Clinical Definition

Hematuria, or blood in the urine, indicates that red blood cells are present. Even if you cannot see blood, you might have microscopic blood in your urine. Normally, the kidneys prevent blood from entering urine, but blood coming from the kidneys or other parts of the urinary tract (ureters, bladder, prostate, urethra) can end up in the urine.

In Our Own Words

Hematuria is when blood is present in the urine. Hematuria can be frightening, but it is also common, affecting up to 21 percent of the population at some point. While hematuria is often not a sign of serious disease, checking in with a doctor is advised. Hematuria can happen in children or adults, and there are multiple potential causes, such as kidney infection, urinary stones, cancers of the urinary tract, enlarged prostate and many other conditions. Sometimes, no cause is found.