How common is blood in urine in benign prostatic hyperplasia?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. Enlarged prostate tissue can develop delicate surface blood vessels that bleed into the urine. The urine may look pink, red, or brown, and bleeding may be intermittent. Urinary infection, stones, kidney conditions, injury, medicines, and cancers can also cause blood in urine. The colour alone does not identify where bleeding started.

Arrange a medical appointment whenever you notice blood in urine, even if it clears. A clinician may ask about burning, fever, flank pain, urine flow, clots, recent exercise, and medicines. Testing can look for infection or blood cells, while further assessment may be needed to locate the source. Mention any known prostate enlargement and do not stop prescribed medicines without advice.

Seek urgent medical care if you cannot pass urine, pass large clots, have severe lower abdominal or flank pain, fever with shaking, faintness, or heavy ongoing bleeding. Prompt review is also needed if urine becomes markedly reduced or you feel very unwell. These situations can signal blockage, infection, or significant blood loss and require assessment without delay.

Ask which tests are appropriate to investigate the bleeding, whether your urinary symptoms suggest prostate enlargement, and how your medicines may affect bleeding. Tell the clinician if you take blood-thinning medicine or have previously had stones, urinary infections, or urological procedures.