Cloudy Urine

National Health Service (UK): “Blood in urine,” “Urinary tract infections (UTIs).”

Why Is Your Urine Cloudy?

If you notice that your urine looks cloudy instead of its usual clear, yellowish color, it could be due to infections, kidney stones, or other changes in your health. Sometimes pain or other symptoms go along with it. The sooner you learn the cause, the quicker you can get the treatment you need.

Urinary Tract Infection

A urinary tract infection (UTI) happens when bacteria get into your bladder, kidneys, or urethra. That’s where urine comes out. Along with cloudy urine, you’ll notice symptoms like:

• Burning or pain when you pee
• A need to go more often than usual
• Leaking urine
• Smelly or bloody urine
• Pain in your lower belly

Your doctor will likely suggest antibiotics to clear up the infection. Finish all the pills that they prescribe to make sure all the bacteria get killed.

Call your doctor if you:

• Get a fever higher than 100.5 F
• Have chills
• Feel pain in your lower belly or flank
• Are nauseated or throw up

Dehydration

Your urine can turn cloudy when you don’t drink enough. A lack of fluid makes urine more concentrated. It will also turn a darker color.

It’s not just health insurance premiums, but also deductibles, that keep on rising. In 2018, the average deductible was $3,000 for a gold-tier family plan, $8,000 for a silver-tier family plan and $12,000 for a bronze-tier family plan, according to USC Annenberg’s Center for Health Journalism.

You can solve this problem by drinking more water every day. When you get enough fluids, your urine will be clear and light yellow in color.

Call your doctor if you:

• Feel dizzy or faint
• Get confused
• Have a fast heartbeat
• Are breathing hard

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are crystals that form in your kidneys out of minerals and salts in your urine. Large stones can make urine back up in your bladder or another part of your urinary tract. They can cause pain, sometimes severe. You might hurt on your side and lower back, or when you pee.

Your urine could get cloudy or have blood in it. It could also be smelly or look red, pink, or brown.

Some other symptoms you might have are:

• Fever and chills
• Nausea and vomiting

Some kidney stones come out on their own in your urine. Doctors can do a noninvasive procedure to break up stones that are too big to pass through urine. Sometimes, people need surgery to remove stones.

Call your doctor if you:

• Have severe pain in your back or side
• Feel nauseated or throw up
• Have to go all the time
• Have a burning sensation when you pee
• Notice urine that is pink or red

Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)

STIs are viral or bacterial infections you catch from a partner during sex. Infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea cause a milky discharge from the penis or vagina that can turn the urine cloudy.

Other signs that you have an STI are:

• Green, yellow, or bloody discharge from the penis or vagina
• Pain or burning when you pee or have sex
• Itching around the penis or vagina

Call your doctor if you have symptoms of an STI. Antibiotics can cure infections caused by bacteria. If a virus caused your STI, medicines can treat the symptoms.

Retrograde Ejaculation

Normally when a man has an orgasm, semen travels out of their body through their penis. In retrograde ejaculation, semen backs up into the bladder. This causes a dry orgasm without any fluid. The urine is cloudy right after an orgasm because it contains semen.

Retrograde ejaculation happens when the muscle at the opening of the bladder doesn’t close tightly enough. Nerve problems from diabetes, multiple sclerosis (MS), or medicines are possible causes.

You may not need treatment for this condition, unless you want to start a family and you can’t get your partner pregnant. Your doctor can suggest medicines to keep your bladder closed during sex.

Call your doctor if little or no semen comes out when you have an orgasm and you want to have a child.

Blood in the Urine

Cloudiness is sometimes due to blood in the urine. Blood can stain the yellow urine red, pink, or brown.

Blood in your urine could mean you have a UTI, kidney stones, or an enlarged prostate. Rarely, it can be a sign of cancer in your urinary tract. See your doctor to get this symptom checked out.

Call your doctor if your urine looks red or pink, especially if you also have pain, fever, or other symptoms.

Prostate Problems

The prostate gland adds fluid to sperm in men. This gland wraps around the urethra, the tube that urine travels through as it moves out of the body.

Any swelling of the prostate can block the flow of urine. Blood or debris can then build up in the trapped urine and turn it cloudy.

