Decoding Cloudy Urine: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice

Most people have cloudy urine from time to time, which generally means that there’s something wrong with your bladder, kidneys or urinary tract. Although many of the causes are no reason for alarm, it’s worth being cautious as some may signify a more serious condition.

The urinary system is interconnected, so cloudy urine could potentially mean multiple issues. If the issue is persistent or accompanied by pain or trouble urinating, it’s a good idea to book an appointment with your doctor.

The clarity and colour of urine is a good way to discern the health of the urinary tract. Many people have cloudy urine from time to time and most of the time it isn’t persistent, however, if the condition continues, it may be a good idea to book an appointment with your urology specialist.

Causes of Cloudy Urine

Dehydration – Particularly dark or cloudy urine may be a result of concentrated urine as a byproduct of dehydration. As your body is trying to retain moisture, it flushes less water through the urinary tract. The best way to counteract this is to consumer water immediately.

Blood In The Urine – There are a number of reasons why blood appears in the urine and the problem can be more or less severe. Blood in the urine can cause it to turn into a cloudy pink or red colour. If there is blood in the urine it is essential that you see your doctor.

White Particles – Different conditions may cause white particles to appear in your urine including vaginal discharge, seamen, small particles of kidney stones and white blood cells.

Conditions

Urinary Tract Infection

A UTI is a most common cause of cloudy urine and is caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract. The infection can be in different places, such as the urethra, or urethritis, the bladder or cystitis and the kidneys (also called pyelonephritis). As mentioned, cloudy urine is formed from white blood cells sent to the area, which are secreted through the urethra.

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are formed from salts in urine, which build up over time, sometimes resulting in infections or blockages. Cloudy urine is a common symptom of both bladder and kidney stones and may be the result of small fragments passing into the urine, or white blood cell discharge from an infection at the site.

Diabetes

Diabetes refers to numerous illnesses that are caused by high blood sugar levels. Kidneys removing excess sugar from the blood may excrete it via the urine causing cloudiness.

Kidney Disease

If the kidneys are not working to their full capacity they may not be filtering waste and toxins efficiently, causing the urine to become cloudy. Cloudy urine is a primary symptom of a diseased kidney.

Prostate Infection

The prostate gland produces the fluid that protects and carries a male’s sperm, however, an infection of the prostate known as prostatitis causes white blood cells and penile discharge to filter into the urine.

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Numerous STIs can cause white blood cells and discharge to enter the urine. Some examples are gonorrhoea and chlamydia.

Diet

Cloudy urine can be a result of certain dietary choices. Your kidneys filter calcium phosphate, which milk products contain, so any excess can seep into the urine.

If your symptoms of cloudy urine persist or are combined with pain or blood in the urine, be sure to call your urologist immediately.

Dr Arianayagam is an expert in the field of urology and is widely considered one of the top urological oncologists in Australia.

If you have any questions about cloudy urine or would like to book an appointment, please feel free to contact or call Dr Arianayagam’s office on 1300 307 990 and his staff will be able to assist.