Blood in Urine: What is it? What Do You Need to Know?

by Alex Shteynshlyuger MD


If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-646-663-5515.

We have excellent reviews from patients and their partners.  Information for out-of-state and international patients.  Find out our office hours or directions to our office. 

We offer affordable appointment prices with or without insurance.  Same-day virtual video appointments and in-person appointments are available.

Dr. Shteynshlyuger MD is a board-certified urologist in NYC who specializes in treating blood in urine, UTI, kidney stones, urinary, and sexual problems in men and women.   He has performed hundreds of bladder and kidney surgeries.  


Blood in Urine: See Bloody Urine – See a Urologist.

Blood in urine Blood in urine refers to the presence of red blood cells in urine. Hematuria is a medical term that is synonymous with and literally means “Blood in the urine.”

Blood in the urine can be visible to the eye and may appear as pink or red discoloration of urine.  When blood is visible to the eyes, it is called ‘gross hematuria.’  Gross hematuria is easy to spot and diagnose by the color of the urine. The urine can be pink, brownish, or red.

Brown urine can be caused by blood in urine, diet, or certain kidney problems.

What is “Microscopic Hematuria”?

It may not be obvious, but you may have a situation when to the eye, the urine looks yellow and fairly normal. Yet under the microscope, one can see many red blood cells in the urine, which can be abnormal.  This is what we call “microscopic hematuria.”  Most commonly, patients are told by their primary care doctor that they have blood in urine, but the urine looks yellow.  This is called ‘microscopic hematuria”.

What is “Trace of Blood in Urine”?

Another commonly used term is “trace of blood in the urine.”  This is a very non-specific term that can refer to a variety of things.  It may refer to the finding of red blood cells in urine under a microscope; it can also mean that a ‘dipstick test’ detects the possible presence of blood.  When a dipstick shows ‘blood, it is possible that you may not have any blood in your urine, and that dipstick is a false alarm.

Where to Get Treatment for Blood in Urine in NYC?

At New York Urology Specialists, we offer same-day treatment for bloody urine.  Same-day virtual video appointments and in-person appointments are available.

Call/text today: 1-646-663-5515 or make an appointment online.  

We perform kidney stone removal surgery, lithotripsy, bladder tumor removal, kidney tumor removal, and treatment of bladder and prostate bleeding.  We treat sexual and erection problems and offer comprehensive STD testing for infections. We offer confidential appointments.

Our appointment costs are affordable with or without insurance.  We offer free insurance verification.

We perform cystoscopy, bladder and prostate ultrasound in our office.  We offer testosterone replacement therapy, vasectomy, Urolift procedure in our office.   We treat urinary and erection problems. We offer confidential appointments.

What are the Causes of Blood in Urine?

There are many causes of bloody urine.  These include urinary tract infection (UTI) or kidney infection (pyelonephritis), kidney dysfunction, kidney stones, bladder cancer, and kidney cancer.  In men, enlarged prostate (BPH) and prostate cancer can cause blood in the urine.  In women, cervical and uterine cancer can cause blood to appear in the urine.  Occasionally, colon cancer can cause urinary tract bleeding.

What Do You Need to Do If You Have Blood in Urine?

If you see blood in urine, you need to schedule an appointment to see a board-certified urologist.   Dr. Alex Shteynshlyuger is a board-certified urologist who specializes in the treatment of blood in urine in New York City.  Many but not all patients require a procedure called cystoscopy to look inside the bladder, a CT scan, and urine testing.  Additional testing may be necessary depending on the doctor’s evaluation.

How is Microscopic Hematuria Diagnosed?

There are 2 tests that are used for the diagnosis of microscopic hematuria: (1) dipstick urinalysis and (2) microscopic urinalysis.

It is important to carefully examine the results of urinalysis test to see if it was performed by dipstick or using microscopic evaluation.

The dipstick test is a screening test and, if positive for blood, requires confirmation with microscopic urinalysis. 

In general, more than 3-5 red blood cells per high-power field on microscopic urinalysis is concerning, especially in people over age 40 and those with risk factors.  The more red blood cells are visible under the microscope, the higher the chance that there is a significant problem in the urinary tract causing blood to appear in the urine.

Microscopic hematuria is also referred to as:

  • presence of occult blood in the urine
  • microscopic blood in the urine
  • microscopic hematuria
  • RBC (red blood cells) in urine

A positive dipstick test for blood in the urine should NOT be called ‘microscopic hematuria’ unless the test is confirmed using the microscopic examination.

As a general rule, gross or visible blood in the urine always requires a thorough urological evaluation.  Care and treatment for hematuria depend on the cause of bleeding.

Microscopic hematuria is more common and can be a sign of significant disease or a minor nuisance with no long-term health consequences. However, recent studies show that people with microscopic hematuria without an identified cause are at higher long-term risk for renal insufficiency.  It is probably prudent to have a thorough preventive evaluation and management for anyone with persistent microscopic hematuria, even if a cause is not identified.  Typically, the primary care physician would refer patients with hematuria to a urologist for a full evaluation.

Where Does Blood in Urine Come From?

