Potential Hematuria: When to See a Urologist

Suspected hematuria?

Today, I went to pay respects at a cemetery and returned home around noon.
Before heading back to Kaohsiung, I used the restroom.
While I was having a bowel movement, I was holding my phone, and when I urinated, I pressed down on my genitalia to prevent splashing, as urine tends to spray easily.
I felt a bit uncomfortable while urinating, but once I adjusted, it was just warm, not too hot.
However, after I got up, I noticed that the area around the toilet was yellow, but the center had a darker color (I didn't check the toilet before using it).
I'm unsure if I might have hematuria, so I discussed it with my parents (I had a suspected kidney stone measuring 0.56 cm from a check-up a month ago).
Later, I decided to check my second urine sample.
I used a paper cup to collect it, and it didn't hurt; it was also warm and appeared to be light yellow (similar to the color of weak tea).
Therefore, I'm uncertain if this is hematuria and whether I should see a urologist.
Could you please advise me, doctor?

Li Zimin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/03/27

Dr. Chen Jiansheng reply Urology

Please seek medical examination.

Reply Date: 2022/03/27

More Info

When it comes to potential hematuria, or blood in the urine, it is important to take any signs seriously, especially if you have a history of kidney stones or other urinary tract issues. Based on your description, it sounds like you experienced some discomfort while urinating, and you noticed a change in the color of your urine. While the urine appeared to be a lighter shade when you collected it in a cup, the initial observation of darker urine could indicate the presence of blood, or it could be due to other factors such as dehydration or dietary influences.

Given your recent history of a suspected kidney stone measuring 0.56 cm, it is prudent to consult a urologist. Kidney stones can cause irritation and inflammation in the urinary tract, which may lead to hematuria. Additionally, the discomfort you felt while urinating could be a sign that the stone is causing some obstruction or irritation in the urinary passage.
In general, hematuria can be classified into two types: gross hematuria, where blood is visible to the naked eye, and microscopic hematuria, where blood is only detectable through laboratory testing. If you notice any persistent changes in urine color, especially if it appears red or brown, or if you experience pain, difficulty urinating, or any other unusual symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly.

A urologist will likely perform a thorough evaluation, which may include a urinalysis to check for blood, infection, or other abnormalities, imaging studies such as an ultrasound or CT scan to visualize the kidneys and urinary tract, and possibly a cystoscopy to directly examine the bladder and urethra. These tests can help determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and guide appropriate treatment.

In summary, while your urine may have appeared lighter when collected in a cup, the initial observation of darker urine and the discomfort you experienced warrant a visit to a urologist. Early evaluation and intervention can help prevent potential complications, especially given your history of kidney stones. It is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to urinary symptoms, as they can be indicative of various conditions ranging from benign to more serious issues.

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