Blood in the urine should always be checked — it can have simple or serious causes. Even a single episode, and even when there is no pain, deserves a proper assessment. Dr. Anish Gupta investigates haematuria thoroughly in Delhi NCR to find the cause and put your mind at rest.
What is haematuria?
Haematuria simply means blood in the urine. Sometimes the blood is obvious and turns the urine pink, red or brown — this is called visible (or gross) haematuria. At other times the amount is tiny and can only be found on a urine test — this is non-visible (or microscopic) haematuria. Either way, blood in the urine is a symptom rather than a diagnosis in itself, and the important step is to find out where it is coming from.
Many causes are harmless and easily treated, such as a urinary tract infection. However, because haematuria can occasionally be the first sign of something more serious, it should never be ignored — even if it happens only once and then stops.
Symptoms
Blood in the urine may appear on its own or alongside other symptoms. Look out for:
- Pink, red, brown or tea-coloured urine
- Blood clots in the urine
- Burning or pain when passing urine
- Needing to urinate more often or more urgently
- Pain in the side, back or lower abdomen
Painless visible blood in the urine is particularly important to have checked promptly, as it can occur without any warning discomfort.
Causes and risk factors
Blood in the urine can come from anywhere along the urinary tract — the kidneys, ureters, bladder, prostate or urethra. Common causes include:
- Urinary tract infections
- Kidney or bladder stones
- An enlarged prostate in men
- Growths in the bladder or urinary tract, including bladder tumours
- Injury to the kidney or urinary tract
- Certain kidney conditions
The risk of a significant cause is higher with increasing age, in smokers, and in people with a history of exposure to certain industrial chemicals — which is exactly why a thorough check is worthwhile.
When to see a urologist
You should see a urologist any time you notice visible blood in your urine, even once, and even if it is painless and disappears. Non-visible blood found on a routine urine test should also be assessed. Seek urgent care if you cannot pass urine, are passing large clots, or have heavy bleeding with fever or severe pain. Prompt assessment means simple causes are treated quickly and more serious ones are caught early, when they are most treatable.
How it is diagnosed
The aim is to examine the whole urinary tract. After discussing your symptoms and health, Dr. Anish Gupta may arrange:
- A urine test and culture to check for infection and confirm the blood
- Blood tests to check kidney function
- An ultrasound or CT scan of the kidneys, ureters and bladder
- Urine cytology to look for abnormal cells
- A cystoscopy — a quick, gentle look inside the bladder with a fine telescope
Treatment options
Because haematuria is a symptom, treatment is directed at the cause once it is found.
Treating infections and stones
If an infection is responsible, a course of antibiotics usually resolves both the infection and the bleeding. When stones are the cause, treatment ranges from increased fluids and pain relief for small stones to procedures that break up or remove larger ones.
Treating prostate and bladder causes
Bleeding from an enlarged prostate is managed with medication or, if needed, minimally-invasive surgery. Growths found in the bladder or urinary tract are assessed and treated according to their type, often endoscopically in the first instance.
When no cause is found
In some people, a full assessment finds no worrying cause, which is very reassuring. Depending on the findings, Dr. Anish Gupta may simply recommend a period of monitoring with repeat urine tests to be sure nothing is missed.
Why choose Dr. Anish Gupta
Dr. Anish Gupta is a Consultant Urologist & Andrologist with over 20 years of experience across endo-urology and uro-oncology. He follows a careful, evidence-based pathway for blood in the urine, using advanced imaging and cystoscopy so that no cause is overlooked. Assessment and treatment are available at three locations in Delhi NCR — Ashok Vihar, Rohini and Karol Bagh.
Frequently asked questions
Is blood in the urine always serious?
No. Many causes, such as infections or small stones, are harmless and easily treated. However, because blood in the urine can occasionally be an early sign of something more serious, every case should be assessed to identify the cause with confidence.
I only saw blood once and then it stopped — do I still need to see a doctor?
Yes. Blood in the urine can come and go even when a genuine cause is present, so a single episode should still be investigated. It is much better to have a quick assessment and clear results than to assume it was nothing.
What could turn my urine red apart from blood?
Some foods such as beetroot, certain medicines and food dyes can temporarily colour the urine. A simple urine test can quickly confirm whether the colour is due to actual blood, so it is worth checking rather than guessing.
Is a cystoscopy painful?
A cystoscopy is usually well tolerated and takes only a few minutes. A numbing gel is used, and most people feel only mild discomfort. It allows the bladder to be examined directly, which is an important part of finding the cause of bleeding.
Every treatment plan starts with a proper assessment, so you only get the care your condition actually needs — and if the honest answer is that you don't need a procedure, you'll hear that too.