What does it mean when you pee and blood comes out?

Seeing blood when urinating, also called hematuria, can be a sign of a medical problem. While it's not always serious, it's important to determine the cause to ensure proper treatment. Here's what it could mean when you pee and blood comes out:

1. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): UTIs, especially if they affect the bladder (cystitis) or kidneys (pyelonephritis), can cause blood in the urine. UTIs often come with symptoms like frequent urination, pain or burning during urination, and cloudy or foul-smelling urine.

2. Kidney Stones: Small mineral and salt crystals can form stones in the kidneys and cause hematuria if they irritate or block the urinary tract. Kidney stones may also cause severe pain in the back or abdomen, nausea, and vomiting.

3. Kidney Disease: Various kidney diseases, including glomerulonephritis and polycystic kidney disease, can damage the kidneys and lead to blood in urine. Additional symptoms may include swelling, high blood pressure, fatigue, and changes in urine output.

4. Prostate Issues: In men, an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH) or prostate cancer can compress the urethra and cause hematuria. Difficulty starting or maintaining urination, weak or interrupted urine stream, and frequent urination at night are other common symptoms.

5. Cancer: Blood in urine can sometimes be a sign of cancer, including bladder cancer, kidney cancer, or prostate cancer. However, it's essential to note that hematuria alone does not necessarily indicate cancer. Other symptoms specific to each cancer must be present.

6. Trauma or Injury: Injury or trauma to the kidneys, bladder, or urinary tract can lead to bleeding and subsequent hematuria. This can occur due to accidents, sports injuries, or medical procedures like kidney biopsy.

7. Medications: Certain medications, such as blood thinners (e.g., anticoagulants like warfarin) or chemotherapy drugs, can cause blood in the urine as a side effect.

8. Intense Exercise: In rare cases, strenuous exercise, like distance running or heavy weightlifting, can cause microscopic hematuria. This is usually temporary and resolves on its own.

It's important to see a healthcare provider if you notice blood in your urine, even if it's just once. They can perform a urine analysis, imaging tests, and any necessary additional examinations to determine the underlying cause and recommend the appropriate treatment. Don't ignore hematuria, as early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in managing the underlying condition.