Seeing blood in your urine can be a cause for concern, particularly if you suspect a urinary tract infection (UTI). This symptom, known as hematuria, warrants attention as it can indicate various underlying conditions, ranging from common infections to more serious issues. This article clarifies the connection between UTIs and blood in the urine, including blood clots, and guides your next steps.
Understanding Hematuria in UTIs
Urinary tract infections can cause blood to appear in the urine, a condition referred to as hematuria. This can manifest in two ways: microscopic hematuria, where blood cells are only detectable under a microscope, or gross hematuria, where the blood is visible to the naked eye, often turning the urine pink, red, or brown.
The presence of blood in urine during a UTI typically results from inflammation and irritation of the urinary tract lining. When bacteria infect areas like the bladder or urethra, the delicate tissues become inflamed, causing small blood vessels to leak red blood cells into the urine.
Do UTIs Lead to Blood Clots?
While blood in the urine is a common symptom of UTIs, the formation of visible blood clots is less frequent. However, clots can occur, especially in cases of more severe infections where the bleeding is substantial. When enough blood accumulates within the urinary tract, it can coagulate, forming small, stringy, worm-like, or sometimes larger, jelly-like clots.
These clots are essentially a mixture of blood cells and proteins like fibrin that work to stop bleeding. If bleeding is significant, these components can clump together within the bladder or urethra. Passing blood clots can be painful, and a large clot might even block the flow of urine, leading to sudden, severe pain and an inability to urinate.
Other Causes of Blood Clots in Urine
Seeing blood clots in your urine is a symptom that can point to a range of medical conditions beyond just urinary tract infections. Kidney stones are a common alternative cause; these hard mineral deposits can scrape the lining of the urinary tract as they pass, causing bleeding that may lead to clot formation. Infections that extend to the kidneys, known as pyelonephritis, can also result in visible blood and clots.
Trauma to the urinary tract, such as from an injury or medical procedure, can cause significant bleeding and subsequent clot formation. In men, prostate issues like an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) or prostate infection (prostatitis) can also lead to blood in the urine and clots. Certain medications, particularly blood thinners like aspirin or warfarin, can increase the likelihood of bleeding and clot formation. More serious conditions like kidney disease or cancers of the bladder, kidney, or prostate may include blood clots in the urine.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Attention
If you observe blood clots in your urine, seek medical attention without delay, regardless of whether other UTI symptoms are present. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or self-treat this symptom. The presence of clots suggests a more significant bleeding event within the urinary system that requires professional assessment.
A healthcare provider will conduct a thorough evaluation, which typically includes a physical examination, urine tests to check for infection or other abnormalities, and potentially blood tests to assess kidney function. Imaging studies, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, may be ordered to visualize the kidneys and bladder for stones, tumors, or other structural issues. In some cases, a cystoscopy, which involves inserting a thin tube with a camera into the bladder, may be performed to directly examine the urinary tract lining.