Hematuria or blood in the urine is seen in 1-20% of population based on the ethnicity, age and other demographic variables. Although it may seem frightening, most of the time the condition causing hematuria is benign in nature. The blood in the urine can originate from virtually any portion of the urinary system. Kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra all can be the source of blood in the urine. In women during the menses, the blood inside the urine might actually be menstrual flow. Vaginal atrophy can also lead to small amounts of red blood cells in the urine. Here are some common causes of hematuria in men and women.

Urinary tract infections

The most common cause of hematuria is a urinary tract infection. Commonly urinary tract infections are seen in women owing to short urethra which makes the bladder and urinary system prone to infection from bacteria residing over the outer portion of urethra. The infection manifests itself with burning, frequency and urgency, however, it can also be asymptomatic. A condition known asymptomatic bacteriuria. Nevertheless, performing a urine analysis with urine culture can show the infection either symptomatic or asymptomatic

Kidney or bladder stones

Kidney and bladder stones are another common causes of hematuria. The stone can initially form inside the kidney where it can remain and damage the renal tissue and result in blood in the urine. The stone may also initially form inside the bladder where it can damage bladder wall and result in hematuria. If the stone formed in the kidney moves to the ureters, an intense pain can initiate abruptly. The pain may radiate to the groin or testes in the males. The pain is severe enough to cause you seeking ED. If the stone is small enough it can find its way out to bladder and out of body from there, however, if the stone is big, it might remain in the ureter causes back up of urine in the kidneys a condition known as hydronephrosis. The stone can also become a nidus for infection formation and leads to kidney infection or pyelonephritis. In ED an ultrasound or CT scan can help to diagnose and plan a treatment for stones.

Kidney or bladder tumors

Although rare, one of the causes of hematuria can be a tumor in the bladder or kidney. To make sure that hematuria is not caused by the tumor, current guidelines in practice suggest performing several imaging studies like CT scan and cystoscopy to rule out a tumor.

Other causes

There are other conditions like interstitial disease of the kidney which manifest as hematuria as well.

If you see blood in your urine or you suspect that, it is better to get a physician’s advice.