Causes of Gross Hematuria

This article focuses on the causes of gross hematuria, or visible blood in the urine.

Hematuria is the medical term for blood in the urine. Gross refers to a lot. Gross hematuria refers to blood in the urine that is plentiful and visible to the naked eye. Gross hematuria is a symptoms and not an actual disease and it indicates that there is something going on and it needs to be evaluated by a doctor. This symptom can occur with or without pain. With pain it can indicate problems such as kidney or bladder stones or an infection. Without pain it can indicate problems such as cancer. Dozens of different diseases and conditions can cause gross hematuria, some common and simple and some complex.

 

Urinary Tract Infections

A urinary tract infection can cause gross hematuria. A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria enters through the urethra and multiplies inside the bladder. Other symptoms of a urinary tract infection include strong-smelling urine, constant urge to urinate and burning or pain while urinating.

Kidney Infections

A kidney infection can cause gross hematuria. Kidney infections occur when bacteria gets into the kidneys from the ureters or from the bloodstream. Other symptoms of a kidney infection include burning or pain during urination, constant urge to urinate, fever, strong-smelling urine and flank pain.

Kidney and Bladder Stones

Kidney and bladder stones can cause gross hematuria. Stones occur when the minerals in concentrated urine form crystals. Many kidney and bladder stones cause no symptoms unless they are being passed or are blocking something. When symptoms do occur they include severe pain and gross hematuria.

 

Enlarged Prostate

An enlarged prostate can cause gross hematuria. An enlarged prostate occurs when men become older and as it becomes enlarged it can partially block the flow of urine by compressing the urethra. Other symptoms of an enlarged prostate include trouble urinating and the constant urge to urinate.

Cancer

Certain cancers can cause gross hematuria. These cancers include advanced kidney, prostate and kidney cancer. Since gross hematuria is a sign of an advanced stage of these cancers, other serious symptoms such as weight loss and extreme fatigue may also be present. These cancers are also difficult to treat at advanced stages.

Inherited Disorders

Certain inherited disorders can cause gross hematuria. These disorders include sickle cell anemia and Alport syndrome. Since these disorders are complex they can also present several other symptoms as well such as pain, fatigue and loss of appetite.

Kidney Injuries

Certain kidney injuries to the kidneys can cause gross hematuria. Injuries such as sports injuries and accidents in which the kidneys suffer a blow can cause blood in the urine. These injuries can also lead to severe pain and a ruptured kidney.

Medications

Certain medications can cause gross hematuria. Medications such as Warfarin, Heparin, Penicillin, aspirin and Cyclophosphamide are known to cause blood in the urine. These medications can also cause several other side effects such as nausea, fatigue and loss of appetite.

Common Urology Problems in Men

Urology problems in men range from mild inconveniences to serious health risks. Here are some of the most common urologic problems, their causes and how to treat them.

Overview

Urology problems in men may involve the kidneys, the bladder, the prostate, the testicles or the penis. Men who experience these kinds of problems may have erectile dysfunction or difficulties in urination. If you are suspecting that you are suffering from these problems, it is best to consult your doctor or a urologist so that proper diagnosis can be made and early treatment be provided. Here are some of the most common urology problems experienced by men.

Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infection, or UTI, is often caused by bacterial infection in the man's urinary tract, usually in the bladder area. Its incidence is more common in women, than in men, due to their anatomical differences. Its symptoms include a burning sensation when urinating, a strong urge to urinate, and having frequent urination. In some cases, blood can be found in the urine. The infection, if not treated early, can go up to the kidneys. When this happens, symptoms may include chills, vomiting, upper back pain, fever or nausea. UTI is often treated with antibiotics. Increasing fluid intake can also help in getting rid of the problem.

Erectile Dysfunction

In this condition, a man fails to have an erection or to keep it up long enough for him to perform sexual activities. Usually, erectile dysfunction is caused by other conditions like diabetes, kidney problems, chronic alcoholism, neurologic disease and vascular disease, among many others. Medications may be given to affected men, and in cases where medications do not work, surgery may be utilized to correct the problem.

Premature Ejaculation

Premature ejaculation is a common problem among young men. It usually becomes a problem when it happens frequently. Factors such as anxiety and lack of experience may contribute to its occurrence. Some men may not talk about this problem, but this is often a treatable condition. Modes of treatment include psychological counseling, use of medication and changes in sexual techniques.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

As men grow older, their prostate gland has a tendency to increase in size due to hormone activities inside their body. Because the prostate gland is near the bladder and it also surrounds the urethra, the tube where urine passes during urination, it can cause compression on the bladder and the urethra. This often results in urinary flow restriction. Common symptoms include frequent need to urinate at night, dribbling of urine, and difficulty when starting to urinate. This condition is often seen in men who are 50 years old and above.

Incontinence

Contrary to popular belief, Urine incontinence is also one of the urology problems in men. It is more common in women, but is can also affect men. This condition often manifest as the inability to control the leakage of urine. It is usually caused by trauma, stress and surgery. Medication, therapy and surgery may be used in treating this problem.