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Prevention
By Mayo Clinic staffIt's generally not possible to prevent hematuria, though there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of some of the diseases that cause it. Prevention strategies include:
- Urinary tract infections. Drinking plenty of water, urinating when you feel the urge and as soon as possible after intercourse, wiping from front to back after urination, and avoiding irritating feminine hygiene products may reduce your risk of urinary tract infections.
- Kidney stones. To help lower the likelihood of kidney stones, drink lots of water and limit salt, protein and oxalate-containing foods, such as spinach and rhubarb.
- Bladder cancer. Stopping smoking, avoiding exposure to chemicals and drinking plenty of water can cut your risk of bladder cancer.
- Kidney cancer. To help prevent kidney cancer, stop smoking, maintain a healthy weight, eat a healthy diet, stay active and avoid exposure to toxic chemicals.
References
- Gerber GS, et al. Evaluation of the urologic patient: History, physical examination, and urinalysis. Wein AJ, et al. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/151836479-3/0/1445/6.html?tocnode=54299533&fromURL=6.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-7216-0798-6..50005-4_96. Accessed Aug. 2, 2011.
- Rose BD, et al. Evaluation of hematuria in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 1, 2011.
- Margulis V, et al. Assessment of hematuria. Medical Clinics of North America. 2011;95:153.
- Sandhu KS, et al. Gross and microscopic hematuria: Guidelines for obstetricians and gynecologists. Obstetrical and Gynecological Survey. 2009;64:39.
- Jimbo M. Evaluation and management of hematuria. Primary Care Clinics in Office Practice. 2010;37:461.
- McDonald MM, et al. Assessment of microscopic hematuria in adults. American Family Physician. 2006;73:1748.
- Mercieri A. Exercise-induced hematuria. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 1, 2011.
- Urinary tract infections: What you need to know. National Kidney & Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/KUDiseases/pubs/uti_ES/index.aspx. Accessed Aug. 2, 2011.
- Hematuria (blood in the urine). National Kidney & Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/KUDiseases/pubs/hematuria/. Accessed Aug. 2, 2011.
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