Blood in Urine (Hematuria) Evaluation in New York, NY
Seeing blood in your urine can be alarming, and it should never be ignored. Hematuria, the medical term for blood in the urine, is often caused by something benign such as an infection or kidney stone, but it can also be the first and only warning sign of bladder cancer, kidney cancer, or prostate disease. At Prostate Cancer 911, urologic oncologist Dr. David Samadi provides prompt, thorough hematuria evaluations in Midtown Manhattan to find the cause and start the right treatment.
Types of Hematuria
Gross Hematuria
Blood is visible to the eye, turning urine pink, red, or cola-colored. Even a single episode that then clears up needs evaluation, because bleeding from tumors often comes and goes.
Microscopic Hematuria
Blood cannot be seen but is detected on a urine test, often during a routine physical. Microscopic hematuria can also signal a significant condition, particularly in men over 35 and in smokers.
Common Causes of Blood in the Urine
- Urinary tract infections and bladder infections
- Kidney stones and bladder stones
- Enlarged prostate (BPH), which can cause fragile prostate blood vessels to bleed
- Prostatitis
- Bladder cancer, for which painless visible blood is the most common symptom
- Kidney cancer
- Prostate cancer, usually in more advanced stages
- Kidney disease, injury, or vigorous exercise
- Blood thinners, which can reveal an underlying problem but rarely cause bleeding on their own
Some foods, such as beets and rhubarb, and certain medications can turn urine red without any blood present. A urine test can tell the difference.
Risk Factors for a Serious Cause
The chance that hematuria is caused by cancer is higher if you:
- Are a current or former smoker
- Are over age 35 to 40
- Are male
- Have worked with dyes, rubber, leather, or industrial chemicals
- Have had pelvic radiation or certain chemotherapy drugs
- Have visible blood in the urine
How Hematuria Is Evaluated
A complete hematuria workup looks at the entire urinary tract, from the kidneys to the urethra:
- Urinalysis and urine culture to confirm blood and check for infection
- Blood tests to assess kidney function and PSA when appropriate
- Imaging, usually a CT urogram or ultrasound, to evaluate the kidneys and ureters
- Cystoscopy, an in-office exam with a thin camera to look directly inside the bladder and urethra
- Urine cytology to look for abnormal cells in some patients
Treatment Depends on the Cause
Infections are treated with antibiotics, stones may pass on their own or be removed with procedures such as ureteroscopy, and BPH-related bleeding can be managed with medication or procedures. If a tumor is found, Dr. Samadi will guide you through treatment, which may include TURBT, intravesical therapy, or robotic surgery.
Don’t Wait to Get Checked
When bladder and kidney cancers are caught early, they are much easier to treat. If you have noticed blood in your urine, even once, call Prostate Cancer 911 at (212) 365-5000 to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Samadi.
Related Care and Resources at Prostate Cancer 911
Blood in Urine FAQs
Is blood in the urine always serious?
Not always, but it should always be evaluated. Many cases are caused by infections or stones, while some are the first sign of bladder or kidney cancer.
What if the blood in my urine went away?
You still need an evaluation. Bleeding from bladder tumors often comes and goes, so a single episode can be significant.
What is microscopic hematuria?
Microscopic hematuria is blood in the urine that cannot be seen but is detected on a urine test. It can still signal an important condition.
Can an enlarged prostate cause blood in the urine?
Yes. An enlarged prostate can develop fragile blood vessels that bleed, but other causes still need to be ruled out.
What tests are done for hematuria?
A typical workup includes a urinalysis, blood tests, imaging such as a CT urogram, and cystoscopy to examine the bladder.
Is painless blood in the urine a sign of bladder cancer?
Painless visible blood is the most common symptom of bladder cancer, especially in smokers and men over 40.
How do I schedule a hematuria evaluation?
Call (212) 365-5000 or request an appointment with Dr. Samadi.
Schedule Your Consultation With NYC’s Leading Urologist
Take control of your health today. Whether you are seeking a second opinion or experiencing symptoms like hematuria, Dr. David Samadi and the team at Prostate Cancer 911 are here to provide world-class care in Midtown Manhattan.
Request an AppointmentOffice Location: 485 Madison Ave, 21st Floor, New York, NY 10022
Phone: (212) 365-5000