Does kidney stones cause blood in urine?

Blood may make urine pink, red, or brown, or it may be visible only on testing. A stone can scrape or inflame the lining of the kidney or ureter as it moves. Side, back, or groin pain, nausea, urinary urgency, and pain when passing urine may occur at the same time. Blood in urine can also result from infection, medicines, exercise, or other urinary and kidney conditions, so it should not be attributed to a stone without assessment.

Arrange medical assessment for visible blood in urine or blood found on a test, particularly when it is new or recurring. Tell the clinician about pain, fever, clots, medicines, and any urinary difficulty. Urine testing and sometimes imaging can help identify a stone or another cause. Keep a note of the urine colour and associated symptoms, and use only clinician-approved pain relief.

Get urgent help if blood clots stop urine flow, you cannot pass urine, bleeding is heavy, or you have severe pain, fever, chills, repeated vomiting, faintness, or confusion. A combination of infection symptoms and possible blockage needs rapid assessment. Do not wait at home if you are becoming weak or unable to keep fluids down.

Ask whether the blood needs repeat urine testing, whether imaging is appropriate, and what findings would support a stone. Ask which changes require urgent review and what follow-up is needed if the bleeding continues after pain improves.