What causes blood in the urine in men?
Mar 18, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Cao Zhiqiang
Introduction
In general, hematuria in males may be caused by strenuous exercise, physiological hematuria, urethritis, urethral calculi, cystitis, or other conditions. Prompt medical attention is advised, and treatment should be conducted according to medical guidance. Some young males may experience transient gross hematuria after intense physical activity, such as long-distance running or playing basketball, which may cause certain damage to the kidneys.
Generally, hematuria (blood in urine) in males may be caused by strenuous exercise, physiological hematuria, urethritis, urethral calculi, cystitis, or other reasons. Prompt medical attention is necessary, and treatment should follow medical advice. Details are as follows:
1. Strenuous Exercise: Some young males may experience transient gross hematuria after strenuous exercise such as long-distance running or playing basketball. This may occur due to compression or minor injury to the renal blood vessels during exercise, resulting in slight bleeding. No specific treatment is required; rest, avoiding strenuous exercise, and increased water intake to promote urine excretion can aid recovery.
2. Physiological Hematuria: In some cases, such as prolonged urine retention or excessive straining during urination, minor damage to the urethral mucosa may occur, causing slight bleeding and hematuria. This condition typically represents physiological hematuria and is not a cause for significant concern. Similarly, no specific treatment is needed. Maintaining good urination habits, avoiding excessive straining, and keeping the urethra clean are recommended.
3. Urethritis: Urethritis refers to inflammation of the urethral mucosa, usually caused by bacterial, viral, or other microbial infections. The inflammation may lead to congestion, edema, and even rupture and bleeding of the urethral mucosa, resulting in hematuria, which may be accompanied by frequent urination. Anti-inflammatory medications such as azithromycin granules, cefixime granules, and roxithromycin tablets should be used under a doctor's guidance.
4. Urethral Calculi: Urethral calculi refer to stones formed within the urethra. These stones can damage the urethral mucosa, causing bleeding and pain. When stones move within the urethra, they may rub against the mucosa, causing mucosal rupture and bleeding, manifesting as hematuria, which may also be accompanied by pain in the waist or abdomen. Medications such as lithiasis-expelling granules, Shuangxiang lithiasis-expelling granules, and Jinjia lithiasis-expelling capsules should be used under a doctor's guidance for stone removal treatment.
5. Cystitis: Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder wall, usually caused by bacterial infection. Inflammation may lead to congestion and edema of the bladder wall, and severe cases may develop ulcers and bleeding, manifesting as hematuria, which may also be accompanied by urgency of urination. Anti-inflammatory medications such as erythromycin tablets, minocycline hydrochloride capsules, and ampicillin capsules should be used as directed by a physician.
In daily life, attention should be paid to maintaining personal hygiene, avoiding unclean sexual intercourse, and drinking plenty of water to promote urine excretion.
References:
1. Chen Xiao-ping, Wang Jian-ping, Zhao Ji-zong. Surgery [M]. 9th Edition. Beijing: People's Medical Publishing House, 2018: 562-570.
2. Ge Jun-bo, Xu Yong-jian, Wang Chen. Internal Medicine [M]. 9th Edition. Beijing: People's Medical Publishing House, 2018: 477-482.
