In many cases, the bleeding will not be visible (microscopic hematuria).
In others, the bleeding and clots can be seen with the naked eye (gross hematuria).
When blood clots develop, they tend to look like stringy worms.
gan chaonan / Getty Images
Blood clots in urine warrant an investigation by a healthcare provider.
gan chaonan / Getty Images
How Do Blood Clots in Urine Look?
Blood clots are a possible symptom of gross hematuria.
If there is sufficient blood in your urine, a clot may form.
At other times, they may look like red or darkish chunks or specks floating in normal-colored urine.
The color or shape of a clot cannot reveal if the cause is serious or not serious.
Because of this, it is important to see a healthcare provider to have it checked out.
Immediate action is needed when there are numerous clots, large clots, or deep red urine.
Causes of Blood Clots in Urine Without Pain
Gross hematuria may or may not cause pain.
This may be due to devices like aurinary catheterorcystoscopeinserted into the urethra or recent surgery on the urinary tract.
Seek immediate emergency care if a blow to the kidneys causes visible blood in urine.
Studies suggest gross hematuria is often a sign of a major kidney injury.
Tiny clots can sometimes develop in more advanced cases.
Medications
Certain medications can cause hematuria and possibly the formation of clots in urine.
Other conditions associated with gross hematuria are characteristically painful.
UTI
Aurinary tract infectionis a bacterial infection of the urinary system.
Most involve the urethra or bladder (cystitis), in the lower part of the urinary tract.
Females are affected more than males.An infection of the kidneys is calledpyelonephritis.
Most UTIs are due to the bacteriumEscherichia coli(E. coli), which normally resides in the bowel.
The passing of a stone can sometimes occur without notice.
When the stone finally does pass, it can tear the walls of the urinary vessels and cause bleeding.
When the stone is finally passed, there may be a rush of blood and large, visible clots.
Endometriosis
Endometriosisoccurs when tissue similar to the lining of theuterus(womb) grows outside the uterus.
Pain is the most common symptom of endometriosis.
Around 50% of people with PKD will experience blood in the urine as a symptom.
A person may pass multiple clots in their urine in cases like this.
Hematuria with SCD tends to be relatively benign and triggered by dehydration.
But sometimes, SCD can cause recurrent gross hematuria with massive clotting.
RVT is a serious condition usually resulting from an underlying kidney problem likenephrotic syndromeor kidney tumors.
RVT can cause severe damage to the kidneys, leading to significant bleeding and the formation of clots.
What Should You Do About Blood Clots in Your Urine?
Blood clots in urine should never be considered normal.
A physical exam of the lower abdomen, back, groin, and genitals may be performed.
Adigital rectal exam (DRE)may be used in males to check for an enlarged prostate.
Blood tests can also check for signs of infection, anemia, orprostate inflammation.
Blood clots in urine can sometimes be a sign of an undiagnosed kidney disease likeglomerulonephritisandlupus nephritis.
In fact, over 60% of people with urological cancers have visible blood in their urine.
For males over 60, persistent gross hematuria is predictive of urological cancer in 1 in 5 cases.
The treatment of blood clots in urine varies by the underlying cause.
Some conditions like post-exertional hematuria and minor traumatic injuries can resolve on their own with time and rest.
Medication causes of hematuria may benefit from a dose adjustment or a change in treatment.
Other cases may clear when the underlying condition is treated or controlled.
This includespelvic radiation(radiation-induced hematuria) and chemotherapy drugs likeCytoxan (cyclophosphamide)andIfex (ifosfamide).
Summary
Blood clots in urine can occur with gross hematuria (visible blood in urine).
The appearance of clots may or may not be accompanied by pain.
Blood clots in urine develop in response to strenuous exercise, trauma, medications, or an enlarged prostate.
The treatment varies by the underlying cause.
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