Is It Blood in Urine? Post-Infection Symptoms - Urology

Share to:

Suspected hematuria?


There is a semi-transparent red gel-like discharge on my underwear.
I just finished a treatment for a urinary tract infection and I'm a bit worried that it might be a sign of unresolved cystitis or hematuria.
Could it also be related to my menstrual cycle? (My period just ended about 3-4 days ago when this suddenly appeared.) I had a follow-up appointment about three days ago, and the doctor mentioned that the infection should be nearly resolved (white blood cell count was 0-1).

Lin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/05/24

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology


Hello: It could be a recurrence, but there should be urinary symptoms present, and the urine may appear cloudy.
If there are none, it could be a gynecological issue.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2018/05/24

More Info


When it comes to the presence of blood in urine, especially following a urinary tract infection (UTI), it is essential to consider several factors that could contribute to this symptom. In your case, the translucent red discharge you are observing could potentially be related to a few different causes.

Firstly, it is important to understand that blood in urine, known as hematuria, can occur for various reasons. After a UTI, it is not uncommon for some residual irritation or inflammation to persist in the urinary tract, which might lead to minor bleeding. This could explain the red-tinged discharge you are noticing. Additionally, if you have recently completed a course of antibiotics for a UTI, it is possible that the infection has not been entirely resolved, leading to ongoing symptoms.

Another consideration is the timing of your menstrual cycle. Since you mentioned that your period just ended a few days ago, it is plausible that the discharge could be related to menstrual blood, especially if you are experiencing any irregularities in your cycle. Sometimes, remnants of menstrual blood can mix with vaginal secretions, leading to a reddish or pinkish discharge that might be mistaken for blood in urine.

In terms of your recent medical evaluation, the fact that your doctor noted a low white blood cell count (0-1) suggests that there is no significant ongoing infection at that moment. However, if you continue to experience symptoms such as pain, increased frequency of urination, or if the discharge persists or worsens, it would be advisable to follow up with your healthcare provider. They may recommend further testing, such as a urinalysis or a urine culture, to rule out any lingering infection or other underlying issues.

It is also worth noting that certain medications, particularly those used to treat infections, can sometimes cause changes in urine color or consistency. If you were prescribed any new medications, it might be helpful to review their potential side effects with your doctor.

In summary, while the presence of red discharge could be concerning, it may not necessarily indicate a serious issue, especially if you have recently completed treatment for a UTI. However, due to the complexity of symptoms and the potential for overlapping causes, it is crucial to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider. If you have any doubts or if symptoms persist, seeking a second opinion or further evaluation is always a prudent approach. Your health and peace of mind are paramount, and addressing any concerns promptly can help ensure that any underlying issues are managed effectively.

Similar Q&A

Should You See a Doctor After Blood in Urine Symptoms Disappear?

Hello, Doctor. Yesterday morning, I noticed blood in my urine, and I experienced significant pain after urination. There were also thin membrane-like tissues in the blood-tinged urine. This occurred consistently for four to five times, but by the afternoon, the blood decreased, l...


Dr. Weng Wenzhen reply Urology
Hello~ 1. The described symptoms are indicative of acute cystitis. 2. In some individuals, bacteria can ascend through the ureters to the kidneys, causing acute pyelonephritis. 3. It is advisable to perform a urine test again; if there is still an infection, treatment should be i...

[Read More] Should You See a Doctor After Blood in Urine Symptoms Disappear?


Understanding Blood in Urine: Causes and Necessary Tests

Doctor, I have been experiencing diarrhea for the past three days, and later I noticed blood in my urine. However, I don't feel anything unusual when urinating, just a slight warmth. What could be the issue? What tests should I undergo? Thank you.


Dr. Lin Hexing reply Urology
Hello: Having diarrhea for three days may lead to dehydration, which can cause a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs often present with symptoms such as urinary urgency, which aligns with your symptoms. It is recommended that you visit a nearby hospital's urology or family m...

[Read More] Understanding Blood in Urine: Causes and Necessary Tests


Is Blood in Urine Always a Sign of Bladder Infection?

Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing lower back pain (on the right side) for about a month, and then one day I suddenly had severe pain in my lower abdomen. A few days later, I noticed visible blood in my urine. The doctor suggested it might be cystitis, but I don't experi...


Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: Cystitis can potentially cause hematuria, so a urinalysis should be performed to check for inflammation. After recovery, a follow-up urine test should be conducted to check for red blood cells. There are many causes of hematuria, and it is difficult to definitively say tha...

[Read More] Is Blood in Urine Always a Sign of Bladder Infection?


Am I Experiencing a Urinary Tract Infection?

On Wednesday, I experienced frequent urination throughout the day. The next morning, I noticed that my urine was red (I had been holding it in last week). Occasionally, there were dark blood streaks. I went to the hospital, where I had a urinalysis and an X-ray. The doctor said t...


Dr. Fu Shizhang reply Urology
Based on the symptoms, it is indeed possible. If a urine test has already been conducted, it should provide clarity. It is recommended to make a determination based on the urine test results.

[Read More] Am I Experiencing a Urinary Tract Infection?


Related FAQ

Urine Occult Blood

(Urology)

Infection

(Urology)

Cystitis

(Urology)

Postoperative

(Urology)

Hematuria

(Urology)

Urinalysis

(Urology)

Post-Circumcision

(Urology)

Escherichia Coli

(Urology)

Urine

(Internal Medicine)

Urethral Discharge

(Urology)