Can a urinary tract infection (UTI) cause hematuria while wiping?

Urinary Tract Infections Can Cause Blood While Wiping

Yes, a urinary tract infection (UTI) can cause hematuria (blood in urine) that may be visible when wiping. 1 UTIs are one of the most common causes of both microscopic and macroscopic hematuria.

Understanding Hematuria in UTIs

• Hematuria can present in two forms:

  • Macroscopic (gross) hematuria - visible blood in urine that can be seen with the naked eye 1
  • Microscopic hematuria - blood in urine only detectable under microscope (≥3 red blood cells per high-power field) 1

• UTIs commonly cause inflammation of the urinary tract lining, which can lead to bleeding and subsequent hematuria that may be noticed while wiping 2

• The presence of blood while wiping in a UTI is often accompanied by other symptoms such as:

  • Dysuria (painful urination)
  • Increased urinary frequency and urgency
  • New or worsening incontinence
  • Suprapubic pain or tenderness 2

Common Causes of UTI-Related Hematuria

• Bacterial infection of the bladder (cystitis) is the most common cause 2

  • Escherichia coli is responsible for approximately 75% of recurrent UTIs 2
  • Other common organisms include Enterococcus faecalis, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus 2

• The inflammation caused by these bacteria damages the urinary tract lining, leading to bleeding that may be noticed when wiping 1

When to Seek Medical Attention

• Any instance of blood while wiping warrants medical evaluation, as it could indicate a UTI or other urological condition 1

• Symptoms requiring prompt medical attention include:

  • Visible blood in urine
  • Dysuria with fever
  • Flank pain or costovertebral angle tenderness
  • Persistent symptoms despite self-care measures 2

Diagnosis and Management

• Diagnosis typically involves:

  • Urine dipstick test followed by microscopic urinalysis to confirm hematuria 1, 3
  • Urine culture to identify the causative organism and guide antibiotic therapy 2

• Treatment typically includes:

  • Appropriate antimicrobial therapy based on local resistance patterns 2
  • Adequate hydration to promote more frequent urination 2
  • Pain management for dysuria symptoms 2

Important Considerations

• While UTIs are a common cause of blood while wiping, other conditions should be considered, including:

  • Urolithiasis (kidney stones)
  • Trauma to the urinary tract
  • Malignancy (especially in adults over 35)
  • Glomerular diseases 1, 4

• Blood while wiping in women may sometimes be confused with menstrual bleeding, so careful assessment is important 1

• Anticoagulant medications may increase the visibility of bleeding from a UTI but do not cause hematuria on their own 1

Remember that persistent or recurrent hematuria requires thorough evaluation, even after a UTI has been treated, to rule out other underlying conditions 3, 4.