Symptoms
Blood in the urine, evaluated in Johns Creek and Cumming
Blood in the urine, even a single episode that has already cleared, should be reviewed with us. The cause can be a stone, an infection, prostate bleeding, or, less often, a tumor. Our job is to find the cause rather than to reassure you without looking.
When this is clinic work, and when it is not
A single episode that has already stopped, or blood that a laboratory found without a visible change, belongs in a scheduled visit at Johns Creek or Cumming. Go to emergency care, or call 911, if you are passing large clots, cannot empty, feel faint, or have fever and pain together.
How we evaluate hematuria
We take a history, check the urine, and decide on imaging and cystoscopy based on your age, the amount of blood, and other risk factors. Cystoscopy is a look into the bladder with a scope and can be done in the office or in the surgery center. Imaging may be a CT or an ultrasound, chosen to answer the question we have, not to repeat every test you have already completed. Bring prior reports.
What we do with the findings
A stone is managed along the lines of our kidney stones page. A prostate source is worked up like other prostate visits. A bladder finding may lead to the plan on our bladder cancer page. If we find no source, we will say what follow-up we still want, rather than leaving you with an unexplained result and no next step.
A related official video on blood in the urine
An official Advanced Urology video on this topic.
Watch: #001 - Hidden Clues: Understanding Blood in the UrineWhat the video covers. Titled "#001 - Hidden Clues: Understanding Blood in the Urine." The public description addresses microscopic hematuria: blood found under a microscope rather than by the unaided eye, which may be harmless or may point to infections, stones, or other conditions.
The blood has already stopped. Do I still need to come in?
Yes. A single episode that has cleared still deserves a visit, because the cause may still be there.
Can I be seen in Cumming?
Yes. Evaluation can start at either office. If a procedure is needed, the date is set at Johns Creek.
Does visible or laboratory-found blood always mean cancer?
No. Stones, infection and prostate bleeding are common. We still look, because we will not guess.
Will I need a scope?
Often, yes, especially when visible blood is the reason for the visit, or when your age and other factors make a look into the bladder the careful next step. We will explain why before we book it.
What should I bring?
Any urine tests, images, and a list of medicines, including blood thinners. Our what-to-bring page has the rest.
When does this belong in emergency care?
If you cannot urinate, are passing large clots, feel faint, or have fever with pain, go to an emergency department now.
Whenever a visit would help, the Johns Creek and Cumming teams are a phone call or a booked appointment away.