Can BPH Cause Blood in Urine? 

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition characterized by an enlarged prostate gland. This condition can often lead to uncomfortable symptoms involving the lower urinary tract. But can BPH cause blood in urine? Let’s explore the connection between BPH and blood in the urine and how we can help you get the proper treatment.

Understanding BPH

BPH is a condition in which your prostate gland is enlarged, but not due to cancer.

There are several BPH causes, including:

• Hormonal changes: often related to the aging process in men.
• Lifestyle factors like diet and physical activity.
• Family history
• Other factors and environmental influences.

As the prostate grows, it can exert pressure on the urethra and bladder, putting pressure on both structures and impacting the way you urinate.

For most men, BPH symptoms are characterized by the way your urine flows—concerns include:

• Urgency: A sudden and frequent need to urinate.
• Flow: Difficulty stopping or starting urine flow.

In some cases, BPH can lead to hematuria or blood in the urine. This often occurs when BPH is left untreated for some time, leading to more serious symptoms and complications.

What Is Hematuria?

Hematuria is the medical term describing the presence of blood in your urine.

There are two types of hematuria:

• Gross hematuria
  This is when blood is visible in the urine to the naked eye, giving it a pink, red, or brown color.
• Microscopic hematuria
  This is when blood is present in the urine but only detectable through a microscope or urine test.

Typically, hematuria isn’t painful, but it can be a sign of various underlying conditions, like BPH. If you notice blood in your urine, consult a healthcare provider right away for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Hematuria as a Symptom of BPH

Can BPH cause blood in urine?

A study from the National Library of Medicine confirms that blood in the urine is a symptom of an enlarged prostate, often due to vascular changes that occur with glandular growth or even following transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). TURP is a surgical treatment option that removes some of your prostate tissue to improve urine flow.

But can BPH cause blood clots in urine?

Yes, although it‘s less common than BPH hematuria. When the prostate enlarges, the blood vessels inside can also expand. In some cases, these vessels may burst, resulting in bleeding (and blood in the urine). If this bleeding goes unchecked, it can lead to blood clots, which will then be expelled through urination.

Other Conditions and Factors Related to Hematuria BPH

Blood in your urine is often a secondary symptom of untreated BPH. While BPH-related hematuria is often not a medical emergency, it’s important to get a prompt diagnosis.

However, hematuria can also be a sign of other, more serious conditions, such as:

• Kidney injury
• Kidney disease
• Urinary tract infection
• Sickle cell anemia
• Alport syndrome
• Bladder, kidney, or prostate cancer.

Certain medications can also lead to hematuria, especially those meant to prevent clotting in your blood.

Because there are many potential causes of blood in your urine, it’s crucial to see your doctor as soon as you notice signs of hematuria. An accurate diagnosis is essential for determining the underlying cause and starting appropriate treatment.

Diagnosis and Treatment

When you visit your healthcare provider for hematuria, they may perform a physical exam and several diagnostic tests to determine what’s causing it. These may include:

• Urine test
• Ultrasound
• CT or MRI scans,
• Cystoscopy (a tiny, camera-equipped tube inserted into the bladder)

Once they determine the cause, they can start treatment, helping you find relief from this worrying symptom.

Managing BPH and Preventing Hematuria

If BPH is causing blood in your urine, effectively managing your condition is key to preventing further episodes.

There are many BPH treatment options, and the best choice for you will depend on the severity of your condition, along with your personal preference.

Many men find relief through lifestyle modifications or medication. However, if these methods aren’t enough and you want to avoid surgery, we encourage you to consider Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) at Georgia Prostate Institute.

Request a consultation today to take control of your health, find relief, and improve your quality of life.

References:

Claus G. Roehrborn, Kevin T. McVary, Albert Elion-Mboussa, and Lars Viktrup. 2008, October 1). Tadalafil Administered One Daily for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Secondary to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Dose Finding Study. https://www.auajournals.org/article/S0022-5347(08)01715-1/fulltext