Why Is Your Urine Cloudy?
Why Is Your Urine Cloudy?
There are number of symptoms that are common for urological conditions. Urology focuses on diseases and conditions of the male and female urinary tract system (as well as the male reproductive organs).
Obviously the urinary system is interconnected, so it’s no surprise that some symptoms can be indicative of multiple maladies.
Cloudy urine is one of these symptoms. If your urine is an odd colour, it likely means that there is an issue with your urinary tract. This may be your kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra. Usually, cloudy urine isn’t an emergency, though it may be the symptom of something quite serious, so you should see your doctor if it persists.
What Causes Urine To Be Cloudy
Dehydration – Urine that is particularly dark or cloudy may be caused by dehydration. This is because your body retains all the water it can in this state, resulting in urine that is highly concentrated. Increasing water consumption right away is the best way help replenish your fluids if you are feeling dehydrated.
Blood in the urine – Blood in the urine will make it appear cloudy, usually a reddish brown or pinky colour, depending on the severity of the problem. There are a number of reasons there may be blood in your urine (read on below!).
White particles – There are some conditions that may cause white particles to appear in your urine, making it appear cloudy. For example, milky vaginal discharge during pregnancy, substances associated with kidney stones, or white blood cells fighting a urinary tract infection.
What Conditions May This Be a Symptom Of?
There are many conditions that cloudy urine may be a symptom of. Some of the most common include:
Urinary Tract Infections
A UTI is an infection of the urinary system, caused by bacteria that has entered the urinary tract. They can affect anywhere in the urinary tract. Urethritis is an infection of the urethra, cystitis is an infection of the bladder, pyelonephritis an infection of the kidneys.
When you have a UTI, your body sends a host of white blood cells to the affected area to help fight the infection. These are excreted via the urethra in the urine, making it appear cloudy.
Bladder or Kidney Stones
Bladder or kidney stones are hard, solid crystals of various sizes formed from the salts in urine. They can cause pain and infection, and blockages that may result in kidney damage or failure and other complications in the urinary tract. Cloudy urine is a common symptom of bladder or kidney stones, or that a stone has caused an infection.
Kidney Disease
Your kidneys’ job is to filtering waste, toxins, and all excess fluid that you consume out of your body. If your kidneys aren’t working properly due to chronic disease, cloudy urine is likely one of the first symptoms you will notice.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a group of diseases that result in too much sugar in the blood – high blood glucose. Because of this, the kidneys have to work hard to remove the excess sugar from the blood, and this is excreted via urine, causing it to become cloudy.
Infection of The Prostate (Prostatitis)
The prostate gland is a part of the male reproductive system. Its main role is to produce the fluid that carries and protects sperm.
An infection of the prostate, known as prostatitis, can cause white blood cells, pus or penile discharge to filter into the urine, causing it to become cloudy.
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Like urinary tract infections, some STIs such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, can cause the urine to become cloudy. This is due to the white blood cells that are helping fight the infection. STIs can also cause vaginal or penile discharge, which can filter into the urine.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (Enlarged Prostate)
As men get older the prostate can enlarge, which can restrict the flow of urine to the urethra. It can also cause blood to pass into the urine.
Treatment of Cloudy Urine
Dr Arianayagam is an expert in the field of urological cancer surgery, and the treatment of urological conditions. He is one of the most experienced cancer surgeons in Sydney.
If you have any further questions about cloudy urine and would like to book an appointment, please feel free to contact or call on 1300 307 990.
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