Conditions of the urinary tract can be difficult to discuss. Though they may seem embarrassing, understanding these diseases and their causes is key to preventing the discomfort they cause. In this blog post, the Urology team at Richmond University Medical Center explores the definition of hematuria, the definition of UTIs, and advice for preventing each.
Understanding the Definition of Hematuria
Hematuria is the medical term for blood in urine. It comes in two types: gross and microscopic. Gross hematuria is visible to the naked eye. Heavy bleeding stains the urine a pink, red, or dark brown color. Microscopic hematuria, meanwhile, features trace amounts of blood that can only be seen under a microscope.
What Causes Hematuria?
Hematuria is extremely common. Studies show that one in five, or 20%, of patients examined by a urologist have blood in their urine. While this may sound startling, hematuria most often has a benign cause. The following are common causes of hematuria:
- Kidney infection
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Bladder or kidney stones
- Intense physical activity
- Menstruation
Certain foods, like beets and rhubarb, can also stain the urine red or brown. While this looks like hematuria, it is actually the result of pigments from the food.
Sometimes, however, hematuria signifies a much more serious condition. For this reason, it is crucial for patients to get checked by a urologist. The following conditions are all serious and can cause hematuria:
- Kidney disease
- Blood clotting disorders
- Urinary tract cancer
- Sickle cell anemia
Diagnosing the cause of hematuria typically involves an imaging study, such as a CT scan or ultrasound, followed by a urine cytology. This is a lab test that looks for cancer cells in the urine. The urologist may also use a fiber optic camera to look inside the bladder. These tests all help to rule out serious conditions to ensure the patient’s well-being.
Understanding the Definition of a UTI
A urinary tract infection, also called a UTI, is an infection in any part of the urinary system, including the urethra, bladder, and kidneys. While many kinds of pathogens may cause a UTI, intestinal bacteria such as E. coli are the most common culprit. Symptoms of a UTI include:
- Frequent urination
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Urgent need to urinate
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Lower abdominal pain or discomfort
These infections are very common. Some studies have shown that nearly half of all women will experience a UTI at one point in their lifetime.
What Causes UTIs?
UTIs are an extremely common condition. Though they can affect both men and women, the anatomical differences tend to mean different causes and risk factors for each.
UTIs in Women
Women have a shorter urethra than men, and its opening is closer to the anus. This makes it easy for intestinal bacteria, primarily E. coli, to reach the bladder and cause an infection. Sexual intercourse may also introduce bacteria into the urinary tract.
When it comes to risk factors, certain birth control methods like diaphragms and spermicidal agents can disrupt the natural bacterial flora around the vagina and urethra. This makes both more vulnerable to infection. Estrogen levels also play a role. Estrogen keeps the bladder lining and urethra healthy, so the hormonal changes experienced during menopause can increase the risk of UTI.
UTIs in Men
In men, UTIs are most often caused by an enlarged prostate. The enlarged gland obstructs the urethra, trapping urine in the bladder where bacteria may begin to grow. Similarly, kidney stones may also block urine flow. Urinary catheters are often used to treat both conditions. If not properly sterilized, these tools may introduce infection-causing bacteria.
UTIs in Both
For both men and women, weakened immune systems can create a higher risk of UTI. Frequent use of antibiotics may also increase a person’s risk by damaging the urethra’s healthy bacterial flora. Finally, poor genital hygiene increases the likelihood that harmful bacteria will reach the urinary tract.
Doctor’s Tips for Preventing UTIs
Though unpleasant, UTIs are often avoidable through good health practices. The following strategies can decrease risk or fully prevent a UTI from developing:
- Practice good personal hygiene
- Stay hydrated to flush out bacteria
- Urinate after sexual intercourse (for women)
- Avoid holding urine for long periods
- Manage conditions that increase UTI risk
- Pursue medical attention for hematuria
Finally, if a UTI does occur, the condition is easily treatable. A few days of antibiotic medications are often enough to kill the infection. Cranberry supplements and extracts may also help. The key is to seek treatment early, both to relieve symptoms and to detect larger systemic issues.
Access Hematuria and UTI Care Near You in Staten Island, NY
Understanding the causes and risk factors for hematuria and UTIs is key to preventing discomfort. Patients can learn more at Richmond University Medical Center. Located in Staten Island, NY, the Urology Services Center is committed to providing quality patient care and education to our community. Contact us today at 844-934-CARE to make an appointment and discuss UTI facts and treatment.
