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.

The Best Foods You’re Not Eating

There are many super-foods that never see the inside of a shopping cart. Some you’ve never heard of, others you’ve simply forgotten about. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best of the bunch. Make a place for them on your table and you’ll instantly upgrade your health—without prescription!

BEETROOT

This grungy-looking root is naturally sweeter than any other vegetable, which means it packs in tonnes of flavour underneath that rugged exterior.

Why it’s healthy: Think of beetroot as red spinach. Just like Popeye’s power food, this crimson vegetable is one of the best sources of both folate and betaine. These two nutrients work together to lower your blood levels of homocysteine, an inflammatory compound that can damage your arteries and increase your risk of heart disease. What’s more, the natural pigment betacyanin, which gives beetroot its bright colour, is a proven cancer fighter, very efficacious in laboratory experiments on mice.

How to eat it: Fresh and raw, not from a jar. Heating beetroot actually decreases its antioxidant power. For a simple, single-serving salad, wash and peel one beet, and grate it on the widest blade of a box grater. Toss with 1 tbsp of olive oil and juice of half a lemon. You can eat its leaves and stems, which are also packed with nutrients. Simply cut off the stems just below the point where the leaves start, and wash thoroughly. They’re now ready to be used in a salad. Or, for a side dish, sauté the leaves over medium-high heat, along with a minced clove of garlic and a tbsp of olive oil. Cook until the leaves wilt and the stems get tender. Season with salt, pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice, and sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over it. Mmm…!

CINNAMON

This old-world spice usually reaches most people’s stomachs only when it’s mixed with sugar and stuck on to a dessert roll!

Why it’s healthy: Cinnamon helps control your blood sugar, thus lowering your risk of heart disease. In fact, researchers have found that if people with Type 2 diabetes consume 1 g (about ¼ tsp) of cinnamon every day for 6 weeks, not only is their blood sugar significantly reduced but their triglyceride and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels also dip significantly. Credit the spice’s active ingredients—thylhydroxychalcone polymers—which increase your cells’ ability to metabolise sugar by up to 20 times.

How to eat it: You really don’t need the fancy oils and expensive extracts sold in drug stores. Just sprinkle the stuff that’s in your spice rack into your coffee or on your breakfast oatmeal cereal.

POMEGRANATE JUICE

A popular drink for decades in the Middle East, pomegranate juice has become widely available in stores only recently.

Why it’s healthy: Scientific trials show that men who downed just 2 ounces of pomegranate juice daily for a year decreased their systolic blood pressure by 21 per cent and significantly improved blood flow to their hearts. What’s more, 4 ounces of the stuff provide 50 per cent of your daily Vitamin C needs!

How to drink it: Since it’s so potent, a glassful daily is all you need. Can’t find the juice in a store? Buy some fruit and juice it at home, or simply eat the fruit instead.

CABBAGE

Not a much-loved veggie but a major free radical killer!

Why it’s healthy: One cup of chopped cabbage has just 22 calories but is loaded with valuable nutrients, such as sulforaphane, which increases your body’s production of enzymes, which disarm celldamaging free radicals and reduce your cancer risk.

How to eat it: Add shredded cabbage to burgers and sandwichs for a satisfying crunch.

GUAVA

Sink your teeth into this…

Why it’s healthy: Guava is the best source of lycopene—an antioxidant that fights prostate cancer. In addition, one medium-sized guava provides 688 mg of potassium, 63 percent more than you get from a banana.

How to eat it: Down the entire fruit, from rind to seeds. It’s all edible, and nutritious. The rind alone has more Vitamin C than the flesh of an orange.

DRIED PLUMS

You may know these better as ‘prunes’, which are indelibly linked with constipation concerns! Uh, that explains why, in an effort to revive the delicious fruit’s image, the producers now market them under another, more palatable name—dried plums!

Why they’re healthy: Prunes contain high amounts of neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acids—antioxidants that are particularly effective at combating the superoxide anion radical. This nasty free radical causes structural damage to your cells, and such damage is thought to be one of the primary causes of cancer.

How to eat them: Wrap a paper-thin slice of prosciutto ham around a dried plum and secure with a toothpick. Bake at 400 °F for 10–15 minutes, until the plums are soft and the prosciutto is crispy. Yum plum!

PUMPKIN SEEDS

These are usually discarded when a pumpkin is cooked into a vegetable, soup or pie. But they are the most nutritious part of the pumpkin!

