Causes of Hematuria in Women
Apr 21, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Luo Yong
Introduction
The vast majority of hematuria cases in women are caused by urinary system disorders, particularly urinary tract infections, urinary calculi, and urinary tract tumors. Due to the anatomical feature of a shorter urethra in women, they are more prone to urinary tract infections and hematuria, which are often accompanied by fever and bladder irritation symptoms. In such cases, patients should drink ample fluids, urinate frequently, and receive antibiotic therapy for infection control.
Some women experience unexplained hematuria. If blood is observed in the urine, the first step is to rule out pseudohematuria caused by menstrual contamination. Identifying the underlying cause and initiating prompt treatment are essential. What are the possible causes of hematuria in women?
Causes of Hematuria in Women
The vast majority of hematuria cases in women stem from urological disorders—particularly urinary tract infections (UTIs), urolithiasis (urinary stones), and urological malignancies. Due to the anatomically shorter female urethra, women are more susceptible to UTIs and associated hematuria, often accompanied by fever and bladder irritative symptoms (e.g., urgency, frequency, dysuria).
In such cases, patients should increase fluid intake and urinate frequently, while receiving appropriate antibiotic therapy for infection control. Urolithiasis—including nephrolithiasis (kidney stones), ureterolithiasis (ureteral stones), and cystolithiasis (bladder stones)—can all cause hematuria. Patients with kidney or ureteral stones often present with severe abdominal or flank pain. In contrast, urological tumors typically manifest as painless gross hematuria. Additionally, other systemic conditions—including glomerulonephritis, leukemia, thrombocytopenia, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and liver cirrhosis—may also lead to hematuria; therefore, timely evaluation and management are critical.
Hematuria has numerous potential etiologies. Before selecting pharmacological treatment, it is imperative to determine the underlying cause. For instance, if hematuria results from a urinary tract infection, clinicians should assess for clinical signs of urinary obstruction and initiate appropriate medical therapy. Treatment may include oral crystalline agents and anti-inflammatory medications; severe cases may require surgical intervention. We hope this information proves helpful.
