Occult Blood in Urine: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Occult blood in urine means there is a tiny amount of blood in your urine that you can't see with your eyes. It’s often found during routine urine tests. While it can be worrying, learning about what causes it, the symptoms to watch for, how doctors find out what’s causing it, and ways to treat or prevent it can help you stay healthy and get the right care.

What is Occult Blood in Urine?

Occult blood in urine means there is a tiny amount of blood in your urine that you cannot see with your eyes. It is found through lab tests that check for red blood cells in urine. This can happen in both men and women and can be caused by different problems like infections, kidney stones, exercise, injuries, or sometimes more serious health issues. Detecting occult blood in urine is important because it can help find health problems early and guide doctors to the right treatment.

Causes of Occult Blood in Urine

Occult blood in urine, also called microscopic hematuria, is when there is blood in your urine, but you can't see it with your eyes. Many things can cause this, including:

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are small, hard lumps that form in the kidneys. When these stones move through the urinary tract, they can scratch or irritate the lining of the kidneys, ureters, or bladder. This can cause bleeding and blood to appear in the urine. People with kidney stones often feel strong pain, especially when the stones move through tight spaces.

Infections

Bacteria in your kidneys or urinary tract can cause tiny amounts of blood to appear in your urine. These infections, like urinary tract infections (UTIs) or kidney infections, irritate and inflame the lining of the urinary system. This can cause bleeding that you can't see with your eyes but shows up in lab tests. Symptoms often include burning or pain when you pee, feeling the need to go often, cloudy or bad-smelling urine, and sometimes fever or pain in your back or sides. Getting treatment with antibiotics usually clears up these infections and stops the bleeding.

Cancer

Some types of cancer in the urinary system, like bladder, kidney, or prostate cancer, can cause blood to appear in your urine. These cancers may irritate or damage the lining inside the urinary tract, leading to bleeding that you might not see but which can be found in lab tests. Finding this blood early is very important because it can be one of the first signs of cancer. Early detection helps doctors run more tests and start treatment sooner, which can improve outcomes.

Prostate Cancer

In men, bleeding from the prostate gland can cause hidden blood in the urine. Prostate cancer can cause abnormal growths or lumps in the prostate, which may harm nearby tissues and blood vessels. This harm can let small amounts of blood enter the urine, but you usually can't see it. Hidden blood in urine can be an early sign of prostate cancer and is often found through lab tests during a regular checkup or when checking for urinary problems.

Vasculitis

Vasculitis is when the blood vessels become swollen and inflamed. This inflammation can damage the walls of the blood vessels, making them leaky. When vasculitis affects the blood vessels in your kidneys or bladder, it can cause blood to leak into your urine. This blood might be too small to see, but it can be found with lab tests. Vasculitis can happen because of autoimmune diseases, infections, or some medicines. Treating vasculitis usually means controlling the inflammation to stop the damage and prevent more problems.

Kidney Disease

If the kidneys are damaged or not working well, they might bleed inside the body. This bleeding can be so small that you can't see it, but a urine test can still find it as hidden blood. Problems like kidney infections, swelling, kidney stones, or long-term kidney disease can all cause hidden blood in the urine.

Trauma

Falls, accidents, or injuries to your kidneys or bladder can cause hidden bleeding in your urinary tract. This bleeding might be too small to see with your eyes, but it can be found during lab tests of your urine. Common causes of this kind of trauma include sports injuries, car accidents, or a hard hit to your lower back or belly. Such injuries can damage the organs in your urinary system, leading to occult blood in your urine.

Urinary Tract Anomalies

If you were born with a problem in your urinary system—like a ureter that is shaped differently or in the wrong place—it can cause small amounts of blood to come from your kidneys or urinary tract. This blood might not be visible to you, but it can be found in a urine test. This is called occult blood in the urine. These differences can sometimes block or irritate the way urine flows, leading to this hidden bleeding. If this happens, doctors can run tests to find the cause and help manage it.

