Hematuria Overview

Considerations

In women, blood may appear to be in the urine when it is actually coming from the vagina . In men, what may be mistaken for urinary bleeding is sometimes a bloody ejaculation, usually due to a prostate problem.

Discoloration from certain drugs, beets, or other foods can mimic blood in the urine.

You may not see blood in your urine. In some cases, it is found microscopically when your doctor checks your urine during a routine exam. Your doctor will follow up on this problem to see if it persists and identify the cause.

When blood is visible to the naked eye, prompt and thorough evaluation is always needed. In children, hospitalization is often necessary to complete the work up.