Milk products contain calcium phosphate. “Cloudy urine has been found to suggest the presence of phosphates, which can be a precursor to kidney stones. UTIs are more common in women than in men, because women have a shorter urethra that is more easily contaminated by vaginal and fecal bacteria. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms of STDs and STIs and to seek medical help when necessary. STIs can also cause abnormal vaginal or penile discharge. Problems with the prostate, like prostatitis, can cause cloudy urine. Many kidney infections start as UTIs, which then spread due to lack of effective treatment and get worse over time. The kidneys have to work overtime to filter out this sugar. According to the journal NDT Plus, turbid urine can indicate that there are high amounts of protein in urine excreted from the kidneys. 3 Severe cases of dehydration or those that don’t improve with at-home treatment require hospitalization. Severe dehydration may require hospitalization, however. These STIs may also cause unusual discharge from the vagina or penis. Contact your doctor immediately if you’re pregnant and suspect that you have a urinary or vaginal infection, or any signs of preeclampsia. An inflamed prostate, or prostatitis, may also be the cause of cloudy urine. Cloudy urine can be a sign of a urinary tract infection. For chronic cases, doctors may recommend medications to manage symptoms. Chronic kidney disease occurs in stages. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common cause of cloudy urine. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services state that prostatitis affects between 10 and 15 percent of the males in the United States. Many healthy adults experience mild dehydration in the morning and after vigorous exercise. Bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis are treated with antibiotics. Because of antibiotic resistance, more and more women are seeking out alternative treatments for UTIs…. Vaginitis is an infection of the vagina and includes: Bacterial vaginosis and other infections happen when certain bacteria, fungi, or other organisms are in high numbers. All rights reserved. In some cases, a person’s diet can cause their urine to be cloudy. The body may be trying to remove excess sugars that it cannot process by sending them through the urine. Presence of blood in urine may indicate internal injury, infection, or disease of the kidney or urinary tract. Cloudy or foamy urine may occur occasionally due to mild dehydration; when it occurs in the absence of symptoms and goes away rapidly, it is usually of little consequence. Typical treatments for each issue include: Dehydration: Treating dehydration may be as simple as drinking more fluids and eating foods that are rich in liquids. These are very common, and can be painful or even dangerous. Cloudy urine may also occur after drinking alcohol. pH It may be noted that the color of urine is generally dependent on the level of ammonia and hydration in the body. One of the most visible signs is cloudy or foul-smelling urine. Normal. If bacteria are causing the infection, antibiotics may help treat symptoms. UTIs are infections that occur anywhere along the urinary tract. The pain may also occur in the groin and radiate to the lower abdomen or lower back. Having some foods, such as rhubarb or beetroot, may turn urine red. Here’s our process. Kidney stones can also cause cloudy urine. These reactions can cause inflammation in the vulva and vagina without an infection being present. Small stones may pass without incident, but larger stones can block the urinary tract and cause an infection, which could lead to pus in the urine, giving it a cloudy appearance. Milky cloudy urine could indicate the presence of certain proteins or white blood cells in urine. Sometimes diabetes or diabetic kidney disease is the underlying cause of cloudy urine. Vaginal yeast infections are treated with antifungal medications. Cloudy urine may indicate a higher risk of pregnancy-related toxicity or the presence of infections that may be bad for fetal health. Alternatively it can be due to sediment that forms when some of the constituents of urine… However, anyone who thinks that they may have kidney stones should see a doctor for a diagnosis. Most urinary tract infections are bacterial in nature and upon microscopic examination (urine cytology), these bacteria will be visible. 3. This may determine the diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Generally speaking, people with diabetes can drink some alcohol, including wine, as long as they do not have another medical condition that makes…. Cloudy urine can be a sign of other types of infections as well. These cells are often excreted in urine. The symptoms for these conditions are the same as in nonpregnant women. Those who do strenuous exercise or physical labor during hot days may also have a higher risk for dehydration if they are not drinking enough water. During pregnancy, cloudy urine can be caused by UTIs, STIs, or vaginitis. It is therefore essential for all pregnant women to seek medical attention whenever they experience cloudy urine. Transparent yellow. They may be […] A doctor may prescribe pain medication if the stones are very painful. This sugar is often excreted in urine. Untreated infections can lead to low birth weight, premature labor, and other more