Medications

Some medicines, like antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, or blood thinners, can cause bleeding in the urinary tract. This bleeding is often too small to see but can show up on a urine test. Sometimes, the medicine irritates the bladder or kidneys, or changes how your blood clots, leading to bleeding. If you see blood in your urine while taking these medicines, talk to your doctor.

Systemic Diseases

Some illnesses that affect the whole body, like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, can cause swelling and damage in many parts of the body, including your kidneys and bladder. This damage can make tiny blood vessels leak blood into your urine. You can’t see this blood with your eyes, but a urine test can find it. Other diseases that affect your immune system or how your blood clots can also cause this hidden blood. If occult blood is found, it can help doctors find these illnesses early and start treatment to protect your kidneys and bladder.

Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that changes the shape and function of red blood cells. These misshapen cells can block small blood vessels in your kidneys and bladder, causing damage and bleeding. This bleeding might not be visible to your eyes, but can be found in urine tests as hidden or occult blood. People with sickle cell disease may have this kind of blood in their urine, which can point to kidney or bladder problems caused by the disease. It’s important to work closely with a doctor to manage these issues and protect kidney health.

Pregnancy

When you are pregnant, the baby can press on your bladder and urinary tract. This pressure might cause tiny blood vessels to break, which can lead to a small amount of blood in your urine. Usually, this is not a big problem. However, pregnant women should tell their doctor if they see blood in their urine because it could also mean there is an infection or another health issue that needs care.

Cystoscopy

A cystoscopy is a medical test where a small camera on a thin tube is gently inserted into your bladder through the urethra. This helps doctors look inside your urinary tract to check for problems. Sometimes, this procedure can cause tiny injuries or irritation to the bladder or urethra, which may lead to small amounts of blood in your urine. This bleeding is usually very minor and goes away on its own after a short time. If you notice blood in your urine after a cystoscopy, it’s often nothing serious, but it’s good to let your doctor know so they can check and be sure everything is okay.

Tumors

Sometimes, cancers or tumors from other parts of the body, like the colon or ovaries, can spread to the urinary tract and cause bleeding. Tumors can also grow in the kidneys, bladder, or urinary tract itself. These growths may damage the tissue and blood vessels, leading to blood in the urine. This blood can be very small and not seen by the naked eye (occult blood), but it shows up in urine tests. Both non-cancerous (benign) and cancerous (malignant) tumors can cause this. Finding blood in urine early is important, as it can be one of the first signs of a tumor in the urinary system.

Symptoms of Occult Blood in Urine

Occult blood in urine means blood is present but too small to see. You might notice some signs, although symptoms can be mild or hard to spot at first. Common symptoms include:

Pink or reddish discoloration of the urine

Blood in your urine can sometimes make it look pink or red, even if there is only a small amount. This color change might be hard to notice or only show up in certain light. Sometimes, there is so little blood that you cannot see it, and it is only found with lab tests. If you see any change in your urine color, even a small one, you should talk to your doctor. This could be a sign of a health problem that needs to be checked.

Dark or tea-colored urine

Blood in your urine can make it look darker or like tea. If you notice your urine is darker than usual, tell your doctor. Sometimes, the color change is small and hard to see, but even a little difference can mean there is blood in your urine. You might also feel pain or discomfort when you pee, need to pee more often, or feel a strong urge to pee. Always pay attention to changes in your urine and talk to a doctor quickly. Occult blood in urine can be a sign of problems like urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or other issues with the urinary system.

Increased frequency of urination

You might start going to the bathroom more often, even if you don’t really need to. At first, you may only notice a small increase in bathroom trips, but over time, you could find yourself urinating much more than usual. This can happen during the day or at night, sometimes waking you up. You might also feel a strong need to go or feel uncomfortable, even if you only pass a little urine each time. These changes can have other causes, but they are important to watch for as possible signs of hidden blood in your urine.

