When you have a urinary tract infection, is bleeding normal?
An extremely typical infection is a urinary tract infection (UTI).
Anywhere in the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, it might manifest itself.
The bladder and urethra are affected by most UTIs, which are brought on by bacteria.
It can hurt to urinate when your urinary system is infected.
Even after using the restroom, the urge to urinate may still be strong.
Your urination may have a hazy appearance and an odd odor.
Bloody urine, commonly known as hematuria, can be a symptom of a UTI.
But when you’ve taken care of your infection, the bleeding from your UTI should stop.
Read this post, where we talk about the symptoms, causes, and management of UTI-related bleeding.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
✅ Bloody urine is “typically” caused by a UTI. It occurs when the bacteria that cause infections in your urinary system irritate and inflame the cells there.
✅ Your urine can seem crimson, pink, or coke-colored.
✅ Consult your doctor if you experience any other UTI symptoms, including bleeding.
✅ Once your UTI has been treated, you should cease urinating blood.
What are the signs of a UTI?
Not always do UTI symptoms occur. If you do encounter symptoms, you might go through:
- unpleasant urination (dysuria)
- urination that causes burning
- urinating in little volumes
- a challenge in initiating the urine stream
- urinating frequently (frequency)
- a persistent need to urinate, even after you’ve already done so.
- pressure or discomfort in your lower back, sides, pelvis, or abdomen
- cloudy, repulsive-smelling urine
These signs appear in the initial phases. But you can also have these symptoms if the UTI has affected your kidneys:
- fever
- Side pain (lateral lower back and sides of the upper abdomen)
- nausea
- vomiting
- fatigue
Why do I have blood in my urine when I have a UTI?
The lining of your urinary tract becomes infected when you get a UTI. Red blood cells seep into your urine as a result of the inflammation and irritation that results from this.
Your pee won’t appear red to the naked eye if there is only a small amount of blood present. Microscopical hematuria is the term for this. When a doctor examines a urine sample under a microscope, they will be able to see the blood.
However, you get what’s known as gross hematuria if there’s enough blood present to alter the color of your urine. Your urine may appear red, pink, or brown, similar to a cola.
A menstruation or a UTI?
If you menstruate, you can be uncertain as to whether a UTI or menstruation is to blame for your bloody pee. UTIs and periods both cause urine blood and have symptoms like:
- Low back discomfort
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- weariness (in severe UTIs)
The one you have will depend on your overall symptoms. If you’ve experienced any of the following:
- distension or weight increase
- painful breasts
- headache
- Mood changes
- fear or fits of tears
- Variations in sexual arousal
- Skin problems
- Cravings for food
Usually, UTIs are not linked to these symptoms. Additionally, if you are on your period, you won’t simply notice blood when you urinate. Menstruation will also cause crimson or darker blood clumps to regularly build up on your underwear.
Treatment for UTI bleeding
Treating the UTI is the only approach to halt UTI bleeding. A doctor will first ask for a urine sample. They may prescribe: based on the outcomes of the urinalysis.
Antibiotics
Since bacteria are the primary cause of most UTIs, antibiotic therapy is the most often utilized remedy. The bacterium that is causing the ailment will help to be eliminated by this medication.
Most frequently, one of the following antibiotics is used to treat UTIs:
- trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole
- fosfomycin
- nitrofurantoin
- cephalexin
- ceftriaxone
- amoxicillin
- doxycycline
Even if you feel better, make sure to finish your medication and adhere to the doctor’s directions. If you don’t finish the medication, the UTI may recur.
The most effective antibiotic and course of treatment depend on a number of variables, including:
- the type of microorganism that was discovered in your urine
- how serious is your infection is
- if you experience frequent or persistent UTIs.
- any more urinary tract problems
- Your general well-being
You could need intravenous antibiotics if your UTI is severe.
Antifungal drugs
Fungi can cause some UTIs. Antifungal medications are prescribed for the treatment of this form of UTI. Fluconazole is used as the initial line of treatment. It is the drug of choice for fungal UTIs because it can accumulate in large amounts in urine.
How to stop UTI bleeding
Home remedies can help with UTI therapy, but they cannot halt bleeding or cure a UTI. The following treatments can aid in symptom relief while the antibiotic and your body work to eradicate the infection:
Consuming a lot of liquids
Be sure to stay hydrated as you receive UTI treatment. You’ll urinate more frequently as a result, which helps your body rid itself of microorganisms. Water is the ideal option.
Limit irritant-causing beverages to prevent aggravating your symptoms. Among these beverages are:
- coffee
- tea
- alcohol
- carbonated beverages, such as soda
- beverages with artificial sweeteners
Although there isn’t much study, many individuals believe cranberry juice can be beneficial. Cranberry juice cannot be used to treat or prevent UTIs, according to a review of studies published in 2012.
Probiotics
Live microorganisms called probiotics are beneficial to your digestive system. They are frequently employed to maintain intestinal health and balance gut flora.
But probiotics may also aid in the treatment of vaginal UTIs, according to a 2018 article in the Turkish Journal of Urology Reliable Source. The probiotic Lactobacillus reduces the activity of several bacteria that cause infections in the urinary system, which may aid in the treatment of UTIs.
Probiotics do not, however, work as a standalone UTI treatment, according to researchers. Probiotics are believed to work best when combined with antibiotics.
When to consult a physician
- As soon as you experience any UTI symptoms, get medical attention.
- In the event that your urine contains blood, this is particularly crucial. You should see a doctor even if it just happened once or in a tiny amount.
- A UTI is simpler to clear if it is treated right away. You can prevent additional issues if you receive treatment quickly.