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Condition
Blood in the urine (haematuria)
Blood in the urine is common and often has a simple explanation — but it should always be checked promptly, even if it happens only once.
Written and clinically reviewed by Mr Daniel Swallow, Consultant Urologist (GMC 6128674). Last reviewed: .
Two types of blood in the urine
Visible blood in the urine (visible haematuria) changes the colour of your urine to pink, red or brown, and is usually noticed straight away. Non-visible blood in the urine is only picked up on a urine dipstick or laboratory test, often during an unrelated check-up.
Visible blood in the urine should always be treated as a priority for investigation, even if it clears up and doesn't recur. If no infection is found to explain it, you'll usually be referred through the fast-track (2-week wait) pathway to rule out a urological cause.
The great majority of cases are not related to cancer — common causes include urine infections, kidney or bladder stones, and benign prostate enlargement. But because blood in the urine can occasionally be an early sign of something more serious, it is always worth a proper look. Importantly, being on a blood-thinning medicine does not explain away blood in the urine — investigation is still needed even if you take aspirin, warfarin or similar medicines.
How it's investigated
- A urine test, to check for infection or other abnormalities
- An ultrasound or CT scan, to look at the kidneys and bladder
- A flexible cystoscopy (bladder telescope test) — a thin telescope used to look directly inside the bladder
Most people are reassured after this initial assessment. Where a cause is found, Mr Swallow will explain what it means and the treatment options available.
Is it normal? When should I worry?
Blood in the urine is never something to ignore, but it is common, and most causes are treatable. See your GP promptly for any visible blood, even once. Seek same-day help if you are passing clots, cannot pass urine, or have a fever or severe loin pain alongside it.
Common questions
What are the most common causes of blood in the urine?
Urine infections, kidney or bladder stones and an enlarged prostate are the most common. Less often, the cause is in the bladder or kidney and needs a closer look, which is why investigation is advised even when the blood clears.
It happened once and has gone. Do I still need to be seen?
Yes. Visible blood that comes and goes can still have a cause that needs finding, and it is usually quick to check.
Is painless blood in the urine more concerning?
Pain tends to point towards a stone or infection, while painless visible blood with no obvious cause is taken particularly seriously. Either way it should be investigated.
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Further reading from trusted sources
Information on this page follows patient guidance published by the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS). External links open on the NHS and NICE websites, which are not run by Mr Swallow.