If your urine suddenly looks cloudy, hazy, or milky, you may wonder what’s causing the change. Sometimes cloudy urine is harmless and goes away after you drink more fluids. Other times, it can be a sign of an infection, kidney stone, or another urinary problem.
What Causes Cloudy Urine?
Several conditions can make urine look cloudy. Your other symptoms often provide the biggest clue about the cause.
Dehydration
One of the most common cloudy urine causes is dehydration. When you don’t drink enough fluids, your urine becomes more concentrated. Along with looking darker yellow, it may also appear cloudy. If dehydration is the cause, drinking more water usually clears the problem.
Urinary Tract Infection
A urinary tract infection (UTI) can make urine look cloudy because white blood cells and bacteria can build up in the urine.
Other symptoms may include:
- Burning during urination
- A frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Blood in the urine
- Pelvic discomfort
If you also have fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or pain in your back or side, seek medical care promptly because the infection may have spread to your kidneys.
Urine Crystals and Kidney Stones
Urine naturally contains minerals that can form tiny crystals. Most pass without causing problems, but larger crystals can join together to form kidney stones.
Kidney stones may cause cloudy urine along with severe back or side pain, blood in the urine, nausea, painful urination, or a frequent urge to urinate. Stone pain often comes in waves and should be evaluated promptly.
Bladder Stones
Bladder stones usually develop when the bladder doesn’t empty completely. They can irritate the bladder, cause bleeding or infection, and make urine appear cloudy. Other symptoms include lower abdominal pain, a weak urine stream, frequent urination, or difficulty emptying the bladder.
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause inflammation or discharge that mixes with urine and makes it look cloudy. Pain during urination, itching, irritation, or discharge from the penis or vagina may also occur. Testing is important so you can receive the right treatment.
Kidney Disease
Kidney disease can allow protein or blood cells to leak into the urine, making it appear cloudy or foamy. Swelling, high blood pressure, or changes in how much you urinate are also reasons to see a doctor.
Cloudy Urine in Men and Women
In women, vaginal discharge, cervical mucus, menstrual blood, or a vaginal infection can make urine appear cloudy.
In men, semen may temporarily make urine look cloudy after ejaculation. Prostatitis, an inflammation of the prostate, can also cause cloudy urine along with pelvic pain, painful urination, fever, or a weak urine stream.
How Is Cloudy Urine Diagnosed?
Your doctor will usually start with a urinalysis to look for signs of infection, blood, protein, crystals, and other abnormalities. If an infection is suspected, a urine culture may also be ordered to identify the bacteria and guide treatment.
When to See a Doctor for Cloudy Urine
Cloudy urine isn’t always a sign of a serious problem, but you should schedule an evaluation if it lasts more than a few days, keeps coming back, or occurs with:
- Burning during urination
- Frequent or urgent urination
- Blood in the urine
- Pelvic pain
- Difficulty emptying your bladder
- Fever, chills, or severe back or side pain
Treatment for Cloudy Urine Causes in Eugene-Springfield
Many cloudy urine causes are easy to treat once the underlying problem is identified. Whether the cause is dehydration, a urinary tract infection, kidney stones, prostatitis, or another urinary condition, getting the right diagnosis is the first step toward feeling better.
At Oregon Urology Institute, we help patients throughout the Eugene-Springfield area diagnose and treat urinary problems, including frequent urination, overactive bladder, urinary tract infections, and prostate conditions. Call (541) 334-3350 to schedule a consultation and discuss your questions, goals, and next steps.