Men: Is there blood in your urine? What you need to know.

If a simple visit to the bathroom has you seeing red, don’t ignore it. Blood in your urine (hematuria) can be a sign of a serious problem, so you should see your doctor right away. You may see a range of colors – from pink or slightly dark urine to bright red or cola-colored liquid. You may also see clots, which can come from the prostate, urethra, kidneys or ureters (tubes connecting the kidney to the bladder). Blood in the urine may show up over a long time, come and go, or happen just once. “Blood in the urine is often due to a benign condition,” says urologist Frank Jevnikar, MD, at Cleveland Clinic Euclid Hospital. “However, it can also signal bladder or kidney cancer, both of which are more common in men. It’s important to see a physician for further examination and appropriate treatment.” Common causes of hematuria may relate to: • Urinary tract infection (UTI) or urinary stone disease • Kidney stones or kidney disease • Inherited conditions, including sickle cell disease • Vigorous exercise • Medications such as aspirin or blood thinners If you are examined by a urologist, they will likely examine your upper urinary tract using a scan with dye that gives images from your kidneys to your bladder. This can check for stones, tumors or other abnormalities. He or she will check the lower urinary tract with a scope that looks at the bladder, prostate and urethra. Your doctor also may perform other tests, such as a test for prostate cancer, as needed.

Frank Jevnikar, MD Cleveland Clinic Euclid Hospital