Can Kidney Stones Cause Blood In Urine?

Finding blood in your urine (also called hematuria) can be a scary experience. It often raises alarm bells—but the cause isn’t always life-threatening. One of the most common reasons for blood in urine is kidney stones. These small, hard mineral deposits can wreak havoc in your urinary tract, and bleeding is often a clear sign that something is wrong.

At Lokmanya Hospital, one of the best hospitals in Pune for kidney stone treatment and urological care, we see hundreds of patients who experience hematuria due to kidney stones. Our multidisciplinary team of nephrologists, urologists, and diagnostic experts provides world-class care for both minor and complex urinary conditions.

Let’s explore how kidney stones cause blood in urine, what symptoms to watch out for, when to seek medical help, and why Lokmanya Hospital should be your first choice for treatment.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are hard crystal-like formations made of minerals and salts that form in the kidneys. They can vary in size—from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. The four main types of stones are:

• Calcium stones (most common)
• Uric acid stones
• Struvite stones
• Cystine stones

These stones can stay in the kidney or travel down the urinary tract, leading to pain, discomfort, and bleeding.

Can Kidney Stones Cause Blood in Urine?

Yes, kidney stones are one of the most common causes of blood in urine (hematuria). When kidney stones form and move through the urinary tract, they often cause irritation and damage, leading to bleeding.

How Does This Happen?

Kidney stones are hard, crystalline mineral deposits that develop inside the kidneys. These stones vary in size, and when they begin to travel from the kidney through the ureter — the narrow tube that connects the kidney to the bladder — they can cause physical trauma to the delicate lining of the urinary tract.

The ureter is a thin, muscular tube, and as the stone passes through it, the rough edges of the stone can scratch or scrape the walls of the ureter. This scraping causes small blood vessels in the lining to rupture, leading to blood leaking into the urine.

Types of Blood in Urine Caused by Kidney Stones:

• Microscopic Hematuria: In many cases, the bleeding is so minor that blood cells are only visible under a microscope during urine testing. This is called microscopic hematuria and often goes unnoticed by the person.
• Gross Hematuria: When the bleeding is more significant, the urine itself may look visibly discolored — pink, red, or even cola-colored. This is called gross hematuria, and it is often alarming for patients.

Why Does Bleeding Happen?

The bleeding caused by kidney stones can be explained by three key factors:

1. Friction: As the stone moves through the narrow ureter, it rubs against and irritates the inner lining (urothelium). This friction causes tiny cuts and abrasions in the tissue, breaking small blood vessels and resulting in bleeding.
2. Inflammation: The presence of a foreign body like a stone irritates the urinary tract and triggers an inflammatory response. Inflammation makes the blood vessels more fragile and prone to leaking, which can worsen the bleeding.
3. Blockage and Pressure: Sometimes, a kidney stone can partially or fully block the flow of urine. This blockage increases pressure inside the kidney and ureter. Increased pressure can cause damage to the delicate tissues and blood vessels, leading to bleeding into the urinary tract.

Common Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Apart from blood in urine, kidney stones usually present with:

• Severe lower back or side pain (often radiating to the groin)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Frequent and painful urination
• Foul-smelling or cloudy urine
• Fever or chills (if infection is present)

If you're experiencing pain and notice blood in urine, it’s time to consult a specialist.

When Should You Be Concerned?

While not all cases of hematuria are dangerous, blood in urine combined with other symptoms (like pain, fever, or nausea) may signal a serious kidney condition.

Seek immediate medical attention if:

• The bleeding lasts more than 24 hours
• You experience intense back or abdominal pain
• You see visible clots in the urine
• You have a known history of kidney stones

Diagnosis and Treatment at Lokmanya Hospital

At Lokmanya Hospital, we offer advanced diagnostics and personalized care for patients with kidney stones and hematuria. Here's how we help:

1. Advanced Diagnostics

We use high-precision tools such as:

• Ultrasound
• CT scans
• Urine tests and blood panels

These help us confirm the presence, size, and location of kidney stones and assess bleeding or infection.

2. Non-Surgical Treatments

For small stones, we offer:

• Increased fluid intake
• Pain relievers
• Alpha-blockers to relax the ureter muscles and ease stone passage

3. Minimally Invasive Surgical Options

For larger or obstructive stones, we provide:

• Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL)
• Ureteroscopy
• Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

We are known for offering the best kidney stone treatment in Pune, with a high success rate and minimal recovery time.

Why Choose Lokmanya Hospital?

At Lokmanya Hospital, we know how alarming kidney stone complications like blood in urine can be. That’s why we ensure rapid, expert diagnosis and treatment backed by advanced technology and highly skilled specialists. Our urology and nephrology departments are among the most trusted in Pune, delivering results with precision and compassion.

We offer 24/7 diagnostic services, real-time imaging, and minimally invasive procedures for quicker recovery. From accurate detection to post-treatment lifestyle guidance, Lokmanya is your reliable partner in long-term kidney health—recognized as one of the best hospitals in Pune for kidney care.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore Blood in Urine

Blood in urine is not something you should ignore. It could be a sign of something as treatable as a small kidney stone—or something more serious like an infection or cancer. The only way to know is through proper medical evaluation.

At Lokmanya Hospital, we make sure every patient receives prompt attention, personalized care, and cutting-edge treatment. If you notice blood in your urine, book your consultation today and take the first step towards peace of mind and lasting health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much blood is too much?
Even a small amount of blood in urine should be evaluated. Visible blood or recurring episodes warrant urgent medical attention.
2. Can small kidney stones cause blood in urine?
Yes. Even tiny stones can cause irritation and bleeding, especially if they are sharp or moving through the ureter.
3. Does blood mean the stone is passing?
Sometimes, yes. Blood in urine may be a sign that the stone is moving through the tract, but it may also indicate obstruction or infection.
4. Can kidney stones cause permanent damage?
If left untreated, large or multiple stones can cause kidney damage, infections, or blockages that require surgical intervention.
5. Is it normal to have blood in urine with kidney stones?
Yes, it's common. Stones scrape against the walls of your urinary tract, causing bleeding.