Harmless or a serious illness? The five most common causes of blood in the urine

Clarification important at the urologist
When red streaks mix in the usually yellowish urine, sufferers should take this seriously and consult a urologist. This is indicated by the medical network Uro-GmbH Nordrhein. Although sometimes certain foods such as beetroot, blueberries or rhubarb can cause a discoloration of the urine, this can be ruled out, but are often behind treatment-worthy illnesses. In addition to bladder and kidney diseases, cysts and polyps, cancers and inflammation of the seminal vesicle, urethra or prostate also cause bleeding. By means of laboratory diagnostics and physical examinations, urologists will clarify the cause.

Cystitis can pass to kidneys
"Bladder infections are the most common cause of blood in the urine," Dr. Reinhold Schaefer, urologist and managing director of the Uro-GmbH Nordrhein. It is especially common for women, as they have a shorter urethra and so bacteria are easier to move into the bladder. In addition to pain when urinating sufferers often suffer from frequent urinary urgency, even if there is hardly any urine. If the urine also becomes discolored and does not improve after a few days, a urologist should be consulted. Because bladder infections sometimes spread to the kidneys. Then, fever, body aches and tiredness often accompany the symptoms.

Urine should always be subjected to a urological examination. Image: JPC-PROD - fotolia

Pointed stones damage sensitive tissues
Those who suffer from stones in the kidneys, ureters or bladder often do not notice this immediately, as they usually cause discomfort only when they break loose and settle in tight structures. However, the small, pointed crystals usually already irritate the mucous membranes and lead to injuries that are noticeable by blood in the urine. If you go to the urologist on time, you can treat stones with care and, for example, avoid painful occlusion of the ureters when stones that are too large go off. Drink a lot as the kidneys are so well rinsed.

Observe cysts and polyps
Benign changes in the mucous membranes of the kidneys, bladder, and ureters, such as cysts and polyps, also sometimes cause bleeding if injured or ruptured. Although they are generally considered harmless, they should be monitored regularly. In contrast, urologists have to remove them surgically.

Bladder cancer affects mostly men
"If there is blood in the urine with no signs of bladder or kidney inflammation, the presence of bladder cancer should be ruled out," Dr. Schaefer on the way to the urologist. Bloody urine is considered an early warning sign of bladder cancer that occurs before it comes to other symptoms. Especially in the early stages, the chances of a cure for bladder cancer, of which men are particularly affected, are very good.

Blood in the urine even with typical men's diseases
Even with inflammation of the seminal vesicles and the prostate, urine can turn red. "Often there is a benign disease behind it, which can be treated well," explains Dr. med. Shepherd. Urologists also clarify whether the blood can be an indication of prostate cancer. Since prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men, the annual check-up of 45 years and over should be a must for every man anyway. (Pm)