A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection affecting any part of your urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. These infections are a common health concern. It is possible for a UTI to cause bleeding, a symptom that can be alarming.
Why UTIs Can Cause Bleeding
When bacteria infect the urinary tract, they cause inflammation and irritation of the lining of these organs. This inflammation can affect the small blood vessels in the urethra, bladder, or even the kidneys, making them fragile. These vessels can rupture and leak blood into the urine.
The presence of blood in urine is medically termed hematuria. This bleeding can manifest in different ways, from microscopic to visible. Microscopic hematuria involves blood that is only detectable through laboratory tests, such as a urinalysis. Gross hematuria refers to visible blood in the urine, which may cause the urine to appear pink, red, or even a dark cola-like brown color. The extent of bleeding correlates with the level of irritation and inflammation.
Other Common UTI Symptoms
Beyond bleeding, a UTI often presents with other symptoms. Individuals may experience a frequent and urgent need to urinate, even if only small amounts of urine are passed. A burning or painful sensation during urination, known as dysuria, is also common. The urine itself might appear cloudy or have a strong, unpleasant odor.
Lower abdominal or pelvic pain is common, particularly in women, often felt around the pubic bone. Men might experience rectal pain. If the infection has spread to the kidneys, called pyelonephritis, additional symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or pain in the back or flank (sides of the upper abdomen) may develop.
When to Seek Medical Care and What Bleeding Might Signify
The presence of blood in urine, regardless of the amount, warrants prompt medical attention. While a UTI is a common cause of hematuria, blood in the urine can also signal more serious underlying conditions, such as kidney stones, kidney disease, or certain cancers of the urinary tract like bladder cancer. Evaluation by a healthcare provider is important to accurately diagnose the cause.
A doctor will conduct a physical examination and order urine tests, including a urinalysis and possibly a urine culture, to identify bacteria and determine the appropriate treatment. If a UTI is confirmed, antibiotics are the standard treatment to eliminate the bacterial infection. It is important to complete the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve, to ensure the infection is fully resolved and to prevent recurrence. Delaying treatment or attempting self-diagnosis can lead to complications, including the infection spreading to the kidneys.