Blood in the urine can be a very worrying symptom. But this symptom is surprisingly common. About one in five people seen by a urologist will be diagnosed with bloody urine.
What could this symptom mean and should you be concerned?
Bloody urine can be a sign of a variety of health conditions, from fairly benign conditions to some very serious ones.
Continue reading to learn more.
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Blood in the urine: causes and concerns
Hematuria, or blood in the urine, is a condition in which blood cells are found in the urine, which can sometimes be seen with the naked eye (gross hematuria) or detected only under a microscope (microscopic hematuria).
Although it can be alarming, it is important to remember that hematuria is a symptom, not a disease in itself, and can be caused by a variety of conditions.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
UTIs occur when certain bacteria enter the urinary tract, causing inflammation. Symptoms of a UTI include:
- Pain or burning sensation when trying to urinate
- Frequent need to urinate, especially at night
- Frequent and sudden need to urinate
- More frequent urination
A UTI can also cause blood in the urine. The inflammation caused by the UTI can cause bleeding, which is then eliminated from the body through urine.
If you think you may have a UTI, order the Home Urine Microscopy and Culture Kit.
Kidney infections
These occur when bacteria enter the kidneys, often resulting in back pain, fever, nausea and hematuria.
Kidney stones
Hard metal and salt deposits can form in your kidneys, sometimes causing significant pain. These stones can cause bleeding, resulting in hematuria.
Bladder or kidney infections
Infections in the bladder or kidneys can cause inflammation and lead to blood in the urine.
Certain medicines
Certain medications, including certain antibiotics, pain relievers, and anticoagulants, can cause hematuria.
Intensive exercise
Surprisingly, vigorous physical activity can sometimes cause hematuria. The reasons are not fully understood, but may be related to dehydration, bladder trauma, or the breakdown of red blood cells that occurs during prolonged aerobic exercise.
Can sexually transmitted infections cause hematuria?
Some STDs can actually cause hematuria. Here are some examples.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae the gonococcus bacteria. This infection can be spread through unprotected sexual activity, such as vaginal, anal, and oral sex, and by sharing sex toys.
During a gonorrhea infection, bacteria infect the urinary tract. The body’s immune response to the bacteria causes inflammation, which mainly causes symptoms such as painful urination and unusual discharge from the penis and vagina.
In some cases, the inflammation can cause bleeding, which can lead to hematuria.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is another bacterial infection that can cause hematuria. This sexually transmitted infection is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis bacterium. Chlamydia is the most common bacterial STD in the world and thousands of people are diagnosed with the infection every year in the UK.
Similar to a gonorrhea infection, during a chlamydia infection, bacteria infect the urinary tract, causing inflammation. This inflammation can, in some cases, cause hematuria.
Other symptoms of chlamydia include pain during sex, unusual discharge from the vagina and penis, and painful urination.
You can get chlamydia the same way you get gonorrhea: through unprotected sex and sharing sex toys.
Trichomonas
Trichomonas differs from the above two infections in that it is not caused by bacteria, but by a parasite.
The parasitic protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis lives in semen and vaginal fluids. In women, Trichomonas infects the vagina and urethra (the tube that carries urine out). In men, it affects the urethra, the head of the penis and the prostate.
This parasitic infection can cause irritation and inflammation in the urinary tract, which can lead to hematuria in some cases.
You can get this infection from sexual activity. However, there is some evidence to suggest that Trichomonas can, in very rare cases, be contracted by other means, such as sharing bath water.
HPV
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection on earth. Most people who are sexually active will get some strain of HPV in their lifetime.
For most people, these infections are cleared by the immune system without incident. However, some higher-risk strains of HPV have been linked to cancer.
HPV causes about 99% of cervical cancers in women. When cervical cancer reaches an advanced stage, it can cause bloody urine, along with other symptoms such as difficulty urinating and leg swelling.
Get tested for the most common STDs in the UK with Better2Know’s full screen, which checks for 7 different infections.
Treatment and prevention
When it comes to STDs, knowledge is your first line of defense. But what happens when prevention fails and you contract an STD?
Treatment options
- Bacterial antibiotics: Bacterial STDs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can be treated with antibiotics. It is important to take the medicine as prescribed to ensure that the infection is completely cleared.
- Parasitic treatments: For parasitic STDs such as Trichomonas, specific antiparasitic drugs may be used to treat the infection.
- Viral treatments: Many viral STDs, such as HPV, cannot be cured and stay in your body for life. However, effective care and treatment can help manage the worst effects.
When you’re tested with Better2Know, we’ll refer you to a doctor who can help you access medication to help clear your infection.
Prevention is the key
If you want to avoid getting an STD, there are many things you can do to reduce your chance of getting one.
- Safe sex practices: Proper use of condoms, dental dams, and other barrier methods every time you have sex can greatly reduce your risk of contracting or spreading sexually transmitted diseases.
- Regular tests: Regular STD screening is vital for anyone who is sexually active. Early detection can prevent complications and the spread of infections.
- Vaccinations: Vaccines are available for some STDs, such as HPV and hepatitis B.
Final thoughts
If you’ve noticed any unusual symptoms, such as blood in your urine, don’t hesitate to take action and get tested. The comprehensive range of STI testing products offers a confidential, reliable way to relax. Remember, early detection is the key to preventing sexually transmitted infections.
It is always better to know the status of your sexual health. Stay safe and stay informed.
Don’t leave your sexual health to chance. Try Better2Know today.