When urine is cloudy due to prostate problems, you might also have symptoms like:

• Pain or burning when you pee
• Dribbling or trouble starting to urinate
• An urgent need to go, or frequent urination
• Blood in the urine
• Pain when you ejaculate
• Fever and chills

Your treatment depends on what’s causing the problem. You may get medicines to treat an infection or to shrink your swollen prostate.

Call your doctor if:

• You have to pee all the time
• You get up during the night to pee
• When you pee, urine dribbles out
• You see blood in your pee or semen
• It hurts when you pee or have an orgasm
• You have pain in your lower back, hips, groin, or upper thighs

Show Sources

Familydoctor.org: “Common Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs),” “Dehydration,” “Urinary Tract Infection.”

Harvard Medical School: “Changes in Urine — When to see the doctor,” “Kidney Stones,” “Retrograde Ejaculation.”

Mayo Clinic: “Kidney Stones,” “Prostatitis,” “Retrograde ejaculation,” “Urine color.”

Mount Sinai Medical Center: “Cloudy Urine.”

National Institute on Aging: “Prostate Problems.”

National Kidney Foundation: “Kidney Stones.”

National Health Service (UK): “Blood in urine,” “Urinary tract infections (UTIs).”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: “The Urinary Tract & How It Works.”

University of Washington Medicine, Right as Rain: “What the Color of Your Pee Says About Your Health.”

Urology Care Foundation: “What are Kidney Stones?”

Cloudy Urine

Cloudy urine occurs when your urine has a hazy or milky color that is not a normal, clear, light yellow. Cloudy urine is generally harmless but frequent and repetitive cloudy urine could be a sign of a medical condition.

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Overview

What is cloudy urine?

Cloudy urine appears when your urine has a milky color that isn’t clear. Generally, cloudy urine is harmless, but frequent and repetitive signs of cloudy urine could indicate an underlying medical condition.

What does cloudy urine look like?

Normal urine is light yellow in color that is transparent. Cloudy urine is foggy white to light yellow in color compared to normal straw yellow color.

Possible Causes

What causes cloudy urine?

The most common cause of cloudy urine is the presence of alkaline. Urine is comprised of water, salts and waste from the kidneys and the balance of these components affects the alkaline or acidity (pH) in urine. Normal urine acidic-to-alkaline levels range from 4.5 to 8 pH. Urine that is under 5 pH is considered acidic, with urine measuring at 8 pH or higher is alkaline (basic). High alkaline causes cloudy urine.

Other possible causes for cloudy urine include:

• Dehydration.
• Kidney leakage (chyluria).
• Infection.
• High fruit and vegetable diet.
• Vaginal discharge.

What if I have cloudy urine during pregnancy?

It’s normal to have frequent urination during pregnancy. As a result, you may notice occasional color changes in your urine. Cloudy urine during pregnancy may occur due to:

• Vaginal discharge.
• Dehydration (from morning sickness).
• Infection.
• Preeclampsia.

If you experience repetitive, cloudy or discolored urine, or have any symptoms like headache, blurry vision, abdominal pain or swelling, visit your healthcare provider for further examination.

What foods cause cloudy urine?

Some foods that you eat may cause cloudy urine because it increases your level of alkaline. If you eat a diet comprised mostly of fruits and vegetables, with limited consumption of meats, grains and cheeses (low-PRAL), your alkaline levels are likely to be higher, which can lead to cloudy urine.

What diseases/disorders have cloudy urine as a side effect?

Several diseases or disorders have cloudy urine as a side effect including:

• Diabetes.
• Chyluria.
• Infection (urinary tract infection,).
• Preeclampsia.
• Kidney disease or kidney stones.

Does cloudy urine mean that I have a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?

Some STIs and STDs cause cloudy urine. Cloudy urine isn’t the only symptom of many STDs or STIs, but it could be a factor in your diagnosis. Infections or diseases that have cloudy urine as a symptom include:

Care and Treatment

How is cloudy urine treated?

You can treat cloudy urine by:

• Staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water.
• Taking vitamin C to reduce alkaline levels.
• Taking antibiotics to treat any infections.
• Eating a balanced diet.

How can I prevent cloudy urine?

You can prevent cloudy urine by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes staying hydrated and eating a well-balanced diet. You can also visit your healthcare provider to treat infections early before they pose a greater threat to your health.

When to Call the Doctor

When should I see my healthcare provider for cloudy urine?