Why they’re healthy: Downing pumpkin seeds is the easiest way to consume more magnesium. That’s important because researchers recently determined that men with the highest levels of magnesium in their blood have a 40 per cent lower risk of early death than those with the lowest levels. And, on an average, men consume 353 mg of the mineral daily, well under the 420 mg minimum recommended.

How to eat them: Whole, shells and all. (The shells provide extra fibre.) Roasted pumpkin seeds contain 150 mg of magnesium per ounce; add them to your regular diet and you’ll easily hit your daily target of 420 mg. Look for them in your grocery store—next to peanuts, almonds, sunflower seeds.

FOOD FIGHT

Beetroot fights heart disease Cinnamon fights Type 2 diabetes Pomegranate juice fights high blood pressure Cabbage and dried plums fight cancer Pumpkin seeds fight age-related debilitation Guava fights prostate cancer

DID YOU KNOW?

Guava has a higher concentration of lycopene-an antioxidant that fights prostate cancer—than any other plant food, including tomato and watermelon!

Rickety gyms peddle power pills for that beefcake look

For any youngster in the Capital, the path to acquiring those rippling muscles or perfect abs appears to be littered with steroids and dubious dietary supplements. At least that’s what Times City found after a brief recce of some south Delhi gymnasiums.

While the more upmarket gyms in Malviya Nagar, GK and Vasant Kunj maintained they prescribe only a rigorous exercise regime, healthy food coupled with a few ‘‘natural’’ dietary supplements, the relatively less expensive gyms’ coaches — once prodded — were more than willing to provide ‘‘something extra’’.

With a physical appearance that doesn’t exactly give Arnold a run for his money, this correspondent had little difficulty in convincing a gym owner in Munirka that he was an ideal candidate to enrol.

‘‘You need to begin with light weights which we will gradually increase over time. Within six months you will be a beefcake, ready to take on the world,’’ Ajay (name changed), the coach assured. In as delicate

a manner as possible, it was explained to him that six months would be unacceptable, as this correspondent’s (fictitious) impending marriage in December meant he had to be in perfect shape in the next 40 days. ‘‘In that case, you would need some dietary supplements like ‘Endura’, ‘Body’ ‘Cultivator’ etc. We don’t recommend the ‘desi’ supplements but the ones imported from USA, Australia and UK. And if you wish I can also get you tablets and injections,’’ Ajay explained.

The problem with dietary supplements, experts say, is that regulatory bodies like Food and Drug Administration (FDA) look into them only on the basis of specific complaints and energy bars — while okay to be used by athletes who burn enough calories — can cause unnecessary weight gain in non-athletes. And not all of that would be muscle mass. Supplements, in many cases, have no more than a psychological effect.

Incidentally, Ajay’s gym, on the second floor of a rickety building in the bylanes of Munirka, was the only one still functioning. Nearby shop owners reported that almost all other gyms in the area have been shut down as they had become a haven for supply of banned contrabands. Said a police source, ‘‘Such gyms had started supplying spurious drugs, which led to drug abuse among youngsters. We received complaints that students from North-east and Nigerians misused the gym facility to supply banned steroids. So, we raided these gyms and closed them down.’’ Yet another physical instructor at a famous gym near the IIT grounds suggested that merely working out at the gym won’t help much. ‘‘You will require Anabol, Binabol tablets with your food for faster results. I can also get you salt injections of Nandralone decanoate which help in giving muscles a perfect ‘cut’ and a polished look. It also increases the muscle mass,’’ said Ajit (name changed). But, he added in a cautionary tone, ‘‘There may be side effects like baldness, kidney failure, jaundice. Kuch paane ke liye itna risk to lena padega.’’

Nandrolone decanoate or decadurabolin is an anabolic steroid that acts on androgen receptors in muscles and makes them grow faster. Side effects include bleeding, nausea, depression, breast tenderness or enlargement and pain in the scrotum. Dianabol, the active ingredient of anabol, has been known to cause acne.

Anabolic steroids may have shot to fame — or infamy — with the Ben Johnson episode way back in 1988, to make comebacks every now and then with sports scandals, but in these times of instant gratification, they are much more a part of our daily lives.

Be it your neighbourhood teenager in the eternal quest for that perfect body a la Salman Khan, or the aging businessman in his search for everlasting youth and vitality — anabolic steroids are definitely no longer just the forte of competitive sports persons looking to break world records. Because competition is the buzzword everywhere, be it gymnasiums eager to show quick results or doctors keen not to lose a patient.

