It can be an alarming situation when you observe Hematuria or blood in urine. While in a few instances, the causes are harmless but blood in urine can indicate a serious disorder if left untreated. However, the treatment depends upon the cause which may vary from person to person.

There are two types of hematuria. One that can be visibly observed is called gross hematuria. Another type is the urinary blood that's visible only with the help of a microscope and this one is known as microscopic hematuria. The latter type is found when the urine is tested by the doctor. Either way, it's important to determine the reason for the bleeding.

In the case of gross hematuria, due to the presence of red blood cells, the urine turns pink, red or cola-colored. The bleeding usually isn’t painful and it takes little blood to produce red urine. However what can be painful is the passing of blood clots in the urine. Also, there are situations where bloody urine often occurs without other significant signs or symptoms.

An appointment to see your doctor should be fixed as soon as you notice blood in your urine. Although urine with blood looks different but then too, you might not be able to differentiate between the normal and this situation. But if you observe red-colored urine, it is best for you to see a doctor immediately.

There are certain medications such as the laxative Ex-lax, as well as food products like rhubarb, berries, and beets, which can lead to urine turning red. In such cases, the change in urine color caused by food, exercise, or drugs might go away within a few days.

In hematuria, the blood cells are allowed to lead in the urine by the kidneys or other parts of the urinary tract. Various problems can cause this leakage, including:

• Kidney infections (pyelonephritis)
• A bladder or kidney stone
• Enlarged prostate
• Kidney disease
• Cancer
• Inherited disorders (Sickle cell anemia, a hereditary defect of hemoglobin in red blood cells)
• Kidney injury
• Medications (Like Anti-cancer drug cyclophosphamide and penicillin)
• Strenuous exercise (Trauma to the bladder, dehydration or the breakdown of red blood)
• Age
• A recent infection
• Family history