There are a number of causes for hematuria (hee-ma-TOUR-ree-uh), or blood in the urine. It may be a result of chronic kidney inflammation; an infection of the urethra, bladder, prostate gland, or kidney; stones in the bladder or kidneys; or even cancer of the bladder, kidneys, or prostate. Occasionally, artificial food dyes and some natural foods like beets or blackberries can give the urine a reddish or pink cast. However, this coloring shouldn't last more than a day or so after consuming the food. Normal urine should be straw-colored, not cloudy or blood-tinged. Finding any blood in the urine requires further evaluation to determine the cause. If your urine is pink, red, or streaked with blood; if you have burning or stinging when urinating; or have the urge to urinate frequently, but only in small amounts, you may have a urinary tract infection. When blood appears in the urine, or you have any of the symptoms described, it's a good idea to see a doctor or urologist, so the underlying condition can be treated as soon as possible.
