Blood in Urine: Can Kidney Stones Be the Cause?

Noticing blood in your urine can be worrying. Sometimes the urine looks pink, red or brown. In other cases, the blood is present in such small amounts that a routine urine examination usually detects it.

One possible cause is kidney stones. These hard deposits can develop in the kidneys and may cause bleeding when they irritate or injure the lining of the urinary tract. However, kidney stones are not the only reason blood may appear in urine. Urinary tract infections, prostate conditions, kidney diseases and, in some cases, cancers of the urinary system can also cause this symptom.

You should never ignore blood in your urine, even if it appears only once or disappears without treatment. At Jyoti Hospital, Gurugram, our urology team assess urinary symptoms, identify possible causes and recommend treatment based on the diagnosis.

What Is Blood in Urine (Hematuria)?

The medical term for blood in the urine is hematuria. It occurs when red blood cells enter the urine somewhere along the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.

Our doctors generally classify hematuria into two types:

1. Visible Hematuria

Visible hematuria, also called gross hematuria, occurs when there is enough blood to change the colour of the urine. It may look:

Pink or light red
Bright red
Dark red
Brown or tea-coloured

The amount of visible blood does not always indicate how serious the underlying condition is. Even a small amount of bleeding should be evaluated.

2. Microscopic Hematuria

Microscopic hematuria means that red blood cells are present in the urine but cannot be seen with the naked eye. It is usually detected during a routine urine examination.

A person may have microscopic hematuria without pain or any other urinary symptoms. Even when there are no noticeable symptoms, the cause may need further investigation.

Can Kidney Stones Cause Blood in Urine?

Yes. Kidney stones are a common possible cause of blood in the urine.

Kidney stones are hard deposits made from minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. Some stones remain in the kidney without causing symptoms, while others move into the ureter, the narrow tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder.

When a stone moves through the urinary tract, it can rub against or irritate the delicate inner lining. This may damage small blood vessels and allow blood to mix with the urine.

Bleeding can occur when:

A stone moves within the kidney and irritates the surrounding tissue.
A stone enters the ureter and scratches its inner lining.
A stone becomes lodged in the urinary tract and causes inflammation.
A stone obstructs the flow of urine, leading to pressure and irritation.

The blood may be visible, making the urine appear pink, red or brown. In other cases, the bleeding is microscopic and can only be identified through a urine test.

It is important to remember that the presence of blood in urine does not automatically mean that kidney stones are responsible. A proper medical evaluation is needed to confirm the cause.

What Are the Symptoms of Blood in Urine Due to Kidney Stones?

Blood in the urine caused by kidney stones may occur with other symptoms, although the exact experience varies depending on the stone’s size and location.

Pain in the Side or Back
- A stone moving from the kidney into the ureter can cause pain in the side or back, often below the ribs. This pain may be sharp, severe or cramping.
Pain That Spreads Towards the Lower Abdomen or Groin
- As a stone moves down the ureter, the pain may travel from the side or back towards the lower abdomen, groin or genital area. The location of the pain can change as the stone moves.
Burning Sensation During Urination
- A stone near the bladder may cause irritation and discomfort while passing urine. However, burning during urination can also indicate a urinary tract infection.
Frequent Urge to Urinate
- When a stone approaches the bladder, it may create a frequent or urgent need to pass urine. Some people feel that they need to urinate repeatedly but pass only small amounts.
Nausea and Vomiting
- Severe pain from a kidney stone can trigger nausea and vomiting. These symptoms may occur along with sweating and restlessness.
Cloudy or Unusual-Smelling Urine
- Urine may appear cloudy or have an unusual smell, particularly if an infection is also present. These symptoms should not be assumed to be caused by a stone alone.

Some people with kidney stones have blood in their urine without experiencing severe pain. Therefore, the absence of pain does not rule out a urinary stone or another important urinary condition.

Can Blood in Urine Occur Without Pain?