Occasional cloudy urine is normal. If you experience persistent cloudy urine that doesn’t go away within a few days, contact your healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is foamy urine the same as cloudy urine?

Foamy urine is the result of the speed of urination, which causes air to form pockets in the urine, creating a bubbly texture. Cloudy urine is not clear and appears to have a milky, yellow color as opposed to a normal, light yellow. If you notice you have consistently foamy urine, contact your healthcare provider for evaluation, as it could be a sign of kidney problems.

Is cloudy urine smelly?

Urine odor can change and it is harmless and temporary in most cases. Your diet or any vitamins or minerals that you are taking can change the odor in your urine. For example, asparagus causes a strong odor in urine, as well as vitamin B-6 supplements. Staying hydrated can prevent a strong odor, and also helps prevent occasional cloudy urine. If your urine odor persists for more than a few days, contact your healthcare provider.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

In most cases, cloudy urine is harmless due to natural changes that your body goes through. Normally, it goes away quickly when you stay hydrated and incorporate a healthy diet into your daily routine. Reach out to your healthcare provider if you notice the cloudiness of your urine is not clearing up after a few days.

Possible Causes of Cloudy Urine

Tracee Cornforth is a freelance writer who covers menstruation, menstrual disorders, and other women’s health issues.

Jamin Brahmbhatt, MD, is a board-certified urologist and Chief of Surgery at Orlando Health South Lake Hospital.

Table of Contents
Table of Contents

Cloudy urine isn’t usually cause for concern, but it could indicate a health issue like kidney stones, an infection, or dehydration.

If you notice that your urine (pee) is cloudy or has changed color and it doesn’t go away within a short period of time, it’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider.

This article explores why your urine may be cloudy. It will also explain when it’s important to reach out to your doctor.

What Does It Mean If Your Urine Is Cloudy?

There are a few different reasons why your urine might be cloudy. The color and level of cloudiness in urine may indicate health concerns. The most common causes of cloudy urine include:

• Not drinking enough water, or dehydration
• An infection
• A medical condition
• Bodily fluids mixed with urine, such as blood, semen, or vaginal discharge

Dehydration

Urine may appear cloudy when you haven’t been drinking enough water and you are dehydrated. If you have no other symptoms and your urine becomes clear once you re-hydrate, there’s likely no reason to worry.

Make sure you’re drinking enough water every day. Try to drink extra if you notice your urine is getting cloudy again. Keep in mind that alcohol and coffee can dehydrate you, so try to limit these beverages.

According to the National Academies of Sciences, adults should drink anywhere from 11.5 cups to 15.5. cups of water a day. However, this may vary based on:

• Weather
• How much physical activity you are doing
• Foods or drinks you are consuming
• Any medications you are taking
• Your kidney function

If your urine is still cloudy after you’ve upped your water intake, consider making an appointment with your healthcare provider.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

A urinary tract infection (UTI) can affect any part of your urinary system, but most often involves the bladder.

If you have cloudy urine that smells off, you may have a urinary tract infection. Other symptoms may include:

• Feeling a frequent urge to pee even when you know you don’t need to
• Pain or burning when you urinate
• Urinating often and in small amounts
• Bloody urine
• Fever

Untreated UTIs can lead to serious problems. Pregnant individuals with UTIs are at risk for preterm labor, which is when labor begins before 37 weeks. If you think you have a UTI, be sure to see your healthcare provider right away.

Kidney Stones

Cloudy, foul-smelling, and/or crystallized substances in your pee can be symptoms of kidney stones. Kidney stones are hardened mineral and salt deposits that can vary in size. They don’t usually cause symptoms unless they start moving out of the kidney and into your urinary tract.

Other symptoms of kidney stones may include:

• Severe pain in your back or side
• Pain in your lower abdomen
• Bloody urine
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fever
• Chills

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, like gonorrhea and chlamydia may cause discharge from the penis or vagina. This discharge can get into your urine and make it appear cloudy.

Vaginitis

Vaginitis describes inflammatory conditions and infections that impact the vagina. Examples include:

• Yeast infection, which is an infection caused by a fungus called Candida
• Pinworm infection, which is an infection caused by a parasitic worm
• Bacterial vaginosis , which is an infection that occurs when unhealthy bacteria crowd out healthy bacteria in the vagina

Various vaginitis conditions can cause discharge that may make your urine cloudy.

