What should you know about dark brown blood in urine?

Blood can tint urine pink, red, tea-coloured, or brown, and small amounts may not be visible without testing. Kidney stones can irritate the urinary tract and cause waves of pain. A urinary tract infection, kidney infection, or prostatitis may cause burning, urgency, fever, or pain. Benign prostate enlargement can affect urine flow. Bladder cancer, prostate cancer, and sickle cell disease are also conditions a clinician may consider; blood in urine does not by itself establish any diagnosis.

Contact a healthcare professional rather than trying to diagnose the colour at home. Record when it started, whether clots are present, and any pain, fever, burning, urgency, or change in urine flow. Mention strenuous activity, injuries, menstrual bleeding, new medicines, and previous stones or infections. A clinician may use urine testing, examination, and further tests to locate the source.

Seek urgent care if urine contains clots, you cannot pass urine, bleeding is heavy, or you have severe flank or abdominal pain. Fever with back pain, shaking chills, vomiting, faintness, or confusion also needs urgent attention. Even painless visible blood should be reviewed promptly, particularly when it recurs or has no clear explanation.

Ask whether the urine should be tested for blood, infection, or other pigments, and whether imaging or specialist review is needed. Explain whether the colour is constant or intermittent, whether pain accompanies it, and whether you have urinary symptoms or a history of kidney stones, prostate problems, or sickle cell disease.