Hematuria, or blood in the urine, can result from a number of causes, including exercise. Most common in long distance runners, it can occur after any type of prolonged, intense physical activity. In most causes, it is no cause for concern but you should consult with a doctor when experiencing it for the first time to rule out other possible underlying causes.
Causes of Exercise-Induced Hematuria
The exact cause of exercised-induced hematuria remains unclear but might result from various scenarios. Trauma to the bladder walls during exercise can cause bruising and bleeding. Exercise might also interfere with the process of filtering the urine from the bloodstream, allowing red blood cells to mix with it. During intense exercise, the body can redirect blood flow away from the kidney, causing red blood cells to leak into the urine though why this happens has not been determined explains Dr. Carol L. Otis of SportsDoctor. Lastly ,the release of hemoglobin, the protein that gives red blood cells their color, into the urine due to damage to the cells during exercise might also cause hematuria. Exercise physiologist Andrew Bosch explains this last cause would probably only result in someone who has fragile red blood cells.
Ruling Out Underlying Conditions
While the blood in your urine is most likely from exercise, it could indicate the presence of other conditions that could cause this same symptom. For this reason, you should see your doctor to rule them out. Possible underlying causes include urinary tract infections, kidney stones or other conditions affecting the kidney, an enlarged prostate or certain types of cancer.
Prevention
No surefire way exists to prevent bloody urine after exercise but certain measures might help. Bosch says that the trauma to the bladder walls might intensify when empty. He recommends that you do not fully void your bladder before exercise to prevent the walls from jarring against each other. Stay well-hydrated during exercise as well as on a continuous basis -- dehydration will cause a greater degree of blood being shunted from the kidney as well as the subsequent bleeding explains Otis. If you continue to experience blood in the urine when exercising, do not become too distressed -- as long as you have ruled out other causes, it should not cause any damage.
When to See a Doctor
You should seek medical attention if the blood remains beyond three days. See your doctor right away if symptoms like low back pain or fever accompany the hematuria.
