What Causes Blood in Urine in Women?
Feb 12, 2020
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Mingchuan
Introduction
Causes of Hematuria in Women:
1. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Untreated or inadequately treated UTIs may progress and lead to hematuria.
2. Urinary Calculi: Common types include kidney stones, ureteral stones, and bladder stones.
3. Hematologic Disorders: Such as allergic purpura, immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), aplastic anemia, and leukemia.
4. Systemic Diseases: Including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and hypertensive nephropathy.
Hematuria refers to the presence of an excessive number of red blood cells (RBCs) in the urine. Under normal circumstances, urine contains no red blood cells. Medically, hematuria is diagnosed when, after centrifuging a urine sample and examining the sediment under a microscope, more than five RBCs are observed per high-power field (HPF). So, what causes hematuria in women? Below is an overview.
Causes of Hematuria in Women
1. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
If a urinary tract infection is not promptly treated, it may progress and lead to hematuria. Experts therefore emphasize that individuals with urinary system disorders must seek timely evaluation and treatment. In addition to UTIs, certain kidney diseases may also cause hematuria. These conditions are all potential causes of hematuria; thus, any occurrence of hematuria warrants prompt medical attention.
2. Urinary Tract Stones
Urinary tract stones are another common cause of hematuria in women. Common types include renal calculi, ureteral calculi, and bladder stones. Renal and ureteral stones typically present with renal colic and hematuria. Bladder stones often develop when kidney stones migrate into the bladder; their presence can cause significant mucosal injury within the bladder. Symptoms include hematuria and severe pain.
3. Hematologic Disorders
Hematologic disorders are also frequent causes of hematuria. Women with conditions such as allergic purpura, immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), aplastic anemia, or leukemia may develop hematuria. In addition to hematuria, patients with hematologic disorders often exhibit widespread cutaneous and mucosal bleeding—including from orifices—and may experience recurrent fever.
4. Systemic Diseases
Systemic diseases may also manifest with hematuria. For example, connective tissue disorders—such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and scleroderma—can cause hematuria. Additionally, patients with hypertensive nephropathy, congestive heart failure, gout, or diabetes mellitus may also develop hematuria; therefore, these conditions require careful clinical attention.
In summary, hematuria in women may result from urinary tract infections, urinary tract stones, hematologic disorders, or systemic diseases—including SLE and hypertensive nephropathy. Women experiencing hematuria should remain vigilant and seek timely medical evaluation and management. We hope this information is helpful to you.
