Male Urinary Problems and Haematuria
Haematuria is the medical term used to describe blood in the urine. Microscopic haematuria means that the blood can only be seen under a microscope whereas gross haematuria means that there is enough blood to be seen with the naked eye.
Blood in the urine can be caused by many conditions, some very serious. These include trauma, cancers, kidney stones, obstructions and urinary infections. Bladder or urinary tract infections are generally caused by bacteria in the urinary system. Most urinary tract infections are caused by the E.Coli (Escherichia coli) bacteria getting inside the bladder.
Urethritis is infection or inflamation of the urethra, which is the tube through which the urine travels to the outside world. Men can have urethritis but present no symptoms at all but common signs of urethritis include:
- Itchiness
- Pain or a burning sensation during urination
- Discharge of puss
- Redness around the tip of the penis
- Urethra opening becoming glued shut by secretions
Urethritis can be caused by various sexually transmitted diseases including Chlamydia which has become very common in recent years. It can also be caused by irritation from substances, including the spermicide that is used inside condoms.
What to do:
If you detect blood in your urine (haematuria) or if you think you have urethritis or a urinary infection don’t ignore it. You must consult a health care professional who can assess your condition and recommend the best course of action. So, make an appointment to visit your G.P. or you might like to visit to this excellent online resource: Your Guide to Mens Health. There you will find details of the services provided by BMI at their two hospitals in London. Both the Kings Oak Hospital in Enfield and the Garden Hospital in Hendon have experienced consultants who will be able to carry out full assessment of your condition and provide you with appropriate treatment. They also provide private GP services with appointments at times to suit you, which you may find more convenient than your own GP.