Blood in urine

When and where to get medical help

If you think you have blood in your pee, you need to get it checked, even if there's only a small amount or you're not sure it's blood.

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

• you have blood in your pee or think you may have blood in your pee

Blood in your pee may be bright pink, red or dark brown.

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online .

Cancer risk

Blood in your pee must be checked out because it can be a sign of cancer. Cancer may be easier to treat if it's found early.

What happens at your appointment

If you have blood in your pee, a GP will ask about your symptoms and may need to check inside your bottom (rectal examination) or your vagina.

They might also:

• ask you for a pee sample or arrange a blood test
• prescribe antibiotics if they think you have an infection
• refer you to a specialist for tests

Causes of blood in urine

Blood in your pee could come from anywhere in the urinary tract – the bladder, kidneys or urethra (the tube that carries pee out of the body).

If you have other symptoms, this might give you an idea of the cause. But do not self-diagnose. See a GP if you think it's blood in your pee.

When it might be something else

It may not be blood in your pee if:

• you've recently eaten beetroot – this can turn your pee pink
• you're taking a new medicine – some medicines can turn pee red or brown
• you're bleeding from your bottom instead
• it's happening during your period
• you're bleeding from your vagina between periods

Blood in urine

Blood in urine

If you have blood in your pee, a GP will ask about your symptoms and may ask for a pee sample or arrange a blood test.

Common causes of blood in pee include urinary tract infections, kidney stones and an enlarged prostate.