Says Dr Anoop Misra, consultant, internal medicine at Fortis Group of Hospitals: ‘‘It is an increasing trend among doctors to prescribe anabolic steroids like decadurabolin and nandrolone to patients who come with complaints of weakness, but diagnostic tests do not show anything amiss. The hormones give that burst of extra energy and both patient and doctor are happy. It is only when the side effects start showing that the patient realises what has been done to him, but by then the damage is already done.’’

 In recent years, in addition to testosterone, a slightly advanced derivative of it, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has become popular among doctors for ‘‘restoring virility’’ to aging male patients — a sort of a parallel, doctors say for the hormone replacement therapy in menopausal females — but with possibly disastrous side effects that actually include a loss of fertility and libido.

The other side effects include possible liver and prostate damage and gynaecomastia — breast development in males — because in high doses, the male hormone often converts in vivo to the female hormones.

Dr Randeep Guleria, professor of medicine at AIIMS, says there is one important difference between HRT in females and use of anabolic steroids in males. ‘‘A lot of doctors prescribe it for loss of muscle mass, weakness and body ache or even for post-surgery recovery. But the problem is there is a lack of concrete data. HRT is a properly researched concept. May be one or two injections do not harm, but long-term use could cause problems. And in the absence of set guidelines for administration, frequency and dosage depends entirely on the doctor’s discretion.’’

The other issue in the use of anabolic steroid remains the fact that its use may not be ‘‘right’’ in terms of after-effects for the user but is not illegal unless one is participating in competitive sports. Thus be it gym trainers or doctors prescribing it, there is no question of a run-in with the law.

Prostate Cancer: What Every Men Should Know About Prostate Problems.

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in American men after skin cancer. Men with histories of illness in the family are also at greater risk. Moreover the risk of getting prostate cancer increases with age. It appears most often after age fifty.

What is the prostate?

The prostate is important part of the male reproductive system. It produces the semen a fluid that carries sperm. Normally the prostate is the size of a walnut. When a man gets older the prostate often enlarges. More than half of American men over age 60 have some form of prostate enlargement . This usually does not cause cancer but possibly caused by other problems.

What Is The Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is cancer of prostate gland. The cancer causes the body cells change and grow out of control. Most cancers form a lump called a tumor or growth. If there is a cancerous tumor in the prostate a man may not know it. In most cases prostate cancer develops very slowly. However in some men can grow rapidly and spread to other body parts.

 What Causes The Prostate Cancer?

Although the exact causes of prostate cancer are unknown certain risk factors have been linked to prostate cancer. A risk factor is something that increases the chances that the person developing a disease. Prostate cancer factor may increase with age. Family history also matters. If the father or brother of a man has prostate cancer your risk is two to three times the normal average. The diet factor also play role. Men who eat large amounts of animal fat especially fat from red meat may be at increased risk of prostate cancer than men who eat less animal fat.

 What Are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?

Often there are no symptoms for early prostate cancer. If symptoms occur they can vary depending on the size and exact location of the lump or growth in the prostate. Because the prostate surrounds the urethra the tube that carries urine and sperm any changes in the prostate causes problems with urination and ejaculation. However similar symptoms can be caused by a number of things including infection or non-cancerous condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

If a man has any problem or interruption weak flow of urine or painful urination painful ejaculation blood in urine or semen pain or discomfort in the back hips or pelvis you should see a health provider or a urologist to see what is happening. A health care provider may order tests to determine the cause of symptoms.

What Kind Of test is used to detect cancer of the prostate?

Your health care provider may feel for any unusual lump or growth in the prostate pressing or using a gloved finger into the rectum (digital rectal exam or DRE). Your health provider may also order a blood test. This blood test measures the level of prostate specific antigen (PSA) a protein produced by the prostate. PSA levels higher than expected can mean a tumor. However high PSA levels can also be caused by infection or bulges in the prostate. Check with your health care provider about testing that may be best for you.

What happens if I find something?

If your health care provider finds something suspicious it will take more tests. Often the prostate problems may be just an enlarged prostate or a simple infection. Additional tests including urinalysis blood testing x-rays ultrasound or biopsy can help diagnose your problem. Your health care provider may refer you to a urologist or other specialist for some tests and any treatment needed.

What Happens If I say that I have cancer of the prostate?

You should get a second opinion before undergoing treatment. Most insurance plans cover the costs of a second opinion in the State of New York including Medicare and Medicaid. Get advice from a specialist (urologist surgeon radiologist or oncologist) who has extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.

All treatments are not for everyone. However you have the right to know what options you have and actively participate in treatment decisions.

