Peeing blood is never normal and needs urgent medical evaluation, especially in a male. It can be from something minor and treatable, but it can also signal a serious problem.
What it might mean
Blood in urine (called hematuria) can come from anywhere along the urinary tract: kidneys, ureters, bladder, prostate, or urethra. Common causes in males include urinary tract or kidney infections, kidney or bladder stones, prostate enlargement or infection, and less commonly kidney, bladder, or prostate cancer. Sometimes intense exercise, certain medications (like blood thinners), or kidney diseases can also cause blood in the urine.
When it is an emergency
Treat this as urgent, and as an emergency if you notice any of the following:
- Large amounts of blood or blood clots in your urine
- Inability to pee or very little urine coming out
- Fever, chills, flank or back pain, severe lower abdominal pain, feeling very unwell, dizziness, or fainting
These can suggest a serious infection, a blocked urinary tract, or significant bleeding and should be checked in an emergency department.
What you should do now
Because this symptom can indicate serious conditions, the safest next step is:
- Go to the nearest emergency department or urgent care today, especially if this is new, obvious red or cola‑colored urine, or you have any pain, fever, or trouble peeing.
- If you are stable and symptoms are mild, contact a primary care provider or urologist as soon as possible for urine tests, blood tests, and imaging to find the cause.
What not to do
Do not ignore the bleeding or wait to see if it goes away, and do not self‑treat with leftover antibiotics or painkillers, as some medicines can worsen kidney or bleeding problems. Avoid strenuous exercise until a clinician has evaluated you. If you can, seek in‑person care immediately, and if symptoms worsen (more blood, pain, fever, difficulty peeing, feeling faint), call emergency services.
