Urethral bleeding
Summary: Usually due to prostatic disease but requires referral to exclude an intra-vesical problem
Advice: Urethral bleeding (urethrorrhagia) usually arises from a point distal to the bladder neck and is almost invariably benign in origin
Refer To: Fast-Track Haematuria clinic for older patient; any adult urologist for younger patients
Contents:
- Younger patients (< 45 years)
- Older patients (> 45 years)
- Fast-Track referral forms (medical staff only)
Younger patients (< 45 years)
Urethral bleeing is almost invariably benign in this age group. The commonest causes are urethritis, benign urethral polyps and prostatic bleeding.
Full investigation is usually needed, including cystourethroscopy, and patients should be referred generically to a normal clinic.
Older patients (> 45 years)
Urethral bleeding in this age group usually originates from the prostate gland.
Patients should be referred to the Fast-track Haematuria clinic using the standard referral form.