Yes. Blood in the urine can occur without pain, particularly when the bleeding is caused by conditions that do not produce significant irritation or obstruction.

Painless visible hematuria should never be ignored. Although kidney stones can sometimes cause bleeding without severe pain, painless blood in the urine can also be associated with bladder, kidney or prostate conditions, including cancer.

Our doctors at Jyoti Hospital recommend medical assessment even if the bleeding occurs only once, disappears on its own or is not accompanied by discomfort.

What Other Conditions Can Cause Blood in Urine?

Kidney stones are only one possible cause of hematuria. Other conditions that may lead to bleeding include:

1. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

A urinary tract infection can cause inflammation of the bladder, urethra or other parts of the urinary system. Symptoms may include burning during urination, frequent urination, lower abdominal discomfort, cloudy urine and sometimes fever.

2. Kidney Infection

An infection involving the kidney may cause blood in the urine along with fever, chills, pain in the side or back, nausea and vomiting. Prompt medical attention is important.

3. Enlarged Prostate

In men, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or enlargement of the prostate, can sometimes be associated with blood in the urine. It may also cause a weak urine stream, difficulty starting urination, frequent urination and incomplete bladder emptying.

4. Kidney Diseases

Certain kidney conditions can damage the tiny filtering structures inside the kidneys. This may allow blood cells to pass into the urine. Depending on the condition, a person may also develop swelling, high blood pressure or changes in kidney function.

5. Bladder or Kidney Cancer

Tumours in the bladder or kidneys can cause blood in the urine. Bleeding may be painless and may come and go. This is one reason why visible hematuria needs proper investigation, even when no other symptoms are present.

6. Injury or Trauma

An injury involving the kidneys, bladder or other parts of the urinary tract can cause bleeding. The severity depends on the location and extent of the injury.

7. Certain Medicines and Other Factors

Some medicines, including blood-thinning medications, may increase the likelihood or visibility of bleeding. Strenuous exercise can also sometimes cause temporary hematuria. However, these possibilities should not be used as a reason to dismiss unexplained blood in the urine.

How Is the Cause of Blood in Urine Diagnosed?

The aim of diagnosis is to identify where the bleeding is coming from and determine whether it is related to kidney stones, infection, prostate enlargement, kidney disease or another condition.

At Jyoti Hospital, our doctors recommend one or more of the following tests based on the patient’s symptoms, medical history, age and risk factors.

1. Medical History and Symptom Assessment

Our doctor will ask when the bleeding started, whether it is visible, whether it occurs throughout urination and whether it has happened before.

Other details may include:

Pain in the back, side, abdomen or groin
Burning or difficulty while urinating
Fever or chills
Previous kidney stones or urinary infections
Smoking history
Current medicines, including blood thinners

These details help guide the choice of further investigations.

2. Urine Routine and Microscopy

A urine test helps confirm the presence of red blood cells. It may also identify white blood cells, bacteria, protein or other abnormalities that can suggest infection or kidney-related conditions.

If an infection is suspected, a urine culture may be advised to identify the bacteria responsible and help select an appropriate antibiotic.

3. Blood Tests

Blood tests may be recommended to assess kidney function and check for signs of infection or other abnormalities. Tests such as serum creatinine can help determine how well the kidneys are functioning.

4. Ultrasound of the Kidneys, Ureters and Bladder

An ultrasound can help identify kidney stones, swelling of the kidneys due to urinary obstruction, bladder abnormalities and other structural changes.

It is a useful initial imaging test, although very small stones or stones in certain parts of the ureter may not always be clearly visible.

5. CT Scan

A CT scan, particularly a non-contrast CT scan of the urinary tract, may be recommended when kidney stones are suspected. It can help identify the size, number and location of stones and assess whether they are causing obstruction.

If the cause of hematuria remains unclear or another condition is suspected, a different imaging protocol may be needed.

