[catfio]

my period was about 3 days late this month and i started my birth control i had been sick since returning from argentina and finally went to the doctor. i hadn't been there in almost a year so they ran a bunch of tests - breathing, ear, urine, blood. as we waited for the next test, the doctor told me there was blood in my urine. he mentioned a sonogram but then went on about other medications for my swollen sinuses. i go back next week but am scared. i thought it was from my pill but according to everyone its not. i don't know what it could be. can someone help me?

[drkaufman]

Catfio: I would defer any questions you have about your missed period to a gynecologist. Regarding the blood found in your urine, or "hematuria", I would definitely followup with your physician. If a repeat urine analysis, performed while you are not menstruating confirms this diagnosis, a referral to a urologist would be the next step. The Urologist may repeat the urine test by catheterizing your bladder for a sample, to rule out the possiblility of blood cells commonly found in the vagina, contaminating the urine sample. The urine sample should be sent for a culture to rule out infection and a urine cytology to examine the specimen for malignant cells. If this final urine test confirms the presence of blood cells and infection is not documented on culture, a CT Scan or Ultrasound of your kidneys should be performed, followed by a Cystoscopy procedure which utilizes a fiberoptic camera, inserted through your urethra to examine the interior of your bladder. Although this procedure is not a "pleasant experience", it only takes about 60 seconds to perform and is tolerated easily by most female patients. If no pathology is discovered during this evaluation, you can be assured that there is no serious cause to the finding of blood cells in your urine. Good Luck!