Education Many communities offer prostate cancer and programs will provide assistance so they can make decisions and get proper treatment.

What Is The Treatment?

The sooner you can detect prostate cancer you will have more options available. Surgery radiation therapy (either external beam or internal implants) hormone therapy or some combination of these can be used commonly. Depending on your age and condition and desires your health care provider may recommend that you undergo only observation and tests several times a year. Some urologists believe that for men over 70 years the risks of surgery or radiation treatment outweigh any benefits. Therefore they recommend “waiting observation. If you are younger and in good health your health care provider will probably recommend that the cancer is treated. Any treatment will produce a marginal effect. Try to take appointment and have meeting with doctors. Make sure you understand the risks benefits and opportunities for success.

The Prostate And Prostate Problems

The prostate is a male sex gland by making part of male reproductive system with the testes, scrotum, penis, seminal vesicles and ducts that serve to nurture, to save and transporting sperm.

In the adult prostate is similar in shape and size of a walnut, located just below the bladder and entirely cover the initial part of the urethra. The urethra is the one that carries urine and semen to the outside of the body through the penis.

The main function of the prostate is to produce liquid prostate during ejaculation. This fluid nourishes and protects the sperm during intercourse and is the main component of semen.

The prostate is composed of approximately 40 small clusters of glands that produce prostatic fluid which is transported to the prostatic urethra

The prostate has 3 main areas encapsulated within a fibrous capsule: The peripheral zone or outer gland, consisting of approximately 65% of glandular tissue, the central zone or inner gland made up 25% of glandular tissue and the transitional zone, It surrounds the urethra prostate and comprises 10% of glandular tissue. The prostate cancer usually develops in the glandular area, thus the area most affected gland is the external or peripheral zone which contains more glandular tissue.

The size of the prostate in the adult is balanced with the death of old cells and their replacement by new cells. This balance is regulated mainly by androgen hormones especially testosterone.

To maintain this balance requires the proper functioning of the system known as the hypothalamus-pituitary-testicular axis, where the hypothalamus produces hormones that act on the pituitary gland regulate the production of testosterone, speaking simultaneously in the pituitary gland, which is physically linked with the hypothalamus, and that also acts on the testes and adrenal glands, stimulating the production of testosterone by the testes much, much less by the adrenals (5%)

The testes contain tiny tubes called seminiferous ducts stimulated by the hormone (follicle) produce sperm. Located between the seminiferous tubules are Leydig cells that produce testosterone from cholesterol through the stimulation of the hormone LH (luteinizing)

Testosterone is the most important male sex hormone and it depends on the development and maturation of the male sex organs including the prostate.

Prostate Cancer Symptoms: What You Need To Know

Prostate cancer affects a substantial number of men and is widely regarded as being the male equivalent that breast cancer is for women.  In the United States in 2010, somewhere in the vicinity of 217,730 new cases were diagnosed and 32,050 deaths occurred as a result of prostate cancer.   

Like all cancers, early detection is very important with prostate cancer.  If diagnosed early, prostate cancer can usually be restricted to the prostate gland itself and a successful cure the outcome.

There are two standard tests used to diagnose prostate cancer: they are the prostate specific antigen (PSA) and the digital rectal examination (DRE).  These tests are relatively effective in indicating any presence of prostate cancer.

All men need to be on the lookout for symptoms of prostate cancer particularly from the age of 50 onwards.  However, in the case of younger men with a history of prostate cancer in their family there can be an even greater risk.

Is there a genetic risk?  It appears there definitely is.  Australian researchers recently made what is considered a break-through discovery.  They have found that a gene causing breast cancer can also cause cancer of the prostate.  This is significant because it will enable all men to determine whether they have a level of risk that is four-times greater than that of other men for developing the disease.   It will also allow for closer monitoring of men in the higher risk group.  

In Australia one in eleven men are forecast to develop prostate cancer by the age of 70.  Like other cancers, the risk of prostate cancer increases substantially after the age of 50.  The Australian research has also shown that a family history of breast or ovarian cancer can increase the risk of prostate cancer in males from that same family.

The symptoms of prostate cancer are relatively unique because of the location of the gland itself which is below the bladder in the region of the lower pelvis.   The four main symptoms of prostate cancer are as follows:

•          Increased frequency of urination beyond what is normal
•          A sensation that you constantly have to urinate immediately
•        The need to urinate on many occasions during the night
•         A difficulty in beginning urination and no consistent flow when urinating

These symptoms usually point to an enlarged prostate gland pressing against the urethra. If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor.