Haematuria (Blood in Urine)
While blood in the urine is often caused by infections or stones, it can be the earliest warning sign of bladder or kidney cancer. As early-stage conditions are the most treatable, we treat every instance of haematuria as a priority.
Haematuria Overview
While discovering blood in your urine is understandably concerning, it is often linked to manageable health conditions like kidney stones or urinary tract infections (UTIs).
However, statistically nearly 1 in 4 adults who notice visible blood in their urine may have an underlying malignancy within the the ureter, bladder or kidneys. In men, it can also be a primary indicator of prostate cancer.
Because early-stage conditions are far more responsive to treatment, it’s important to address any occurrences swiftly – even if you notice symptoms once and they disappear the next day.
At The Urology Partnership we provide rapid access to expert haematuria diagnosis to pinpoint the exact cause and inform accurate treatment pathways. To schedule an appointment please call 0118 920 7040.
What is haematuria?
Haematuria is the presence of blood in the urine which can be visible in one of two ways:
- Visible (or gross) haematuria (VH): You may notice your urine has turned pink, red or a dark tea-like brown. This can occur on its own or be accompanied by pain or a burning sensation during urination, a frequent urgency to urinate, fever or back pain.
- Non-visible (or microscopic) haematuria (NVH): When blood is present but cannot be seen by the naked eye – only by microscope. This type of haematuria is usually discovered during a routine urine “dipstick” test.
Why investigation is vital
In this short video, Consultant Urologist Ms. Somita Sarkar explains why prompt investigation of both visible and non-visible blood is essential, and the diagnostic pathway at The Urology Partnership.
Key takeaways:
- Visible vs. non-visible: Visible haematuria can appear as pink, red or a dark tea-like brown urine colour [00:11], but “non-visible” haematuria found during routine GP dipstick tests is just as important to investigate [00:17].
- Anatomical sources: Bleeding can originate anywhere from the kidneys and ureters to the bladder and prostate [00:31].
- The diagnostic path: Investigations typically involve a combination of urine tests, blood work, specialised imaging (like CT or Ultrasound) and a flexible cystoscopy (a gentle camera check of the bladder) [00:59].
Common Causes Of Haematuria
It’s important to know that haematuria is not a disease, but a symptom of an underlying condition. Which is why comprehensive tests and investigations are needed to identify the exact cause.
Most commonly, blood is present in urine because of:
- Infections: Urinary tract infections (UTIs), cystitis, bladder or kidney infections.
- Prostate issues: Enlarged prostate (BPH), prostatitis or prostate cancer.
- Urological cancers: Tumours located in the kidney or bladder.
- Calculi (kidney stones): Hard mineral deposits which can cause bleeding as they move through the urinary tract.
- Nephritis (kidney inflammation): Inflammation of the kidneys can lead to irritation and bleeding in the urinary tract.
- Blood disorders: Sickle cell disease, clotting disorders, anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs.
- Lifestyle and trauma: In some cases, strenuous exercise or physical injury to the urinary tract or kidneys may cause blood to appear in the urine.
- Benign factors: Certain medications (rifampicin) or foods (beetroot) can mimic the appearance of blood in urine.
Rapid Diagnosis Of Blood In Urine
At The Urology Partnership we understand that finding blood in your urine can be an anxious time. Which is why many of our diagnostic tests for haematuria are performed on the same day at our private clinic in Reading.
Our specialist consultant urologists follow a ‘gold standard’ clinical protocol of investigations to determine the underlying cause and inform your treatment pathway.
Initial assessment
Detailed consultation: Your consultant will discuss your symptoms, take a medical history and conduct a physical examination.
Blood tests: We’ll take blood tests to check for signs of kidney disease, blood disorders and other underlying conditions.
Urine tests: Urinalysis, urine microscopy and culture are used to detect the presence of red and white blood cells or bacteria, and a urine cytology test to exclude cancer cells.
Key diagnostic tests
Diagnostic imaging: Ultrasound, CT scans or MRI may be recommended for visual examination of the kidneys, ureters and bladder for any abnormalities.
Flexible cystoscopy: A gentle, camera-aided examination of the urethra and bladder lining provides your consultant with valuable information.
Urodynamic testing: Flow assessments and volume scans are used to measure how well the bladder, sphincters and urethra are storing and releasing urine.
Personalised Treatment For Haematuria
Treating haematuria at The Urology Partnership is never a “one size fits all” approach. Your consultant will design a personalised plan tailored to addressing the underlying cause.
Your plan may include:
- Lifestyle changes: Such as moderating exercise intensity, drinking more water, stopping smoking and managing weight.
- Medical management: With targeted antibiotics or innovative Intravesical Therapy to soothe the bladder lining and fight recurrent infection.
- Advanced procedures: We offer pioneering treatments like Aquablation Therapy for prostate issues or ESWL (shock wave lithotripsy) for kidney stones.
- Oncology pathways: Specialised care for the treatment and management of urological cancers.
- Regular follow-ups: To ensure resolution or progress is being made.
Next Steps: Arrange Your Consultation
If you have noticed blood in your urine – even if it was a single occurrence – do not wait for it to happen again.
With early and targeted treatment most patients with haematuria experience significant symptom relief and a full recovery.
Contact The Urology Partnership today to arrange a private consultation with one of our specialists.
Call: 0118 920 7040
Email: info@theforburyclinic.co.uk
Location: The Forbury Clinic, 11 Kendrick Road, Reading, Berkshire.
Haematuria (Blood in Urine) FAQs
No. In the majority of cases, haematuria is caused by non-cancerous issues such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones or an enlarged prostate. However, because blood can be the first sign of cancer, it is essential to have it checked out by a medical professional.
While visible blood (macroscopic) has a higher statistical link to underlying conditions, non-visible blood (microscopic) found during a GP dipstick test still requires investigation. It can be an early indicator of kidney inflammation, stones or early-stage growths that haven’t yet caused a major bleed.
Yes. This is a common misconception. Intermittent bleeding is very common in urological conditions, including serious ones. The fact that the bleeding has stopped does not mean the underlying cause has resolved. You should still seek a specialist consultation.
If you see blood but have no pain, you can generally wait to contact us the next working day. However, if the bleeding is very heavy (dark red with clots) or if you are unable to pass urine at all, you should attend your local A&E immediately.
A flexible cystoscopy is a quick procedure, usually taking less than five minutes. We use a local anaesthetic gel to ensure the area is numb. Most patients describe the sensation as “unusual” or “slightly uncomfortable” rather than painful, and you can usually return to your normal activities immediately afterward.
Yes. Very strenuous exercise (like marathon running) can cause “jogger’s haematuria.” Certain foods like beetroot, blackberries or food dyes can also turn urine pink or red. However, you should never assume diet or exercise is the cause without a professional medical evaluation to confirm.
Next Steps
Get fast access to leading specialists for the swift diagnosis and treatment of urological conditions in a private clinic environment.
If you would like more information or wish to arrange a consultation with one of our specialist consultant urological surgeons then please either Call 0118 920 7040 or complete the form below.
Insured patients
Contact your GP and ask for a referral to the Urology Partnership.
All consultations, investigations and treatments are covered by major insurance companies (depending on policy).
Funding your own treatment
Self-funding initial consultation fee is £250. Follow up fees are £175.
Consultation charges are exclusive of any tests and other investigations that the consultant may wish to carry out.