Why Is My Pee Cloudy?

When you’re healthy and well-hydrated, your urine should look light yellow or almost clear. The appearance might remind you of lemonade. But what if what you observe in the toilet bowl is murky? Seeing cloudy pee can be surprising and may even worry you.

The good news is that this change is often harmless and temporary. However, it can sometimes signal an underlying health issue, so it’s important to pay attention to it. Understanding the potential causes can help you decide when it’s time to talk with a primary care provider.

Dehydration and Diet

One of the most common reasons for cloudy urine is simply not drinking enough water. When you are dehydrated, your urine becomes concentrated. This can make it appear darker and cloudier than usual.

Your diet also plays a significant role. The balance of water, salts and waste products in your body determines the pH of your urine. High alkalinity levels are a frequent cause of cloudiness. Eating a large amount of fruits and vegetables can increase these alkaline levels. Conversely, a diet high in meats, fish and cheese might lower them. Additionally, taking phosphate-containing vitamin supplements can sometimes cause a milky appearance.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

A urinary tract infection is a very common cause of cloudy pee. These infections occur when bacteria enter the bladder, kidneys or urethra. Along with a murky appearance, a UTI often brings other noticeable symptoms.

You might experience:

• Pain while urinating.
• Frequent need to go.
• Strong or foul odor.
• Pain in the lower belly.

In these cases, the cloudiness is often caused by the presence of bacteria or white blood cells fighting the infection.

Kidney Stones and Kidney Issues

Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. When these stones move or irritate the urinary tract, they can cause significant changes to your pee. Stones may cause blood to appear in the urine, turning it pink, red or brown. They can also cause it to look cloudy.

Chronic kidney disease is another condition that can affect the appearance of your urine. If your pee is consistently foamy, it might indicate a problem with how your kidneys filter waste.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Vaginitis

Certain infections transmitted during sexual activity can cause cloudy urine. For example, gonorrhea and chlamydia often produce a discharge that mixes with urine, giving it a murky look.

In women, vaginitis—an inflammation or infection of the vagina—is another possible cause. This can result from bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections or trichomoniasis. The associated discharge can make urine appear cloudy.

Diabetes

People with diabetes may notice cloudy urine as a side effect of their condition. When blood sugar levels are high, excess sugar can build up in the urine.

Prostate Problems and Other Causes

For men, the prostate gland can be a factor. An enlarged prostate or prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) can block the flow of urine. This blockage may cause blood or debris to accumulate, resulting in cloudiness.

Another condition called retrograde ejaculation can also cause this symptom. This happens when semen flows backward into the bladder instead of out of the body during orgasm. Because semen mixes with the urine, it creates a cloudy appearance when you next use the bathroom.

When To See a Healthcare Provider

It’s common to have cloudy urine from time to time. Often, drinking more water or adjusting your diet may help clear it up within a few days. However, if the issue persists or is accompanied by other symptoms that may point to a health issue, you should seek professional advice.

Contact a provider if you notice:

• Blood in your urine.
• Severe back or side pain.
• Fever or chills.
• Vomiting or nausea.
• Discharge from the vagina or penis.

Your Baptist Health primary care provider can perform a simple urine test to determine the cause and recommend the appropriate treatment. Whether it’s an infection requiring antibiotics or a sign of another medical condition, getting checked ensures you protect your urinary health.

If you don’t have a Baptist Health primary care provider, call 1.844.6BAPTIST or visit our provider directory. Download a patient packet to prepare for your next primary care appointment.