Bladder Cancer
Why is there blood in my urine?
What is the short answer?
Causes include infection, kidney stones, an enlarged prostate, and less often, bladder or kidney cancer.
Even one episode needs checking.
Which offices are closest?
Grayson families can choose either of our clinics with surgery centers: Snellville (1557 Janmar Rd, Snellville, GA 30078) or Lawrenceville (501 Crown Pointe Way, Lawrenceville, GA 30046).
How do our urologists approach this?
Even one episode of blood in the urine is worth checking, and our urologists look for the cause step by step. Frequently the cause turns out to be treatable, for example an infection, a stone or prostate enlargement. Because bladder or kidney cancer is sometimes the reason, we check carefully. We’ll explain each test and what it can show.
What happens at a visit?
We’ll test your urine and image the kidneys, and many people also have cystoscopy so we can see inside the bladder. Your medicine list matters here, blood thinners above all. Grayson families can be seen in Snellville or Lawrenceville.
How should I prepare?
Note when you saw the blood, its color and whether you had pain or fever. Bring that, plus your medicine list, especially any blood thinners. If you’ve had imaging or a urine test elsewhere, bring the results so we can avoid repeating them.
When should I call?
Call us if the blood comes back, even once. With heavy bleeding, clots or trouble urinating, go to the ER now.
What do patients often ask?
These are the questions we hear most, each with a short answer.
What if it happened just once?
Even a single episode should be checked. Blood that comes and goes can still have a cause we need to find.
Does pink urine always mean blood?
Not always. Some foods and medicines can tint urine, which is one reason a urine test is part of the visit.
Is a cystoscopy painful?
We numb the urethra with gel, and most people find it quick and manageable. We’ll explain each step as we go.
Is there a video on this?
This Advanced Urology episode looks at what blood in the urine can be telling you.
- Watch: #001 - Hidden Clues: Understanding Blood in the Urine What the video covers: A podcast episode on microscopic hematuria, blood in the urine that is visible just under a microscope, and the causes it can point to, such as infection, kidney stones or cancer.
What else should I know?
General patient education from Advanced Urology. Grayson articles list