing small blood clots in urine isn't typical and can indicate underlying issues. It’s important to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and blood tests if you notice blood clots.
How do you treat blood clots in urine?
Treatment for blood clots in urine depends on the cause; it may include medication, hydration, or addressing any underlying conditions. Always seek medical advice for physical exam and blood tests.
What cancers cause blood clots in urine?
They can be associated with cancers such as bladder stones or kidney cancer. Kidney stones can also cause blood in the urine as stones travel in the urinary tract. Early physical examination and treatment are crucial, so consult a doctor if you notice these symptoms.
Does dehydration cause blood clots in urine?
Dehydration can lead to concentrated urine, which might irritate the urinary tract but is less likely to directly pass blood in the urine. However, staying hydrated is important for overall urinary health.
Does urinary tract infections and kidney disease cause blood clots in urine?
Both urinary tract infections (UTIs) and kidney disease can cause blood in the urine, potentially appearing as clots. Proper physical examination and treatment from a healthcare professional are essential.
How sickle cell disease can cause bloody urine?
Sickle cell disease can cause bloody urine due to hematuria from blood vessel damage or urinary tract infection related to the condition. Additionally, sickle cell crisis can lead to kidney damage or kidney stones, resulting in bloody urine.
Does prostate cancer cause blood in urine?
Prostate cancer itself typically doesn't cause blood in urine. However, advanced cases or treatments can lead to bloody urine as a secondary effect.
Does kidney stones cause blood in urine?
Yes, kidney stones can cause blood in urine due to irritation and damage to the urinary tract as the stones move.
– Disclaimer –
This blog is for informational & educational purposes only and does not intend to substitute any professional medical advice or consultation. For any health-related concerns, please consult with your physician, or call 911.
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About The Author
Dr. Syra Hanif M.D.Board Certified Primary Care Physician
Dr. Syra Hanif is a board-certified Primary Care Physician (PCP) dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered healthcare.
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