Hematuria, or the presence of blood in your urine, is an indication that something may be wrong with your health. There are numerous causes for this condition, but also numerous treatment options. At Midtown Urology Associates, men and women from the greater Austin, Texas area have access to highly-trained specialists like Dr. Michael Trotter and Andrew Barger, APRN, who can diagnose and treat the cause of hematuria. To schedule an appointment, call the office or use the simple online scheduling tool today.
Hematuria is simply the presence of blood in your urine. In some cases, you can visually detect the condition because your urine is tinged with a red, pink, or brown color.
However, blood in urine is often impossible to detect with the naked eye. That’s why urinalysis is such an essential part of a basic health screening. Using a dipstick test or examining a urine sample with a microscope are both common ways for your doctor to detect blood cells in your urine.
If blood appears in your urine, your doctor at Midtown Urology Associates uses additional testing methods to determine the cause. They choose the best screening options based on your overall health and medical history. These diagnostic options include:
The results of your screening provide the information needed to create your customized treatment plan. Your doctor at Midtown Urology Associates sits down with you and reviews the available treatment options so that you can make an informed decision.
Prostate cancer occurs when something changes the DNA in your prostate’s cells, triggering either overproduction of cells or deactivation of tumor-suppressing genes. The result is an excessive rate of cell growth with limited checks or controls.
Some genetic mutations are inherited, which is why you have an elevated risk of developing prostate cancer if a close family member also had the disease. Other genetic mutations are acquired, meaning they occur during your lifetime.
Researchers believe that exposure to certain chemicals or radiation can cause cellular damage that leads to prostate cancer. Excessive testosterone levels can also pose a risk, as can uncontrolled inflammation in your prostate gland.
As many as 11.6% of men will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis at some point in their lives. It’s a grave disease, but it’s one that can be effectively treated when detected in the early stages. At Midtown Urology Associates, men from the Austin, Texas, area have access to specialists like Dr. Michael Trotter and Andrew Barger, APRN, who can diagnose and treat prostate cancer. Reach out to the office today over the phone to schedule an appointment or use the simple online booking tool.
The presence of blood in your urine can occur for several reasons. Some are benign, while others indicate a severe medical condition.
Some of the less urgent causes of hematuria include:
Some of the more severe causes of hematuria include:
Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer affecting American men, so early detection is essential to your health. Very often, prostate cancer presents no symptoms in the early stages, which is why screening is critical.
Urologists use a combination of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening and digital rectal exams to search for signs of prostate cancer. These tests become more important as you age, and your doctor at Midtown Urology Associates can assess your risk level and determine when screening is appropriate.
If these tests reveal signs of prostate cancer, a biopsy is usually the next step. If cancer is present, an evaluation of the number of cancerous cells relative to healthy cells follows.
Anyone can develop hematuria, but certain conditions increase your chances of having blood present in your urine. If you experience any of the following issues, be sure to schedule routine physical exams to check for hematuria:
The best way to combat many types of disease is through active preventive measures. Physical exams are part of that process and are the first line of defense in maintaining optimal health.
If you are concerned about hematuria, make an appointment over the phone or online with Midtown Urology Associates at your earliest convenience.
