The main cause of urinary tract infection with bleeding is irritation in the bladder or urethra. Sometimes this bleeding is noticeable and a red or brown tinge is noted by the patient, but at other times, blood cells are only found upon closer inspection by a health care professional. Sometimes blood in the urine can indicate that an infection has spread into the kidneys rather than being isolated in the bladder and urethra. Other times, the blood may not be originating from the urinary tract at all, since secondary infections are common among females.
In most cases, a urinary tract infection with bleeding indicates that bacteria have caused irritation in the urethra, bladder, or kidneys and led to an open lesion of some sort. Bleeding is usually minimal, so blood loss is not the main concern. It does often indicate that an infection has grown severe and that immediate medical care is warranted. Antibiotics are the most common treatment for a urinary tract infection.
It is a good idea to be sure, when dealing with a urinary tract infection with bleeding, that the blood is coming from the urinary tract. Sometimes another infection or condition may be to blame. This is especially common in women. For instance, often a vaginal infection will migrate into the urinary tract, or the same bacteria causing one infection is also causing another. Vaginal infections can lead to bleeding between periods, especially if the infection is severe.
Other times the area surrounding the urethra and vagina may become irritated and bleed when wiping. This usually appears as thin streaks of blood on the toilet paper, and the color varies from pink to bright red, depending on how severe the bleeding is. If it is determined that bleeding is not coming from the urethra, another infection should be ruled out. Sometimes, the start of a menstrual period may be confused for bleeding from the urinary tract.
Anyone with a urinary tract infection with bleeding should see a doctor right away Infections are not usually serious, but once bacteria reaches the kidneys it can become more severe. Kidney infections which are not treated can eventually cause fever, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, burning upon urination, cloudy urine, foamy urine, a feeling of urgency when using the restroom, and sometimes even renal failure. The speed at which infection may spread will depend on the type of bacteria and the person’s overall health.