What does blood in the urine mean?
Seeing blood in your urine (or being told there is blood on a urine test) can be scary. Sometimes the cause is minor, but it can also signal kidney or urinary tract problems that need attention. We take this symptom seriously and work carefully to find the cause.

Types of blood in the urine
- Visible blood (gross hematuria): urine looks pink, red, or cola‑colored
- Microscopic blood: urine looks normal, but blood cells are seen on a lab test

Possible causes
- Kidney disease or inflammation
- Kidney stones
- Urinary tract infections
- Enlarged prostate in men
- Certain medications
- Less commonly, tumors in the kidney or urinary tract

Symptoms to watch for
- Pain in your side, back, or lower belly
- Burning or pain with urination
- Needing to urinate more often or urgently
- Fever or chills
- Passing clots in the urine

How we evaluate blood in the urine
At Total Kidney, your workup may include:
- Repeat urine tests to confirm the finding
- Blood tests to check kidney function
- Imaging (such as ultrasound or CT scan)
- Referral to a urologist if we suspect a bladder or prostate cause
- Specialized tests if we suspect a kidney‑based (glomerular) problem

How Total Kidney treats and supports you
Treatment depends on the cause and may include:
- Treating infections or stones
- Adjusting medications that may be contributing
- Managing underlying kidney disease or inflammation
- Coordinating care with urology when needed

When to seek care urgently
Get prompt medical attention if:
- You see bright red blood or clots in your urine
- You have severe pain, fever, or can’t urinate
- You feel lightheaded or unwell

If you’ve been told you have blood in your urine or you’ve noticed it yourself, we’re here to help you understand why and guide you through the next steps in a calm, thorough way.