Exercise induced hematuria

rlh2000

So, raced my first IM sat and did ok but I noticed that when I peed the last time on the run and after the race that I had bright red blood in my urine. It resolved with fluids by the time I got back to the hotel and I understand that it does happen in marathoners about 25% of the time but I have to admit, it freaked me out. Anyone have this happen before?

Scott Giljum

I did just this last summer in my prep for IMWI. For me it was nothing, but the doctor did want me in for testing, so I would suggest that you check with your doc. It can be a bad sign or nothing at all to get worried about but I would say get checked out.

Douglas Sutherland

Hi Ralph,

I'm a urologist up in WA. It is not uncommon to have hematuria induced by exercise. I think most docs would recommend a work-up, that's what the textbook says to do, but odds of it being purely related to exercise are high (Esp cycling, bike seats are not so friendly to urologic parts). Workup means CT scan and cystoscopy - not fun. If you are 50+, smoked tobacco, you should get the work up. Another common response is to have your GP check your urine for blood 3-4 weeks later - if still there get the work up. Regardless, it would be wise to see your doc to make sure there are no other problems that can occur with heavy exercise (rhabdomyolysis, kidney problems, etc) which can be related to hematuria.

DS

Paul Hough

Yes, it happened to me when I was in my 20s training long in the heat. Scared the piss out of me literally! I upped my hydration and haven't had a repeat in decades.

Ralph Moore

Thanks guys,
I am getting some lab work just in case but I have a friend who is a urologist and they told me not to worry about it also.