Is blood in the urine always an indication of a serious illness?
January 16, 2023 | 90,00 EUR | answered by Luisa Ehrig
Dear Doctor,
My name is Artur Ahlert and I am reaching out to you because I have noticed blood in my urine in the past few days, which has caused me great concern. I am 45 years old, have no pre-existing conditions, and lead a healthy lifestyle. However, the presence of blood in my urine has worried me greatly, and I am wondering if this is always a sign of a serious illness.
Currently, I do not experience any pain while urinating and have no other complaints in this area. However, the presence of blood in my urine is unusual and concerning to me. I have researched online and learned that blood in the urine can have various causes, such as infection, kidney or bladder stones, injuries, or even cancer.
I am now wondering if I should be seriously concerned and what tests or examinations I should undergo to determine the cause of the blood in my urine. Are there any possible treatments or measures I can take to address the issue? Is it advisable to see a doctor immediately, or can I wait to see if the blood in my urine goes away on its own?
I thank you in advance for your help and your professional assessment of my situation. I hope for a prompt response, as the uncertainty and fear of a serious illness is weighing heavily on me.
Sincerely,
Artur Ahlert
Dear Mr. Ahlert,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as a urologist. It is understandable that the presence of blood in your urine is causing concern, even if you currently have no pain or other symptoms. Blood in the urine, also known as hematuria, can indeed have various causes, ranging from harmless to serious conditions.
It is important to know that blood in the urine is not always a sign of something serious. It can be caused, for example, by a urinary tract infection, kidney stones, an injury, or inflammation. In some cases, however, it can also indicate more serious conditions such as kidney or bladder cancer. Therefore, it is advisable to take the problem seriously and have it investigated.
To determine the cause of blood in the urine, certain tests are necessary. These may include a urine test, a blood test, an ultrasound examination of the kidneys and bladder, and in some cases a cystoscopy. These tests can help identify the exact cause of the blood in the urine and treat it accordingly.
It is always advisable to see a doctor if you notice blood in your urine, even if you have no pain. Depending on the results of the tests, your doctor can then recommend appropriate treatment. In some cases, it may be a temporary cause that resolves on its own. In other cases, treatment may be necessary to solve the problem and avoid potential complications.
Therefore, I recommend that you promptly see a urologist to investigate the blood in your urine. The earlier a possible cause is identified, the better appropriate measures can be taken. Do not worry, but take the symptoms seriously and have them checked out.
I hope that my response is helpful to you and I am happy to answer any further questions you may have.
Best regards,
Luisa Ehrig