Painful urination

When there is hidden blood in your urine, it can irritate your urinary tract and cause pain when you pee. You might also feel a burning or uncomfortable sensation while urinating. Sometimes, this comes with needing to pee more often or feeling an urgent need to go, even if only a small amount comes out each time. These signs can point to an underlying problem that needs a doctor’s attention, even if you can’t see blood in your urine. If you experience pain or discomfort when urinating, make sure to see a healthcare professional for proper testing and care.

Abnormal urine color or odor

Blood in urine can make it look cloudy or give it a strong smell. Even a small amount of blood can turn urine pink, red, or brown. Sometimes, you might not see any changes, and only a lab test can detect the blood. A strange smell may also be present, which could be from the blood or other problems in the urinary tract.

Frequent or recurring UTIs

Hidden blood in the urine means there is blood you can't see with your eyes. This can make you more likely to get UTIs often, because blood in the urine helps bacteria grow in your urinary system. This increases your risk of infection. Signs like burning when you pee, cloudy urine, or needing to urinate often can be symptoms of a UTI caused by hidden blood in your urine.

Chills and fever

If you have an infection, you might feel cold, hot, or feverish. You could also sweat, shiver, or feel generally unwell. Sometimes, the fever can be high, and chills may come and go. These symptoms usually mean your body is fighting an infection, which can sometimes cause blood to show up in your urine, such as with a urinary tract infection or another health problem.

Abdominal pain

Pain in these areas may be related to the kidneys or infections that cause blood in the urine. Occult blood in urine means there is blood that you cannot see with your eyes, and it can be a sign of different health problems. Besides abdominal pain, people may feel pain or discomfort in the lower back, sides, or pelvic area. These symptoms can happen with urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, or other kidney problems. Some people may not notice any symptoms at all, so regular urine tests are important to find these issues early.

Nausea and vomiting

Blood or infection in your urinary tract can make you feel sick to your stomach or cause you to throw up. You might also have stomach pain, feel like you need to pee often, or feel pain when you pee. Occult blood in urine can be a sign of problems like urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or other health issues that need a doctor’s care. If you notice these symptoms, see a healthcare professional to get checked and treated.

Fatigue and weakness

Having hidden blood in your urine for a long time can mean there is a problem with your kidneys. You might not notice any clear signs at first, but as it gets worse, you could feel very tired and weak, similar to how you feel when you are sick. This tiredness usually does not go away even after you rest. You may also have low energy and find it hard to do everyday tasks, which can make life more difficult.

Diagnosis of Occult Blood in Urine

Finding occult blood in urine can be tricky since you can’t see it with your eyes. Doctors use your medical history, physical exams, and several lab tests to detect it. Here are some tests that might be used:

1. Urinalysis

A urine sample is checked for changes in color, smell, and other signs. This simple test can show obvious problems, like cloudy urine or a strange smell, which might mean there is a health issue. But urinalysis may not find hidden (occult) blood, because small amounts might not change how the urine looks. In these cases, more tests, like looking at the urine under a microscope or using a special dipstick, are used to check for blood that cannot be seen with the eyes.

2. Microscopic examination

In this test, a lab technician uses a microscope to look closely at your urine sample. This helps them find tiny red and white blood cells, as well as things like crystals, bacteria, or small clumps, that can't be seen without magnification. Finding these small particles can show if there is hidden blood in the urine and may give hints about health problems in the urinary system.

3. Dipstick test

A dipstick test is a quick and simple way to check for blood in your urine. A special paper strip with chemicals is dipped into your urine, and if the strip changes color, it means blood or protein might be present. This helps doctors find possible problems like infections, kidney issues, or bleeding in the urinary tract and decide if more tests are needed for treatment.

4. Chemical tests

These tests look for blood in urine that you can't see. They check for things like hemoglobin or myoglobin, which can show there is bleeding in the urinary tract even if you don't see blood. Chemical tests often use dipsticks that change color if blood is present. This gives a quick and easy way to check for blood in urine during regular checkups or if there are signs of urinary problems.

