The urologists at Vitality Plus Urology have extensive experience diagnosing and treating hematuria, or blood in the urine. Here are answers to a few commonly asked questions about hematuria that will be helpful:
Q. What kinds of tests does the urologist perform?
A. Your urologist will perform a series of tests to evaluate your condition. These include a urine culture, urine cytology and a diagnostic imaging study of the upper urinary tract (such as an IVP, CT scan or renal ultrasound). Your doctor may also evaluate the interior of the bladder with a tiny device called a cystoscope.
Q. I have seen blood in my urine or my doctor has told me that I have microscopic blood in my urine. Is it serious?
A. Patients often notice blood in their urine, or it turns up in simple screening tests performed in the doctor’s office. Your urologist will thoroughly investigate even small amounts of blood in your urine to make sure that you don’t have a more serious condition.
These tests may lead to a source of the blood such as urinary tract stones, infection or inflammation. In some cases, these tests can help diagnose the early stages of cancer.
What is Cystoscopy? Will it hurt?
Cystoscopy is the evaluation of the interior of the bladder with a miniaturized telescope. This procedure can make some patients anxious, but in most instances it shouldn’t. Doctors often perform this short, simple test in the office under a local anesthetic - and it usually causes little discomfort. Most tests take less than 10 minutes to complete.
If you have noticed blood in your urine, or if it has shown up in tests, don’t ignore it! Please contact Vitality Plus Urology and start a treatment plan right away!