6. Cystoscopy

Cystoscopy involves passing a thin instrument with a camera through the urethra to examine the inside of the bladder. It allows the doctor to look for sources of bleeding, such as bladder stones, inflammation or abnormal growths.

Depending on the patient’s age and risk factors, cystoscopy may be an important part of evaluating visible or persistent blood in the urine.

7. Additional Tests When Required

Some patients may need further investigations depending on the initial findings. These may include specialised imaging, urine tests or kidney-related evaluations.

Not every patient needs every test. Our urologist determines the appropriate investigations based on the suspected cause and the patient’s individual risk factors.

How Is Blood in Urine Due to Kidney Stones Treated?

Treatment depends on the size and location of the stone, whether it is blocking urine flow, the severity of symptoms and whether an infection is present.

The main objective is to manage the stone safely, relieve symptoms and prevent complications.

1. Observation and Medical Management

Small stones may pass naturally through the urinary tract. When it is medically appropriate, the doctor may recommend observation, adequate fluid intake and medicines to control pain.

In selected patients, medicines such as alpha-blockers may be prescribed to help a ureteric stone pass. These medicines are not suitable for every stone or every patient.

Follow-up may be needed to confirm that the stone has passed and that there is no ongoing obstruction.

2. Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) uses focused shock waves to break a stone into smaller fragments. These fragments can then pass through the urinary tract in the urine.

ESWL may be considered for selected kidney or ureteric stones. Its suitability depends on factors such as stone size, location, hardness and the patient’s anatomy.

3. Ureteroscopy (URS)

Ureteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure in which a thin instrument is passed through the urethra and bladder into the ureter. The urologist locates the stone and may use a laser to break it into smaller pieces.

The fragments are then removed or allowed to pass naturally, depending on the situation.

4. Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS)

RIRS is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat selected kidney stones. A flexible ureteroscope is passed through the natural urinary passage into the kidney.

A laser is used to break the stone into smaller fragments. RIRS may be recommended depending on the stone’s size, location and other clinical factors.

5. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

PCNL is generally used for larger or complex kidney stones. The surgeon creates a small opening through the skin of the back to reach the kidney and remove the stone using specialised instruments.

Mini-PCNL is a variation that uses a smaller access tract in selected cases.

At Jyoti Hospital, our urology team evaluates the stone’s characteristics and the patient’s overall health before recommending a suitable treatment, which may include endoscopic or laser-based procedures.

Can Kidney Stones Cause Serious Complications?

Many kidney stones can be treated successfully, but certain situations require urgent attention.

Urinary Tract Obstruction: A stone can block the flow of urine from the kidney. This may cause pressure to build up inside the kidney, leading to swelling known as hydronephrosis.
- If the obstruction persists, it can affect kidney function.
Infection Along With Obstruction: A particularly serious situation occurs when a stone blocks urine flow and an infection develops behind the obstruction. This can lead to a severe infection and may become life-threatening.

Fever, chills, severe weakness or feeling very unwell in someone with a suspected kidney stone requires urgent medical assessment. Treatment may involve antibiotics and emergency drainage of the obstructed urinary system. Definitive stone removal is usually planned after the infection is controlled.

3. Recurrent Bleeding

A stone may continue to irritate the urinary tract and cause repeated episodes of bleeding. However, persistent or recurring blood in the urine should be investigated rather than automatically attributed to a known stone.

When Should You See a Urologist for Blood in Urine?

You should consult our urologist if:

You notice pink, red or brown urine.
A urine test detects blood, even when the urine looks normal.
Blood in the urine occurs more than once.
You have a history of kidney stones and notice new bleeding.
You experience pain in the side, back, lower abdomen or groin.
You have burning, frequent urination or difficulty passing urine.
You notice blood in the urine without any pain.

Do not wait for the bleeding to become severe or happen repeatedly. Even if the urine returns to its normal colour, the underlying cause may still need treatment.