serious infections. Some common STIs, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, may cause cloudy urine. This milky colored urine in males commonly occurs after an ejaculation. Using protection during sexual activity may also help prevent the spread of STIs. Cloudiness may also imply an infection. Bloated feeling and pressure suggest the gas problem which is GI issue rather than kidney issue. Phosphorus in the urine may turn it cloudy. What are high and low glycemic foods? Drinking more fluids may help treat cloudy urine. UTIs can happen in anyone but are far more common in females, according to the United States Office on Women’s Health. A person will also require treatment for the underlying diabetes. It may also signify the presence of severe underlying conditions that require urgent medical treatment. If this condition persists for more than a few days, make an appointment with your family doctor. An untreated UTI can lead to: Cloudy urine is sometimes caused by a type of vaginitis. It’s most common in young children, older adults, and people with chronic diseases, but it can happen to anyone. Cloudy urine may result from white blood cells, pus, or penile discharge. URINALYSIS: APPEARANCE OF URINE Straw colored, clear- normal urine Cloudy May indicate the presence of large amounts of protein, blood, bacteria, and pus Dark color May indicate hematuria, excessive bilirubin, or highly concentrated urine Unpleasant or unusual odor Infection or result from certain dietary components or medication Noticing cloudy or white bits in your urine when you go to the toilet, isn’t itself necessarily a cause for concern. A common symptom of kidney stones is severe pain below the ribs, generally near the side or lower back. Persistent bubbly urine may indicate the presence of proteins in your urine which may be a sign of a potential kidney problem. The kidneys are responsible for filtering phosphorus out of the blood, so excess phosphorous will end up in the urine. Cloudy urine may be a sign of a urinary tract infection, sediment from a distended bladder, blood in urine, an enterovesicular fistula, gonorrhea, Schistosomiasis, or vaginal discharge. Cloudy urine may indicate the presence of protein, fat, phosphate or urate crystals, bilirubin, mucus, epithelial cells, pus (white blood cells) or blood (red blood cells) in the urine [2,3]. If protein is present in the urine, then the urine will appear cloudy. Urine is body waste made in the kidney. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We include products we think are useful for our readers. Diabetes. Treatment for cloudy urine will depend on the underlying cause. Other signs include frequent urination, a pain or burning sensation when passing urine, or … The U.S. National Kidney Foundation state that protein-rich foods such as meat, beans, and dairy products may be higher in phosphorus. Prostatitis: Prostatitis may get better without treatment. Cloudy urine may be a sign that you have a kidney stone or that a kidney stone has led to an infection. The doctor may ask for a urine sample, which they will test for infections. Cloudy urine may occur in people of all age groups, and may or may not be associated with other symptoms like foul odor or pain while urinating. When STIs go untreated in women, they can cause fertility problems, serious pelvic infections, and pregnancy complications. Gonorrhea and chlamydia prompt the immune system to fight back and produce white blood cells, which may mix with the urine and give it a cloudy appearance. Treatment for prostatitis depends on the cause, but may include antibiotics, alpha blockers, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). 2. Kidney disease is often diagnosed by measuring the presence of certain proteins in the urine. In this article, learn about the possible causes of cloudy urine, as well as how to treat them. For larger stones, the doctor may prescribe medications or shock wave therapy to break them into passable pieces. It can come on suddenly (acute) or be ongoing (chronic). Infections such as gonorrhea and syphilis generally respond well to antibiotics. Cloudy urine can be one of the first signs that you have diabetes. Along with cloudy urine, a UTI can cause other symptoms, such as: Anyone who experiences these symptoms should see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. White cloudy urine in men may be caused by the presence of semen in the urine. © 2004-2021 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. Cloudy urine could indicate the presence of impurities or an infection. Antibiotics are the most common course of action. Cloudy urine may be a sign that you have a kidney stone or that a kidney stone has led to an infection. These spasms can cause sexual intercourse and medical examination to become…. This imbalance leads to an overgrowth of unhealthy bacteria and a change in vaginal chemistry known as bacterial vaginosis. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that can be passed from one person to another during sexual contact. Dark brown but clear urine is a sign of a liver disorder such as acute viral hepatitis or cirrhosis, which causes excess bilirubin in the urine. What are high and low glycemic index foods? They can affect the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. Symptoms of significant dehydration can include: Mild cases of dehydration, such as those that occur in the morning, can be treated at home. Cloudy urine causes When the urine does not have its characteristic clear appearance, it is often referred to as cloudy, turbid, or foamy urine. Colorless urine may indicate over-hydration. Turbid or cloudy urine may result from infection the presence of blood cells, bacteria or yeast (eg Candida). Is treating a UTI without antibiotics possible? It could also be a buildup of white blood cells as the body tries to eliminate invading bacteria. Dark colored urine: May indicate hematuria, excessive billirubin, or highly concentrated urine. There are two ureters, one attached to each kidney. Dipstick Test Your kidneys are responsible for filtering waste and extra fluid out of your body. A healthy vagina normally maintains a delicate balance of good bacteria. Normal urine is clear and has a straw-yellow color. Pale straw color. Is not normally found in urine, although small traces of blood may appear if a patient is menstruating. It takes your body 9 to 10 hours to produce 2 cups of urine. Learn more here. . Also, it can be cloudy from presence of epithelial cells in the urinary tract or vagina. Milky urine may also be caused by bacteria, crystals, fat, white or red blood cells, or mucus in the urine. A foul odor, of persists cloudy urine can be a sign of something wrong with your body or urinary tract. If this condition persists, see your doctor for further evaluation. Anyone who has diabetes or experiences these symptoms should talk to their doctor, who can check for signs of kidney damage. When white blood cells mix with urine, it appears cloudy or milky. The urine sample may appear reddish or brown because of the presence of blood. 2. Type 2 diabetes can be managed with medications, diet, and weight loss. (Pedialyte is a good example.). Also, anyone fighting off an illness that causes diarrhea, vomiting, or a fever will need to drink more fluids. Now experts say the new variants could lead to a COVDI-19 "hurricane" in the…. Larger stones or stones that lead to infections may require medical intervention. UTIs require immediate treatment with antibiotics. While cloudy urine doesn’t typically indicate a medical emergency, it can be a sign of a serious medical problem. The risk of kidney damage lessens with tight blood sugar control. The color of normal urine can vary in color ranging from water-like clear to dark amber-colored. Last medically reviewed on February 13, 2019, Vaginismus is a uncontrolled, involuntary spasm of the vagina muscles. Cloudy urine can be caused by the dehydration commonly. UTIs: Most UTIs respond well to a round of antibiotics. The cloudy look typically comes from discharge of either pus or blood into the urinary tract. Leakage of albumin or mixed plasma proteins into filtrate; persistent higher concentrations of protein in urine can indicate renal kidney failure-OR-other serious disease, but can also be caused by menstruation (RBCs) & vigorous exercise. Cloudy urine: The urine may be cloudy due to sediment in the urine, for retaining urine too long before going to the bathroom, prostate problems, sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea and enlarged prostate. Vulvovaginitis is inflammation in the vulva and vagina, and it can lead to cloudy urine. The upper half of…, A healthy bladder can hold about 2 cups of urine before it's considered full. This is called proteinuria and may also cause bubbles when you pee. Sometimes it can signal an issue with the urinary tract, such as dehydration or a urinary tract infection, or it may point to kidney problems. If the urine smells particularly foul, a person may have an infection. Cloudy urine may indicate the presence of mucus, pus, or blood. Kidney failure is serious, but can be managed. Increasing your water consumption for a few hours should help replenish your fluids. When these white blood exit your body via your urine, the cells mix, and your urine appears cloudy. These white blood cells can mix with urine, creating a cloudy appearance. Certain conditions can cause excess protein or crystalline substances in the urine, causing it to persistently appear cloudy … According to the Office on Women’s Health, about 20 million people in the U.S. get an STI every year. As with other infections (vaginitis and UTIs), white blood cells respond to the site of the infection. To confirm the presence of protein in urine, heat it … Cloudy urine, especially if it is dark, could indicate that a person is not consuming enough liquids. In cases that occur with other symptoms, early diagnosis and treatment are key to avoid complications. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Normal, healthy, well-hydrated. During a visual exam, the lab technician checks the appearance of urine. The color and clarity (transparency) or cloudiness (turbidity) of urine are the most common signals to alert us to a number of urinary system disorders. Smoky urine can also be a sign of the presence of a venereal disease, possibly gonorrhea, in either gender. Your body sends white blood cells to fight the infection. Sometimes, cloudy or murky urine may be due to the presence of urinary clasts, protein, blood cells (whole or fragments), mucus, epithelial cells or a… in the US, Parasite infections may prevent aging and disease. All rights reserved. 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