Anatomically, red blood cells in urine can originate from the kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra, and in men, the prostate as well.  Sometimes, blood in the urine can be a sign of a problem in another part of the body that is affecting the urinary tract. For example, colon cancer and cervical cancer can sometimes cause blood in the urine. Severe sepsis, a blood infection, can cause blood in the urine through injury to the kidneys.

In the following article, we discuss the common causes of blood in urine or hematuria in men and women. Some causes of blood in urine in men are different than the causes of hematuria in women.

Cost of Hematuria Treatment without Insurance

At New York Urology Specialists, we offer affordable treatment for men and women. Our prices are low for patients without insurance and for those who have high insurance copays, high deductibles, or insurance plans that do not cover treatment costs. 

At New York Urology Specialists, we offer flat-fee ‘all-cost-included’ procedures such as scrotal and testicular surgery, circumcision, no-scalpel vasectomy, testicular implant, vasectomy reversal, hydrocelectomy, varicocelectomy, and many more.  The procedures are performed in our office under local anesthesia or sedation. Men from other states can save thousands of dollars over local hospital fees by coming to New York Urology Specialists for treatment.  Please contact us for current prices and discounts for patients without insurance or with high insurance deductibles.

Cost of Treatment and Insurance

Inexpensive Urologist Visit CostAt New York Urology Specialists, we offer affordable treatment. Our prices are low for patients without insurance and for those who have high insurance copays, high deductibles, or insurance plans that do not cover treatment costs. 

We accept many health insurance plans.  We would be happy to verify your eligibility and benefits and provide you with detailed information on your health plan’s coverage.  Financing options and credit options are available to help you pay for medical care.

Why Choose New York Urology Specialists for Treatment of Blood in Urine?

  • All treatment is performed by a board-certified urologist experienced in treating men and women with symptoms of hematuria (blood in urine), hematospermia (blood in semen), and urinary problems using medical therapy, minimally invasive therapies, lasers, and surgery.  
  • We are one of the few practices in the region to offer a full range of options for the treatment of urinary problems for men and women.
  • We offer treatment options for prostatitis, enlarged prostate, frequent urination, split urine stream, overactive bladder, and prostate cancer in our office.  Office procedures avoid the risks, costs, and recovery from general anesthesia.  
  • We offer diagnostic testing in our office, which avoids hospital costs.
  • Extensive experience: Thousands of men and women have been treated successfully with lithotripsy for kidney stones, transurethral resection of bladder tumor, and roto-rooter of the prostate.
  • Confidential and Understanding Care. We understand that most of our patients desire privacy.  We see patients with a variety of urological problems. Your reason for visiting us is entirely confidential.
  • We are conveniently located within a 30-60 minute commute to men and women who are seeking treatment for bloody urine, bloody ejaculate, enlarged prostate, urinary, and cancer treatment in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Westchester, Long Island, Bronx, and New Jersey.

What does Blood in Urine Look Like?

You can find pictures of blood in urine as well as before and after treatment images in our image gallery.

Scheduling Appointments for Blood in Urine Treatment at New York Urology Specialists


If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-646-663-5515.

We have excellent reviews from patients and their partners.  Information for out-of-state and international patients.  Find out our office hours or directions to our office. 

We offer affordable appointment prices with or without insurance.  Same-day virtual video appointments and in-person appointments are available.

Dr. Shteynshlyuger MD is a board-certified urologist in NYC who specializes in treating urinary problems in men and women.   He has performed hundreds of bladder, kidney, vaginal, and prostate surgeries.  


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Treatment for Men With Fast Recovery at New York Urology Specialists

Excellence-Urology_Care-banner2At New York Urology Specialists, our urologists are specially trained in the evaluation and treatment of hematuria and urinary problems.  We understand the challenges that urinary bleeding creates for our patients, their relationships, and their self-esteem.  We help you find a treatment for blood in the urine that is effective and safe.

Urologists are doctors specializing in the treatment of men and women with urinary problems, including blood in the urine, bladder stones, kidney stones, urinary incontinence, and frequent UTIs. By virtue of our experience and skill, we are able to offer an effective treatment option for nearly every patient who desires an effective treatment for any problem that affects the urinary tract.  We offer medical and surgical treatment for urinary problems.

We Treat Some of the most complex urinary health problems, including:

Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Shteynshlyuger:

Call/text today: 1-646-663-5515 or make an appointment online

Dr. Shteynshlyuger is a fellowship-trained, board-certified urologist with expertise in the evaluation and treatment of blood in urine, blood in semen, and other urinary problems in men and women.  He uses modern, effective, and proven treatment methods.  We perform procedures such as Interstim neuromodulation, prostate enucleation for enlarged prostate, and the Urolift procedure.  

He has successfully treated hundreds of men and women with symptoms of frequent urination during the day and excessive urination at night.

He is highly recommended by top primary care physicians in the New York area. If you or someone you know has been experiencing urological symptoms, make an appointment to take advantage of Dr. Shteynshlyuger’s expert advice. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.


If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-646-663-5515.

We have excellent reviews from patients and their partners.  Information for out-of-state and international patients.  Find out our office hours or directions to our office. 

We offer affordable appointment prices with or without insurance.  Same-day virtual video appointments and in-person appointments are available.

with expertise in the evaluation and treatment of hematuria (blood in urine)  in men and women using modern, effective, and proven treatment methods.  

 

 

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