Seeing blood in your urine can be alarming, especially when it appears suddenly and then seems to disappear. In some cases, blood in the urine, or haematuria, may resolve on its own, but this does not necessarily mean the underlying cause has resolved. Haematuria can be linked to conditions affecting the kidneys or urinary tract, and its seriousness cannot always be judged by how much blood you see, how long it lasts or whether there is pain.
Haematuria may occur after strenuous exercise or alongside temporary urinary tract irritation. However, blood in the urine can also be associated with infections, kidney stones, structural conditions or diseases affecting the kidney filters.
Understanding the possible causes of blood in the urine, warning signs to look out for and when medical assessment may be appropriate can help you decide whether and when to seek medical attention.
When Blood in the Urine May Resolve Without Treatment
Blood in the urine can sometimes stop without specific treatment, particularly when it is linked to a temporary trigger. For example, exercise-induced haematuria may occur after strenuous or high-impact physical activity and typically resolves with rest.
However, blood disappearing from the urine does not necessarily mean the underlying cause has resolved. Haematuria can be intermittent, meaning it may appear and disappear, while microscopic blood may only be detected through a urine test.
Whether treatment is needed therefore depends on why the bleeding occurred, rather than simply whether it has stopped. Unexplained blood in the urine should still be medically assessed to determine whether further investigation, monitoring or treatment may be appropriate.
Why the Cause of Blood in the Urine Matters
Haematuria can have different causes, and the underlying condition determines whether treatment is needed.
Exercise and Temporary Triggers
Strenuous exercise, particularly long-distance running or high-impact activity, can temporarily cause blood in the urine. In such cases, the haematuria may resolve once the trigger has passed.
Infections and Kidney Stones
Kidney infections can cause blood in the urine alongside symptoms such as fever, chills and flank pain, and may require prompt treatment. Kidney stones can also cause visible or microscopic blood as they irritate the kidney or urinary tract. Treatment depends on factors such as the stone's size, location and whether it is causing pain, obstruction or infection.
Diseases Affecting the Kidney Filters
Conditions affecting the kidney's filtering units, known as the glomeruli, can cause haematuria. Other signs may include protein in the urine or foamy urine, swelling in the legs or face, or changes in kidney function. These conditions may require further investigation and ongoing management.
Structural Conditions and Other Kidney Causes
Inherited or structural conditions, such as polycystic kidney disease, can cause bleeding within the kidneys. Less commonly, haematuria may also be associated with kidney tumours or other significant kidney conditions.
Because the cause cannot always be determined from symptoms alone, unexplained haematuria may require further investigation.
When Should Blood in the Urine Be Medically Assessed?
Even a single or painless episode of visible blood in the urine may warrant medical assessment. This is particularly important if the cause is unclear, the bleeding returns or there are other symptoms suggesting a kidney or urinary tract problem.
Seek urgent medical attention if blood in the urine occurs with any of the following:
- Inability to pass urine
- Visible blood clots in the urine
- Severe pain in the back, side, abdomen or groin
- High fever with chills or nausea
- Dizziness or fainting
- Bleeding following a fall, accident or injury to the back or abdomen
Get Your Kidney Health Assessed at The Kidney Health Care Clinic
Noticing blood in your urine can be worrying, particularly when the cause is unclear. Having your symptoms assessed can help identify the possible cause and clarify whether further investigation, monitoring or treatment may be needed.
The Kidney Health Care Clinic provides care for a range of kidney conditions. Dr Alvin Ng, senior consultant nephrologist, has more than 20 years of experience in kidney care and takes a dedicated approach to explaining each patient’s condition and care options, helping them better understand the next steps.
If you have noticed blood in your urine or have been advised to see a nephrologist, you can book a consultation with us to discuss your symptoms and whether further kidney assessment may be appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Blood in the Urine
Yes. Certain foods, such as beetroot, and some medicines can change urine colour without there being blood in the urine. However, it may be difficult to tell the difference based on colour alone, so a urine test can help determine whether blood is actually present.
Tell your doctor when you first noticed the blood, whether it has happened more than once and whether you have other symptoms. It can also be helpful to mention recent exercise, injuries, infections, medical conditions and any medicines or supplements you are taking.
Drinking more water may make urine appear lighter or less concentrated, but it does not treat the underlying cause of blood in the urine. If you notice blood in your urine, it is advisable to have it medically assessed even if the urine later appears normal.
Meet Our Doctor
Dr Alvin Ng is a senior consultant nephrologist with over two decades of experience in kidney care. Prior to setting up his own practice, Dr Ng was the Director of Peritoneal Dialysis at Changi General Hospital and executive committee member of the Singapore Society of Nephrology. He has held teaching appointments for medical students and residents and is also a recipient of various service awards, a testament to the quality of care he provides.
