Hematuria is the technical term for blood in the urine.
While seeing blood in your urine may cause some alarm, rest assured most of the causes of this event are not life-threatening and are very treatable. It can help to learn the various reasons why blood might appear and the ways in which those reasons are diagnosed and treated. At Vein Specialists of the Carolinas, we diagnose and treat hematuria caused by vein disorders, restoring proper blood flow and eliminating the problem completely.
Gross vs. Microscopic Hematuria
Gross hematuria is blood you can see when you go to the bathroom. The urine in the toilet will change color, taking on a pink, red or cola-colored hue. In many cases, the bleeding is not accompanied by any discomfort, but some individuals will experience pain in the lower abdomen and back, depending on the reason behind the bleeding.
Microscopic hematuria is not visible unless the urine is checked under a microscope. This is often done when you provide a urine sample at your doctor’s office. Whether you have gross or microscopic hematuria, it is important to identify the cause of the bleeding and treat the underlying issue whenever possible.
Causes of Hematuria
There are any number of reasons why hematuria might occur:
- Infection of the urinary tract or kidney
- Bladder or kidney stones
- Kidney disease or injury
- Enlarged prostate
- Inherited conditions like sickle cell anemia
- Some types of medication
- Strenuous exercise (often seen in runners)
If you notice blood in your urine, the first physician you should see is an urologist. This doctor will do the necessary testing for blood in the urine and treat the problem if it can be attributed to any of the causes listed above. However, other causes of hematuria may be associated with venous disorders and should be addressed by a vascular specialist like Dr. Draughn at Vein Specialists of the Carolinas.
Venous Causes of Hematuria
There are two basic causes of hematuria that involve the vascular system:
Varicocele
Varicocele is a condition in which a varicose vein forms in the scrotal area. For some men, this enlarged vessel presents without any symptoms. For others, the varicocele may lead to pain, shrinkage of the testicle, low sperm count and in some cases, hematuria. In these situations, treatment may likely be recommended.
Nutcracker Syndrome
Nutcracker syndrome occurs when the vein in the left kidney becomes blocked. The blockage leads to pain and microscopic hematuria. The condition can also lead to increased pressure inside the vessels and a painful condition known as pelvic congestion syndrome in some women. When treatment is recommended, there are different options available to restore healthy blood flow, reduce pressure inside the vein and eliminate uncomfortable symptoms.
When your hematuria is due to a vein issue, a vascular specialist has the expertise, training and diagnostic equipment to provide you with the correct answers and treatment options. Dr. Draughn and the staff at Vein Specialists of the Carolinas diagnose and treat nothing but vein disorders in their Gastonia and Charlotte offices. In addition, Dr. Draughn has worked with some of the top experts in vein health, allowing him to offer his patients the highest level of care and the latest in treatment options.
If you are experiencing hematuria due to a vascular issue, contact Vein Specialists of the Carolinas today at 704-861-2072 or 704-544-5245. Our team will provide you with the care necessary to give you an accurate diagnosis and outline your treatment options for you. Contact us today and get an answer to your troubling symptoms and treatment that will allow you to say goodbye to them for good.