Introduction

Q1: Is blood in urine always serious?

Not always, but it is always significant. Some causes such as a urinary tract infection are minor and easily treated. Others, such as bladder cancer, are serious and require prompt treatment. Because you cannot distinguish these without testing, all hematuria should be evaluated by a urologist.

Q2: What does it mean if blood in urine appears only once and goes away?

Intermittent hematuria is a known feature of bladder and kidney tumours. Blood may appear once, disappear for weeks or months, then return. One episode is enough reason for a full investigation. Never assume it resolved on its own.

Q3: Can I have blood in my urine without any pain?

Yes. Painless hematuria is the hallmark of bladder cancer and kidney cancer. The absence of pain does not indicate a benign cause. Painless blood in urine must be investigated, especially in adults over 50.

Q4: What tests will the urologist order for blood in urine?

Typically: urine culture and sensitivity, ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder, and cystoscopy to examine the bladder wall. A CT urogram may be recommended if stones or tumours are suspected. Blood tests including kidney function and PSA may also be ordered.

Q5: Can a urinary tract infection cause blood in urine?

Yes. UTI is the most common cause of hematuria in women. The infection inflames the bladder lining and can cause visible or microscopic bleeding. It usually resolves with the correct antibiotic but should be confirmed with a urine culture.

Q6: Can kidney stones cause blood in urine without pain?

Yes, though kidney stones more commonly cause pain. Small stones or stones in the kidney (not yet passing) can cause microscopic hematuria without any discomfort. An ultrasound or CT scan is needed to confirm their presence.

Q7: Is hematuria in men different from hematuria in women?

The causes differ by sex. In women, UTI is the most common cause. In men, an enlarged prostate is also a common cause. Bladder and kidney cancer affect both sexes, though they are more common in men. Evaluation follows similar steps for both.

Q8: Can exercise cause blood in urine?

Yes. Strenuous exercise, particularly distance running, can cause temporary microscopic hematuria. However, this should be a diagnosis of exclusion, confirmed only after other serious causes have been ruled out. It should not be assumed to be the cause without proper investigation.

Q9: How is cystoscopy performed and is it painful?

A flexible cystoscope (a thin camera tube) is passed gently through the urethra into the bladder under local anaesthetic. Most patients experience mild discomfort rather than pain. The procedure takes a few minutes and allows direct visual inspection of the bladder wall, which no scan can replicate.

Q10: Where can I get hematuria investigated in Aurangabad?

Dr. Mayur Dalvi at Gurukrupa Urology Clinic, Kalda Corner, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar offers complete hematuria workup including urinalysis, ultrasound, and cystoscopy. Call +91 8177884043 or +91 9096894897 to book.