Blood in urine

I'm a 43 y/o male, generally good health but about 30 pounds overweight.

If I allow myself to get dehydrated (usually associated with working outside in hot weather) I have blood in my urine.  This has happened about 3 times in the past several months.  As soon as I get my water intake up it clears up with no trace of blood (When it happens I immediately drink a lot of water to get "caught up" on hydration, and the next time I urinate it's back to normal).  Also, if I maintain my water intake there is no trace of this; my urine is clear to yellow.  There is no pain associated with this.  

Could this be a sign of kidney stones or something similar?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Hello - thanks for asking your question.

Blood in the urine (i.e. hematuria) should be worked up.  Kidney stones are just one cause of blood.  They may or may not be associated with flank pain.

However, you have to consider kidney disease, bladder cancer, prostate diseases or any type of genitourinary infection.

I would be evaluated by a physician or urologist.  A urinalysis and culture and blood tests for kidney disease should be be performed.  Ultrasound of the kidneys or a spiral CT scan can be done to evaluate for stones.  

A cystoscopy would be the most thorough test to make sure that cancer isn't present and this should be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[Jim M.D.]

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[Jim M.D.]

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[and1992]

A related discussion, kidney infections was started.