Noticing blood in your urine can be alarming, and understandably so. Whether it’s bright red, pink, or dark brown like cola, seeing discolored urine is something no one wants to experience. The medical term for this is hematuria, and it can have many different causes, some of which are more serious than others. But one of the most common questions we hear is: Can blood in urine go away on its own?
The short answer? Sometimes it can, but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored.
Let’s talk about when hematuria might resolve without treatment, when it could be a sign of something more serious, and why getting checked out is always the right move.
What Does It Mean to Have Blood in Your Urine?
Hematuria can be visible (called gross hematuria) or microscopic (only detected during a routine urine test). Both types mean there is blood in your urine, but they don’t always come with pain or other noticeable symptoms.
Depending on the cause, blood may appear as:
- Bright red or pink
- Rust-colored or dark brown
- Normal-looking urine with microscopic traces of blood
While it might not always be serious, blood in your urine is never considered “normal.â€
So… Can Blood in Urine Go Away on Its Own?
Yes, in some cases, blood in urine can go away on its own, particularly if it’s caused by:
- Strenuous exercise
- Mild dehydration
- A temporary urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Minor irritation of the urinary tract
However, the key issue is determining the cause. Just because the symptom disappears doesn’t mean the underlying issue is resolved. In fact, some of the most serious causes of hematuria may come and go quietly.
Common Causes of Blood in Urine
Here’s a breakdown of some of the more common causes, ranging from benign to more serious:
1. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
A urinary tract infection (UTI) can cause inflammation and irritation in the bladder, leading to blood in the urine. You might also notice burning during urination, increased frequency, or urgency. UTIs usually resolve with antibiotics, and the blood often disappears shortly after treatment starts.
2. Kidney Stones
When kidney stones form, they can cause bleeding as they move in the kidneys or scratch the delicate lining of the urinary tract. This can result in visible blood, often accompanied by sharp back or side pain.
3. Vigorous Exercise
Yes, exercise-induced hematuria is real. It’s more common in endurance athletes and often resolves on its own within 24 to 72 hours. Still, it’s important to rule out more serious causes.
4. Enlarged Prostate (in men)
An enlarged prostate can press against the urethra, causing difficulty with urination and occasionally blood in the urine.
5. Glomerulonephritis
Glomerulonephritis, inflammation of the kidney’s filtering units, can cause microscopic or visible hematuria. It may develop due to infections, autoimmune conditions, or other kidney diseases and typically requires medical management.
6. Bladder or Kidney Cancer
While less common, one of the earliest signs of bladder or kidney cancer is painless hematuria. That’s why it’s never something to brush off, even if it only happened once and went away.
When to See a Doctor
Even if the blood in your urine disappears after a few hours or days, it’s still important to have it evaluated, especially if:
- You are over the age of 40
- You have a history of smoking
- You have risk factors for kidney or bladder conditions
- You’ve noticed blood more than once
- You have accompanying symptoms like pain, fever, or weight loss
A single episode of hematuria can be the tip of the iceberg. Sometimes, serious underlying issues are caught because a patient mentioned one offhand episode of pink urine.
What Will a Doctor Do?
At The Kidney & Hypertension Center, we start with a thorough review of your symptoms and medical history. From there, we may order:
- Urinalysis: To detect red blood cells, white blood cells, and protein
- Blood tests: To check kidney function and look for signs of infection or inflammation
- Imaging: Such as a CT scan or ultrasound to evaluate the kidneys and urinary tract
- Cystoscopy: A procedure where a small camera is used to examine the bladder and urethra
Once we identify the cause, we’ll create a personalized plan to treat it or monitor it, if treatment isn’t immediately necessary.
Don’t Ignore Blood in Urine, Even If It Goes Away
We understand how easy it is to hope something just “resolves on its own.†Life is busy. And if you’re feeling okay otherwise, it may be tempting to move on and forget it happened. But blood in your urine — even once, even without pain — deserves a conversation with your healthcare provider.
Some of the most serious kidney and urinary conditions are treatable when caught early. The sooner we understand what’s going on, the sooner we can take steps to protect your health.
Trusted Kidney & Hypertension Care, Close to Home
At The Kidney & Hypertension Center, we specialize in diagnosing and treating kidney conditions and high blood pressure. Our team is committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive care, so you have one less thing to stress about.
If you’ve noticed blood in your urine, don’t wait. Click here to request an appointment today with one of our top-rated providers.
Your health matters. Let’s find the answers together.
