Blood in Urine (Haematuria) Clinic in London
Blood in your urine should always be assessed, even if it happens only once, causes no pain or disappears quickly. Most causes are not serious, but prompt investigation helps identify treatable conditions early and provides reassurance where nothing concerning is found.
Our consultant urologists offer a clear pathway for investigating blood in the urine, with the key tests arranged as appropriate for your symptoms and medical history.
What is haematuria?
Haematuria is the medical term for blood in the urine. It may be visible, making urine look pink, red or brown. It can also be non-visible, meaning blood is detected only during a urine test.
Either type is worth investigating. Blood in the urine may be caused by a urinary tract infection, kidney or bladder stones, or, in men, an enlarged prostate. It can occasionally occur after strenuous exercise.
Less commonly, haematuria can be a sign of a more serious condition affecting the bladder, kidneys or urinary tract. This includes bladder or kidney cancer. Finding the cause promptly is important, both to provide reassurance for most people and to ensure any condition requiring treatment is identified without unnecessary delay.
Our role is to investigate the cause carefully, explain your results clearly and arrange appropriate next steps.
Visible and non-visible blood
Blood in the urine can occur in two main ways. Both should be assessed.
Visible haematuria
Visible haematuria means that you can see blood in your urine. Urine may look pink, red or brown, and there may occasionally be blood clots. A single episode should be checked, even if it goes away.
Non-visible haematuria
Non-visible haematuria is blood detected by a urine dip test or under a microscope, without any visible change in the colour of your urine. It may be identified during a routine check or when investigating urinary symptoms.
Do not wait for it to return
Blood in the urine that happens once and then disappears can still need investigation. Waiting to see whether it returns may delay finding the cause.
What can cause blood in the urine?
There are several possible causes of haematuria. Many are benign or can be treated effectively, but investigation is needed to distinguish between them.
Infection
Urinary tract infections can cause blood in the urine, often alongside burning when passing urine, urgency or frequency.
Stones
Kidney or bladder stones can cause bleeding and may also lead to pain, nausea or difficulty passing urine.
Enlarged prostate
In men, an enlarged prostate can sometimes cause visible blood in the urine. This is usually a benign condition, but symptoms should still be assessed.
Causes to rule out
Less commonly, blood in the urine may be linked to conditions such as a tumour in the bladder or kidney. This is why it is important to arrange an assessment rather than assume the cause.
If you are passing large amounts of blood or blood clots, cannot pass urine, have severe pain or feel unwell with a fever, seek urgent medical care.
How we investigate blood in the urine
Your consultant will recommend investigations based on your age, symptoms, medical history and whether the blood is visible or non-visible. This ensures your assessment is thorough while avoiding tests that are not needed.
Urine tests and cytology
A urine sample may be checked for infection and blood. In some cases, it may also be examined for abnormal cells.
Flexible cystoscopy
A thin, flexible camera is used to look inside the bladder. This is usually carried out under local anaesthetic and helps your consultant assess the bladder lining directly.
Ultrasound scan
An ultrasound scan can examine the kidneys and bladder for possible causes of bleeding, such as stones or structural changes.
CT urogram
Where appropriate, a CT urogram provides more detailed imaging of the kidneys, ureters and bladder.
From investigation to answer
The first priority is understanding why blood has appeared in your urine. Your consultant will review the findings from your consultation, urine tests and any imaging or cystoscopy that is needed.
For many people, the assessment identifies a straightforward cause or provides reassurance that no serious problem has been found. If treatment or further investigation is needed, your consultant will explain the options clearly and help arrange the appropriate next stage of care.
Why choose The Forbury Clinic for blood in urine assessment in London?
A clear assessment pathway
Your consultant will arrange the investigations that are appropriate for your symptoms and history.
Testing tailored to you
Your assessment is based on your individual circumstances rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Reassurance or early action
Most causes of blood in the urine are not serious. Where further care is needed, prompt investigation helps identify the next steps.
Consultant-led care
You will be assessed by a consultant urologist, with self-referral available at our London clinic.
Frequently asked questions
I only saw blood once and it stopped. Do I still need to be checked?
Yes. Visible blood in the urine should be assessed even if it happens once and does not return. There are many possible causes, and investigation can establish what is responsible.
Does blood in the urine mean cancer?
No. Most cases are caused by conditions other than cancer, including infection, stones or an enlarged prostate. However, because haematuria can occasionally be an early sign of a more serious condition, it should be investigated.
What does the assessment involve?
Your assessment may include a consultation, urine tests, imaging of the urinary tract and a flexible cystoscopy. The exact tests recommended will depend on your symptoms, age and medical history.
Is the investigation painful or invasive?
Many tests are straightforward and well tolerated. A flexible cystoscopy is usually performed under local anaesthetic. Your consultant will explain what each test involves and answer any questions before it is arranged.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You are welcome to self-refer and arrange a consultation directly with our team.
Book your consultation today
Consultations are available to book online for patients with or without a GP referral. Our private specialists provide world-class care in a discrete environment.
- AppointmentBook a consultation
- Reception0118 920 7055
- Location
The Forbury Clinic London, 45 Queen Anne St, London, W1G 9J
