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What Are the Causes of WBC & RBC in Urine?

Red (RBC's) and white blood cells (WBC's) in the urine typically indicate infection, inflammation or damage to the urinary tract or kidneys. Visible blood cells often signify damage to the bladder or the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body), whereas microscopic cells might reflect damage to the kidneys. There are many potential, underlying causes for these urinary-tract-system issues.

  1. Infection

    • In people under 40, infections are the most common cause of RBCs and WBCs in the urine.

    Kidney Stones

    • Stones are mineral deposits that form in the kidney when calcium or other substances in the urine do not completely dissolve. Blood cells might be found in the urine as the stones migrate out of the kidney and irritate the lower urinary tract.

    Enlarged Prostate (Men)

    • With aging, the cells of the prostate gland can multiply and accumulate within or around the urethra, slowing the passage of urine. Over time, straining to urinate will cause irritation that might lead to the appearance of RBCs in the urine.

    Cancer

    • Tumors of the kidney, bladder, urethra, or prostate may lead to RBCs in urine but are less common causes, particularly in people under 40.

    Trauma

    • Trauma can result in blood cells in the urine. Such trauma might be obvious (such as injuries from a car accident or fall) or unseen (such as repeated jarring of the bladder during strenuous exercise).

    Other Causes

    • Diabetes, hypertension, and sexually transmitted disease can lead to the appearance of urinary RBCs, as can less common disorders, such as sickle-cell disease and systemic lupus erythematosus. Use of medications, such as blood thinners and aspirin, also has been associated with blood in the urine.

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