5. Imaging tests

Imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs help doctors see inside your kidneys and urinary tract. These tests can show if there are any problems, such as blockages, tumors, stones, or other issues that might cause blood in your urine. By giving clear pictures, these tests help doctors find out what is wrong and choose the best treatment.

6. Cystoscopy

A cystoscope is a thin tube with a camera that is gently inserted into your bladder and urethra. This lets the doctor look inside to check for any problems or bleeding. The procedure helps find the cause of blood in the urine, such as bleeding, tumors, or stones. Cystoscopy is usually done with local or general anesthesia. It might feel a little uncomfortable, but it helps the doctor make a clear diagnosis and decide on the best treatment if needed.

7. Urine culture

This test looks for bacteria or germs in your urine to see if an infection is causing blood in your urine. A urine sample is collected and sent to a lab, where experts check for germs. If bacteria or other germs are found, it could mean you have a urinary tract infection (UTI) or another infection that might be causing hidden blood in your urine. The results help your doctor find the cause and choose the best treatment.

8. Renal function tests

Blood tests check how well your kidneys are working by measuring things like blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine. These tests show if your kidneys are removing waste properly and can point to problems such as kidney disease, dehydration, or urinary tract issues. When hidden blood is found in urine, kidney function tests help find out if the kidneys are involved and guide the next steps for diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment Options for Occult Blood in Urine

Treatment for occult blood in urine depends on what is causing it. Since it is a symptom, not a problem by itself, the main goal is to treat the cause. Here are some common treatments:

1. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

If an infection is causing blood in your urine, your doctor will give you antibiotics. Be sure to take all the medicine as your doctor tells you, even if you start to feel better before it is finished. Drinking lots of water can help wash out bacteria from your urinary tract. Keeping good hygiene, like wiping from front to back and urinating after sex, can help stop infections from coming back. If your symptoms do not get better or get worse, see your doctor again for more help.

2. Kidney Stones

Small kidney stones can often pass on their own with pain medicine and by drinking more fluids, which helps remove the stones from the urinary tract. If the stones are bigger or cause a lot of pain, other treatments might be needed. These can include lithotripsy, which uses sound waves to break the stones into smaller pieces so they are easier to pass, or surgery if the stones are too large or get stuck. Your doctor will decide the best treatment for you based on the size and location of the stones and your overall health.

3. Prostate Issues

Men with an enlarged prostate might get medicine to shrink the prostate or make urination easier. These medicines include alpha-blockers, which relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, which slowly shrink the prostate. If medicine does not help or if symptoms are very bad, surgery such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) may be suggested to remove extra prostate tissue and ease symptoms.

4. Glomerulonephritis

This kidney disease is usually treated with medicines like steroids or drugs that lower the immune system's activity to reduce swelling. Treatment can also include keeping blood pressure under control, changing your diet, and checking kidney health regularly. Finding the disease early and treating it properly can help prevent more kidney damage and improve results for people with glomerulonephritis.

5. Medications

If your medicines are causing bleeding, your doctor may change your dose or suggest safer options. They might check which medicines could be causing blood in your urine and recommend others that are less likely to cause this problem. Your doctor may also adjust how much medicine you take to reduce side effects. They will watch your condition closely to make sure the new treatment works well and is safe. Always talk to your doctor before changing any medicines.

6. Trauma or Injury

If you have a mild injury that causes hidden blood in your urine, resting and watching your symptoms is often enough for your body to heal. For more serious injuries, doctors may need to do surgery to fix damaged tissues or organs. You may also need extra care, like pain medicine and fluids, depending on how bad the injury is.

7. Cancer

If blood in the urine is caused by bladder, kidney, or prostate cancer, there are different ways to treat it. Treatments may include surgery to remove tumors or affected tissue, chemotherapy to kill cancer cells, radiation therapy to shrink or remove tumors, or other special treatments based on the type, stage, and location of the cancer. The choice of treatment depends on the patient’s overall health, how far the cancer has spread, and how fast it is growing.