Diabetes

Diabetes can cause sugar to build up in the urine. It can also cause your body to use fats for energy, which produces substances called ketones. Both of these can lead to cloudy urine.

Urinating more frequently and cloudy urine can be some of the first signs of diabetes.

What Else Can Cause Cloudy Urine?

Cloudy urine may also be caused by:

• Infection or enlargement of the prostate, which is a small gland between the bladder and penis
• Presence of ejaculate or semen in your urine
• Protein in your urine from kidney disease, fever, or strenuous exercise
• Blood in your urine from another kind of infection
• Menstrual, or period, blood mixing with urine
• If you’re pregnant, foamy urine can be a sign of protein in the urine, which could point to a dangerous pregnancy complication called preeclampsia
• Prostate cancer, which can cause bloody urine

When Should You See a Doctor for Cloudy Pee?

If you experience cloudy urine along with other symptoms, you should see your healthcare provider. You should also contact your doctor right away if:

• You feel any sharp pain
• You have blood in your urine
• Your urine is an unusual color that can’t be explained by medication or food

Your healthcare provider may do a test called a urinalysis to check your urine, as well as imaging or other tests to better understand your health concern.

Summary

Cloudy urine may be caused by:

• Dehydration
• A urinary tract infection
• Kidney stones
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Vaginitis
• Diabetes

The presence of protein, blood, or semen can also cause urine to look cloudy.

Be sure to reach out to your doctor if you experience cloudy urine along with other symptoms. If you have blood in your urine, experience any sharp pains, or your urine is an unusual color, contact your doctor right away.

A Word From Verywell

It can feel stressful to have urine that looks cloudy. Keep in mind that having cloudy urine can be due to many different factors and it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have an infection. If you have cloudy urine that won’t go away, or you are beginning to have other symptoms, it’s best to reach out to your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my urine clear?

It means you’re likely drinking plenty of water! The color of normal urine can range from clear to light yellow.

Is cloudy urine bad?

If your urine is cloudy, it’s possible that you are dehydrated. As a general rule, you should have about eight glasses of water daily. If you rehydrate and the cloudy urine still doesn’t go away, the next step is to see your healthcare provider.

How can I avoid kidney stones?

First, make sure to stay hydrated. Avoid processed foods, which may have high levels of sodium that can contribute to stone formation. It’s also a good idea to make sure you’re getting enough calcium every day. The recommended value will depend on your age and other factors.

13 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

1. Institute of Medicine. Dietary reference intakes for water, potassium, sodium, chloride, and sulfate. The National Academies Press; 2004. doi:10.17226/10925
2. National Institutes of Health. Bladder infection (urinary tract infection-UTI) in adults.
3. Chu CM, Lowder JL. Diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections across age groups. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2018;219(1):40-51. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2017.12.231
4. Verma I, Avasthi K, Berry V. Urogenital infections as a risk factor for preterm labor: a hospital-based case-control study. J Obstet Gynaecol India. 2014;64(4):274–278. doi:10.1007/s13224-014-0523-6
5. Alelign T, Petros B. Kidney stone disease: An update on current concepts. Adv Urol. 2018;2018:3068365. doi:10.1155/2018/3068365
6. Rahman MS, Beever W, Skov S, Boffa J. Using urinary leucocyte esterase tests as an indicator of infection with gonorrhoea or chlamydia in asymptomatic males in a primary health care setting. Int J STD AIDS. 2014;25(2):138-144. doi:10.1177/0956462413495670
7. Paladine HL, Desai UA. Vaginitis: Diagnosis and treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2018;97(5):321-329.
8. Wendt S, Trawinski H, Schubert S, Rodloff AC, Mössner J, Lübbert C. The diagnosis and treatment of pinworm infection. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2019;116(13):213-219. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2019.0213
9. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care. Type 2 diabetes: measuring sugar levels in blood and urine yourself.
10. Clark NG, Fox KM, Grandy S. Symptoms of diabetes and their association with the risk and presence of diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2007;30(11):2868-2873. doi:10.2337/dc07-0816
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12. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Protein in urine (proteinuria).
13. Merck Manual. Prostate cancer.

By Tracee Cornforth
Tracee Cornforth is a freelance writer who covers menstruation, menstrual disorders, and other women’s health issues.

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