Can Stress Cause Blood in the Urine? Reasons This Might Happen
Sometimes, being stressed can affect your physical health. There are many changes you go through when feeling mentally low, but what about bloody urine? We explain how stress might cause blood in your urine and 5 ways to calm the mind.
Being stressed can dampen your mental and physical health.
You might wake up with chest pain or digestive problems. Some people could experience migraines during intense emotional distress. These physical symptoms can be frightening when you’re already suffering from anxious thoughts and feelings.
One symptom might be bloody urine. Seeing blood after going to the toilet may be alarming, but there are reasons for this sudden change. Learning about the potential causes of blood in your urine could prevent it from happening again.
In this article, you’ll discover whether stress causes blood in the urine.
Can Stress Cause Blood in the Urine?
Yes, stress may weaken your urinary tract and increase the risk of certain infections. The mind and body are connected in many ways. So, if your mental health is compromised, your physical well-being will most likely suffer too.
A study found that chronic stress can negatively impact your bladder function. This means your body’s natural ability to fight off germs is weakened. You may experience a kidney infection or several urinary tract infections when being stressed constantly.
Common symptoms of these unpleasant problems are bloody urine, stomach cramps, and burning sensations when urinating. The bacteria infect the lining of your urinary tract, which causes red blood cells to leak out and be visibly present in the urine.
You should find ways to reduce high levels of stress. This ensures you’re not experiencing self-destructive behavior that damages your physical health. Being more stressed increases the risk of kidney problems and a painful urinary tract infection.
Can anxiety cause changes in the urine?
Being anxious can definitely cause changes in your urine. You might have deep yellow urine due to dehydration from excessive sweating. Frequent urination also means you’re putting pressure on the bladder by tensing your muscles.
Dealing with anxiety is also another cause of emotional stress. The body is constantly on edge and can’t function properly due to huge fears or personal worries. Because of this, you’re more susceptible to urinary tract symptoms and bowel problems.
Consider going for a long run or a morning walk to relieve anxiety. Regular exercise has been known to reduce stress and ease your mind. Speak with your doctor if you notice persistent symptoms like lower back pain and blood clots in the urine.
What Can Be the Causes of Hematuria (Blood in the Urine)?
Hematuria is the presence of blood in your urine. Common causes of this might be kidney stones, UTIs, pyelonephritis, endometriosis, or bladder cancer. Most of these occurrences are easily treatable when you seek professional advice.
Seeing blood in your urine can be alarming. You can’t always determine the cause of it straight away, especially when it’s not accompanied by other symptoms. However, bloody urine shouldn’t be ignored, so reach out for medical help as soon as possible.
The most common cause of microscopic hematuria could be lower urinary tract disorders. Serious constipation, sexual intercourse, birth control, dehydration, and feminine products are reasons why you might get a UTI with urinary bleeding.
Should I Worry About the Blood in My Urine?
You should worry when urinary bleeding is accompanied by other symptoms, like burning sensations, back pain, blood clots, and chronic fatigue. This might be a sign you have bladder cancer or a serious untreated medical condition.
Consult with your doctor if you notice blood in the urine. There’s a good chance you’re just experiencing lower urinary tract symptoms. Don’t panic when you observe this change, but always take it seriously when mentioning it to a healthcare professional. Some probiotic strains might help to combat unpleasant UTIs symptoms.
One thing to note is that gross hematuria is common in those with high blood pressure and large kidneys. People with high blood pressure may have an increased risk of kidney disease – a chronic condition that leaks small amounts of blood into your urine.
When to Visit a Doctor?
You should always call your doctor as soon as you notice bloody urine. A quick appointment ensures the symptoms don’t worsen. Dealing with this physical change for an extended period could cause you more distress and discomfort.
Dealing with more serious symptoms may require urgent medical attention. These might be shooting pains in the stomach or blood clots in your urine. Signs of bladder or kidney cancer usually develop over time and cause more symptoms around the body.
Consider booking an appointment when you experience the following:
- Blood clots in the urine
- Lower back pain
- Constant fever
- Stomach lumps
- Loss of appetite
- Chronic fatigue
- Inability to urinate
5 Ways to Cope With Stress and Anxiety
There are ways you can reduce stress and anxiety symptoms. People who improve their mental health are more likely to experience fewer physical problems. Just remember that everyone is different and may need further professional help.
Here are 5 ways you can cope with stress and anxiety:
#1 Keep a journal
Documenting your daily thoughts and feelings can reduce stress. A study found that journaling focuses on releasing negative emotions. You have the chance to express how you feel without bottling it up or forming bad habits because of paranoid thoughts.
#2 Stay active
People who exercise regularly usually have better mental health.
Going for a long-distance run or jogging session can relieve stress. This is because exercise stimulates the production of endorphins – happy hormones that make you feel good. Try implementing more workouts into your day to stop experiencing stress.
Aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week. Morning walks on the treadmill, and running sessions are great for improving your overall well-being.
#3 Try guided meditation
Practicing guided meditation could calm your mind and body. Consider looking for audios or videos that show you how to meditate properly. Meditation is supposed to clear the mind of negative thoughts and emotions that might cause bad reactions.
If you’re new to meditation, you may benefit from having a mental health app that contains a variety of guided meditation sessions.
#4 Maintain good nutrition
Focusing more on your balanced diet could prevent frequent binge eating episodes. Not eating the right food is bound to cause stress and digestive problems. Consume more protein, dietary fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats to keep your body in great condition.
#5 See your therapist
Speaking to a therapist is one effective way to improve your mental health. You might need someone to listen and understand your feelings. Therapists are also there to offer professional advice and provide exercises that calm your mind during stressful times.
A Word From a Psychologist
Finding blood in your urine can be a scary sight when you don’t understand the cause. Some people may assume the worst in this case. Of course, it’s only natural to panic, but the answer might be kidney stones, blood pressure spikes, or a urinary tract infection.
Bloody urine may also be accompanied by painful urination, stomach cramps, and pressure in your bladder. These symptoms are easily cleared with medication and lots of hydration, so it’s worth consulting with your doctor to eliminate this change.
Also, consider reducing your stress levels to prevent an infection or kidney stone. It’s important to protect both your physical and mental state. Remember that going for a simple walk or drinking more water throughout the day can prevent bloody urine.
Conclusion
So, can stress really cause bloody urine?
Being stressed constantly increases the chance of painful infections and bladder problems. You may need to get a urine test at your doctor’s appointment. Just make sure to seek medical help when you can to avoid symptoms from progressing.