Blood in Urine

Blood in urine can make urine look pink, red, or brown, or it may only show up on a urine test. Blood in urine is often caused by a urinary tract infection or a kidney stone. It should always be checked, even if it goes away.

What Is It

Common causes include UTIs, kidney stones, kidney infections, hard exercise, and an enlarged prostate. Some foods, like beets, and some medicines can turn urine red without blood. In older adults, blood in urine can be a sign of a more serious problem and needs follow up.

Symptoms

Pink, red, or cola colored urine
Small clots in the urine
Burning or pain when peeing
Needing to pee often or urgently
Pain in the side, back, or lower belly
No other symptoms at all

Not sure what is causing it? Blood with burning when you pee is often a UTI. Blood with severe side pain that comes in waves may be kidney stones.

Treatment

At your visit: A urine test confirms blood and checks for infection. Treatment depends on the cause. A UTI is treated with antibiotics. Blood in urine without a clear cause needs follow up with a primary care provider or urologist.

At home:

Drink plenty of water
Note any foods or medicines that may change urine color
Avoid hard exercise until checked
Keep any follow up appointments

Blood from a UTI usually clears within a few days of treatment.

When to Get Care for Blood in Urine

Watch at Home

Red urine after eating beets that clears within a day

Come to Urgent Care Today

Any pink, red, or brown urine
Blood with burning or frequent urination
Blood with side or back pain
Blood in urine during pregnancy
Blood in urine that comes and goes

Go to the Emergency Department

Unable to pee or passing large clots
Severe pain with vomiting
High fever with shaking chills
Blood in urine after a hard fall or blow to the back

FAQ

What causes blood in urine?

Blood in urine is most often caused by a urinary tract infection, kidney stone, kidney infection, hard exercise, or an enlarged prostate. Some foods and medicines can mimic it.

Is blood in urine serious?

Blood in urine is often from a treatable cause like a UTI, but it should always be checked. Blood without a clear cause needs follow up testing.

Can a UTI cause blood in urine?

Yes, a UTI is one of the most common causes of blood in urine. It usually comes with burning, urgency, and frequent urination.

Can dehydration cause blood in urine?

Dehydration makes urine darker but does not usually cause blood. Red or brown urine that does not clear after drinking water should be tested.

Can urgent care treat blood in urine?

Yes, urgent care can check blood in urine. At Vitality Urgent Care, a provider can test your urine and look for infection or stones. No appointment or referral is needed.

When is blood in urine an emergency?

Blood in urine is an emergency when you cannot pee, pass large clots, have severe pain with vomiting, or high fever with shaking chills.

Last reviewed October 2026