8. General Care

If the bleeding is caused by intense exercise, it usually goes away on its own with rest and less activity. Most of the time, taking a break from hard exercise helps your body heal, and the blood in your urine will disappear. Watch your symptoms and avoid things that could make it worse. If the bleeding does not stop or you have other symptoms like pain, fever, or discomfort, see a doctor for more help and treatment.

Preventing Occult Blood in Urine

To prevent occult blood in urine, you can take steps to stay healthy and deal with things that might cause blood in urine. These steps can help reduce the chances of having blood in your urine:

1. Stay Hydrated

Drink enough water every day to help clean your urinary tract and get rid of waste from your body. Good hydration lowers the chance of urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and other problems that can cause blood in your urine. Also, drinking plenty of water keeps your body fluids balanced and helps your organs, like your kidneys and bladder, work well.

2. Practice Good Hygiene

Wash your hands and genital area well, especially after using the bathroom or having sex. Cleaning regularly helps get rid of bacteria and lowers the risk of infections that might cause hidden blood in your urine. Also, wear clean underwear and change it every day to reduce the chance of germs getting into your urinary system.

3. Avoid Smoking

Smoking increases your chances of getting bladder and kidney cancer, which can cause blood in your urine. Quitting smoking protects your kidneys and bladder. Smoking can also irritate and inflame your urinary tract, leading to more urinary problems. By quitting, you lower your risk of serious diseases and help keep your urinary system and overall health in better shape.

4. Maintain a Healthy Diet

Eating lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains keeps your kidneys healthy by giving your body important nutrients and fiber. These foods help your kidneys work well and lower the chance of problems that can cause blood in your urine. Try not to eat too much salt, as it can raise your risk of kidney stones, which can hurt your urinary tract and cause bleeding. Also, eat fewer processed foods and sugary drinks, and remember to drink plenty of water every day.

5. Exercise Moderately

Exercise is good for your health, but don't overdo it. Doing regular, moderate exercise helps keep you healthy and lowers your risk for some problems. But if you exercise too hard or for too long, you might see blood in your urine, which is called hematuria. To avoid this, pay attention to how your body feels, slowly increase how hard you work out, and make sure to rest between sessions.

6. Manage Chronic Conditions

If you have health problems like diabetes or high blood pressure, make sure to take your medicine as your doctor says, eat healthy foods, and see your doctor regularly. By looking after these health issues, you can keep your kidneys healthy and lower the chance of having blood in your urine.

7. Regular Checkups

Going to your doctor regularly and getting urine tests is important for finding health problems early. These visits can help catch things like urine infections, kidney stones, or other issues before they get worse. Finding problems early means you can get treated sooner, which lowers the chance of more serious issues and keeps your urinary system healthy.

8. Avoid Overuse of Medications

Don’t use too many medicines, especially painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, because they can hurt your kidneys and urinary tract, which can make blood show up in your urine. Drink enough water every day to help your body remove waste and keep your kidneys healthy. Eat healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains to support your urinary health. Don’t smoke, because it can damage your blood vessels and organs, including your kidneys. Visit your doctor regularly to check your kidney health and find any problems early so you can get treatment and avoid more serious issues.

When to See a Doctor

If you have occult blood in your urine, it might not be a big problem, but there are some signs that you should go to the doctor right away:

• Persistent Blood in Urine: If you keep seeing blood in your urine, even a small amount, it could be a sign of a health problem. Blood in the urine can be caused by things like infections, kidney stones, or, in rare cases, serious conditions like bladder or kidney cancer. Do not ignore this symptom. Talk to your doctor so they can check what is causing it and give you the right treatment.

• Visible Blood: If you see blood in your urine, it could mean there is a serious health problem. Do not ignore this sign, as it may be caused by things like urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or sometimes more serious illnesses like bladder or kidney cancer. You should call your doctor right away for a proper check-up and treatment.

• Accompanying Pain: If you see blood in your urine and also feel pain in your back, belly, or when you pee, it could mean you have kidney stones, a urinary tract infection, or another health problem. You should see your doctor soon to find out what is causing it and get the right treatment. Getting help early can stop problems from getting worse and make sure you get the care you need.

