Seeing blood clots in your urine, also known as gross hematuria with clots, means enough blood is present to form visible clumps. These can appear as stringy, worm-like shapes or as red to brownish jelly-like blobs. While alarming, this symptom warrants prompt medical evaluation. The presence of clots indicates bleeding within the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Though concerning, many underlying causes are treatable.
Common Explanations
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a frequent cause of visible blood in the urine. When bacteria infect parts of the urinary system, such as the bladder or kidneys, it leads to tissue inflammation. This inflammation can cause small blood vessels to bleed, and if significant, blood clots can form and pass in the urine.
Kidney or bladder stones can also lead to blood clots in the urine. These hard mineral deposits can irritate or damage the delicate lining of the urinary tract as they move or become lodged. The resulting irritation and bleeding can produce visible blood and clots. Pain from stones, especially kidney stones, can be severe and localized to the back, side, or groin.
For men, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate, is another common explanation. The prostate gland, located below the bladder, can grow with age and compress the urethra. This compression and increased pressure can lead to bleeding from blood vessels within the prostate, resulting in blood clots in the urine.
Physical impact or trauma to the abdomen or back can cause internal bleeding within the urinary system. This might occur from contact sports, an accident, or vigorous exercise. Such injuries can damage the kidneys, bladder, or urethra, leading to bleeding that results in visible blood and clots in the urine.
Serious Underlying Conditions
Kidney diseases, such as glomerulonephritis or polycystic kidney disease, can lead to blood clots in the urine. Glomerulonephritis involves inflammation or damage to the tiny filters in the kidneys, known as glomeruli, which can impair their function and cause blood to leak into the urine. Polycystic kidney disease, a genetic disorder, causes numerous fluid-filled cysts to grow in the kidneys, which can also result in bleeding.
Urinary tract cancers, including bladder, kidney, and prostate cancer, can be indicated by blood clots in the urine. Bladder cancer, for instance, often presents with painless visible blood in the urine, sometimes with clots, as the tumor disrupts the bladder lining. Kidney and prostate cancer can also cause bleeding into the urinary tract as they progress.
Bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia or von Willebrand disease, affect the body’s ability to form blood clots properly. Individuals with these conditions have a higher likelihood of experiencing excessive bleeding from even minor injuries or without apparent cause, which can lead to visible blood and clots in the urine. Any bleeding in the urinary tract may be more pronounced and form larger clots.
Certain medications, particularly blood thinners, can also cause blood in the urine with clots. These medications, like warfarin or aspirin, reduce the blood’s ability to clot, increasing the risk of bleeding. While they do not cause hematuria directly, they can exacerbate bleeding from other underlying conditions, making it more noticeable and leading to clot formation.
When to Seek Medical Care
Any instance of visible blood or clots in your urine warrants immediate medical attention. Even if the amount of blood appears small or the bleeding seems to stop, it is crucial to have it evaluated. The color or shape of the clot does not indicate the seriousness of the underlying cause, so professional assessment is always recommended.
Prompt medical consultation is especially important if blood clots in the urine are accompanied by other symptoms. These include severe pain in the side, back, or abdomen, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or an inability to urinate. Such symptoms could signal an infection, a blocked urinary tract, or another serious condition requiring urgent care.
Individuals with a history of kidney disease, cancer, or known bleeding disorders should seek immediate medical advice if they notice blood clots in their urine. If you are currently taking blood-thinning medication, the presence of blood clots in your urine should also prompt an urgent consultation with your doctor. These situations carry a higher potential for serious complications.
Diagnosis and Management
Diagnosing the cause of blood clots in urine begins with a thorough medical history and a physical examination. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms, any recent injuries, medications you are taking, and your family’s medical history. This initial assessment helps guide further diagnostic steps.
A urinalysis is a standard first test, examining a urine sample for red blood cells, signs of infection, or other abnormalities. If an infection is suspected, a urine culture may also be performed to identify specific bacteria. Blood tests are commonly ordered to assess kidney function and check for any underlying clotting disorders.
Imaging tests are often used to visualize the urinary tract and identify potential sources of bleeding. These can include an ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In some cases, a cystoscopy may be performed, where a thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the urethra to directly examine the inside of the bladder and urethra.
The management of blood clots in urine depends on the identified underlying cause. For instance, if a bacterial infection is diagnosed, antibiotics will be prescribed. Kidney or bladder stones may be treated with medications to help them pass, or procedures like lithotripsy (shock wave therapy) or surgery to break them up or remove them. Treatments for more complex conditions like cancer or kidney disease will be tailored to the specific diagnosis, often involving specialists like urologists or nephrologists.