When Is Blood in Urine an Emergency?

Seek urgent medical attention if blood in the urine occurs with any of the following:

Fever or chills, particularly when a kidney stone is suspected
Severe pain in the side, back or abdomen
Inability to pass urine
Blood clots in the urine, especially if they interfere with urination
Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
Dizziness, fainting or severe weakness

These symptoms may indicate obstruction, infection, significant bleeding or another condition that requires prompt treatment.

Can Blood in Urine Be Prevented?

Prevention depends on the underlying cause. If kidney stones are responsible, certain lifestyle measures may help reduce the risk of stone formation.

Drink Enough Water: Adequate fluid intake helps dilute urine and reduces the concentration of minerals that can form stones. The amount of water needed varies with climate, activity level, health conditions and medical advice.
Reduce Excess Salt: High salt intake can increase the amount of calcium passed into the urine, which may contribute to certain types of kidney stones. Limiting excessive salt and processed foods can help reduce this risk.
Follow a Balanced Diet: Appropriate amounts of fruits, vegetables and dietary calcium support kidney stone prevention. Dietary recommendations should be based on the type of stone rather than following unnecessary food restrictions.
Do Not Ignore Urinary Symptoms: Burning, frequent urination, difficulty passing urine or repeated episodes of blood in the urine should be assessed. Early diagnosis can help identify infections, stones and other urinary conditions before complications develop.
Attend Follow-Up Appointments: People who have had kidney stones may need follow-up imaging or stone analysis. In patients with recurrent stones, additional tests may help identify the factors contributing to stone formation.

How Jyoti Hospital Can Help

Blood in the urine can have several causes, and identifying the correct one is essential for choosing appropriate treatment. At Jyoti Hospital, Gurugram, our urology team evaluates patients with urinary symptoms, including suspected kidney stones and unexplained hematuria.

Depending on the clinical findings, our doctors recommend urine and blood tests, imaging investigations or further evaluation of the bladder and urinary tract.

For patients diagnosed with kidney stones, treatment options may include observation, ESWL, ureteroscopy (URS), RIRS, PCNL or mini-PCNL, depending on the stone’s size, location and complexity.

Our approach focuses on identifying the cause of bleeding, treating the underlying condition and reducing the risk of recurrence.

Final Thoughts

Yes, kidney stones can cause blood in the urine. A stone may irritate or damage the lining of the urinary tract, allowing blood to mix with urine. This may happen with severe pain, mild discomfort or sometimes without noticeable pain.

However, blood in the urine should never be assumed to be caused by kidney stones without proper evaluation. Urinary infections, prostate conditions, kidney diseases and cancers of the urinary tract can also produce this symptom.

If you notice blood in your urine, consult our urologist at Jyoti Hospital, Gurugram, to identify the cause. Early evaluation can help ensure that the right condition is treated and that potentially serious problems are not missed.

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FAQs

Can kidney stones cause blood in urine?
- Yes. Kidney stones can irritate or injure the lining of the kidneys or ureters as they move through the urinary tract. This can cause visible or microscopic blood in the urine.
Does blood in urine always mean kidney stones?
- No. Blood in urine can also occur due to urinary tract infections, kidney infections, prostate conditions, kidney diseases, injuries and cancers of the urinary system. Testing is needed to identify the cause.
Which test can detect kidney stones causing blood in urine?
- Ultrasound and CT scans are commonly used to detect kidney stones. A urine test can confirm the presence of blood, while additional investigations may be needed to rule out other causes.
Can kidney stones cause blood clots in urine?
- Kidney stones can cause bleeding, and blood may occasionally form clots. If you pass clots or have difficulty urinating, seek urgent medical attention.
When should I visit a urologist for blood in urine?
- You should consult our urologist whenever you notice visible blood in your urine or when a urine test detects unexplained blood. Seek urgent care if bleeding occurs with fever, chills, severe pain, clots or difficulty passing urine.