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Hematuria is the presence of blood, specifically red blood cells, in the urine. Whether the blood is visible only under a microscope or visible to the naked eye, hematuria is a sign that something is causing bleeding in the genitourinary tract.
Bleeding may happen once or it may be recurrent. It can indicate different problems in men and women. Causes of this condition range from non–life threatening (e.g., urinary tract infection) to profoundly serious (e.g., cancer, kidney disease). Therefore, a healthcare provider should be consulted as soon as possible.
There are many causes of hematuria. The most common causes include the following:
- Enlarged prostate
- Kidney and bladder stones
- Kidney disease
- Medications; blood thinners and arthritic medications
- Trauma (e.g., a blow to the kidneys)
- Tumors and/or cancer in the urinary system
The treatment of hematuria depends on the cause of the bleeding and where the bleeding is located. Since hematuria is not a disease in itself, bleeding can only be stopped when the underlying condition is found and treated.
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