When should you see a doctor about blood in urine?

Blood may be visible or found only on a urine test. A urinary tract infection can cause burning and frequent urination; kidney stones may cause sharp side or back pain. Kidney infection can bring fever and feeling unwell. Prostate conditions and urinary tract cancers are also possible, so appearance alone cannot show the cause.

Contact a clinician for assessment and mention whether the urine was pink, red, or brown, whether clots were present, and whether you have pain, fever, or urinary changes. Bring a list of medicines and supplements. Do not self-treat with leftover antibiotics; testing helps select appropriate care.

Get urgent help if you cannot pass urine, pass large clots, have severe flank pain, feel faint, or have fever with shaking chills and vomiting. Prompt review is also needed for recurrent or painless bleeding, even when you otherwise feel well.

Ask whether you need urine culture, blood tests, imaging, or specialist review; how to manage pain safely; and which warning signs mean you should return urgently.