• Changes in Urination: If you’re seeing blood in your urine, it could also cause pain in your back, belly, or when you’re going to the bathroom. This could mean that you’re dealing with kidney stones, an infection, or something else that’s wrong inside your body. It’s important to talk to your doctor if you’re feeling this kind of pain.

• Fever or Chills: If you notice blood in your urine and you also feel hot, cold, or shivering, you might have a serious infection. This could be a urinary tract infection or another health problem that needs quick treatment. Don’t wait—make an appointment with your doctor or go to urgent care right away.

• Family History: If kidney or urinary cancers are common in your family, you should watch your health closely. Talk to your doctor about any small or unusual symptoms, like changes in urination, back pain that doesn’t go away, or tiredness you can’t explain. Finding problems early can really help, so it’s best to check with your doctor to be safe and get the right advice.

• Previous Diagnosis: If you have had kidney stones, urinary tract infections, or cancer before, and you see blood in your urine again, contact your doctor right away. Seeing blood again could mean your old condition has come back or there is a new problem. Getting checked by a doctor quickly can help find out what is wrong and get you the right treatment.

If you see blood in your urine or have symptoms like pain, changes in urination, or ongoing discomfort, don't delay in getting medical advice. At Volusia Medical Center, our team of doctors and nurses is ready to offer the care and knowledge you need. Contact us today to talk about your symptoms and schedule a consultation. Let us help you find answers and solutions for your health and well-being.

Conclusion

Blood in the urine, called hematuria, can happen for many reasons. It might be caused by simple things like hard exercise or mild infections, or by more serious problems such as kidney disease, urinary tract infections, or cancers in the urinary system. Finding the cause early is important to avoid problems and stay healthy. If you see pink, red, or dark-colored urine, or if a test shows blood in your urine, you should see your doctor right away. Your doctor can suggest the right tests and make a treatment plan that fits your needs, helping you solve the problem and protect your health.

FAQs

1. What does it mean if occult blood is found in my urine?

• If occult blood is found in your urine, it means there are tiny amounts of blood that you can’t see without a microscope or special test. This can be a sign of something like an infection in your urinary tract or a problem with your kidneys. It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor so they can find out what’s causing it and help you get the right treatment if needed.

2. Can certain foods or medications cause occult blood in urine?

• Yes, certain medicines like pain relievers (such as ibuprofen) or blood thinners (like aspirin) can cause small amounts of blood to appear in your urine. Some foods, like beets, can also change the color of your urine and make it look like there is blood. This doesn’t always mean there’s a serious problem, but it’s important to know if you have blood in your urine so your doctor can check and make sure everything is okay.

3. Is occult blood in urine always a sign of a serious condition?

• No, occult blood in your urine doesn’t always mean something serious is wrong. Sometimes, it can happen after exercise or for other harmless reasons. But because it can also be a sign of infections, kidney stones, or other health problems, it’s important to check with your doctor. They can find out the cause and make sure you get any treatment you might need.

4. Is occult blood in urine a sign of cancer?

• Occult blood in urine can sometimes be a sign of cancer, but it is not always the case. Many other common reasons can cause blood in urine, such as infections, kidney stones, or injuries. Cancers like bladder, kidney, or prostate cancer can cause bleeding, so it’s important to see a doctor to find out the cause. Your doctor will do tests to check your urine and may do scans or other exams to make sure the right diagnosis is made. Catching any serious condition early improves the chances of successful treatment.

5. Can occult blood in urine be treated at home?

• If occult blood is found in your urine, the right treatment depends on what is causing it. Sometimes, drinking plenty of water can help clear up minor issues like mild infections or dehydration. However, it's very important to talk to your doctor because they need to find out the exact cause before deciding on the best treatment. Some causes may require medicine, such as antibiotics for infections, or other medical treatments. So, never try to treat it at home without checking with a healthcare professional first.