Nothing is more important than our health, and one of the easiest ways to monitor our health is none other than our urine!
While it’s common for urine to change color every now and again, consistency changes, bizarre sights and smells, and color changes in urine might indicate you need to visit a doctor.
So, what causes cloudy urine? Read on to find out!
10. STIs
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), formerly known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are an incredibly common source of cloudy urine. When the body detects an infection, it creates an immune response, which includes an increase in white blood cell production. When these cells enter urine, they can cloud it.
STIs also commonly cause unusual vaginal or penile discharge, both of which can mix with urine and result in an odd appearance or smell.
Like STIs, sometimes other health conditions can result in surprising urine changes…
9. Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition where the body has trouble processing blood sugar due to a shortage or complete absence of insulin or the inability to properly process insulin. Without insulin, diabetics’ bodies often resort to other ways to remove excess sugar, including sending the sugar to the urine to be removed from the body. This can sometimes make urine cloudy.
Sometimes urine changes aren’t due to a chronic medical condition like diabetes, but rather an infection…
8. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can alter urine appearance by sending pus and/or blood into the urine. These excrements make urine dark, cloudy, and oftentimes smelly. Those who suspect they have a serious UTI should seek medical attention right away, as it could indicate that the infection has spread to the kidneys. This event could progress to a potentially life-threatening condition, as the next slide explains…
7. Kidney Infections
Kidney infections affect urine the same way UTIs do. Namely, they may result in blood and pus in the urine, giving it a distinctly dark and cloudy look.
Sometimes, other kidney-related issues can lead to cloudy urine…
6. Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are made of hardened minerals and salts. These stones can’t remain in the kidneys forever, however, and that’s why the body will attempt to push these stones out the urethra. Understandably, pushing these stones through such narrow and sensitive spaces can lead to inflammation and small tears. The result is typically bloody urine.
While kidney stones are common causes of cloudy urine, the following cause is much rarer…
5. Chyluria
Chyluria is a rare medical condition that may occur due to a number of causes, including a parasitic infection.
Chyluria is a result of issues with the lymphatic system. This system is part of both our immune and circulatory systems and helps the body get rid of harmful substances, like waste and even toxins. Chyluria occurs when fluid from this system accidentally gets into the kidneys. Because lymphatic fluid contains white blood cells, it can turn urine into a milky white.
Remember: this condition is rare. The following, however, is incredibly common.
4. Vaginal Inflammation
Vaginal inflammation, or vaginitis, is incredibly common and can occur in women of any age. Namely, this condition can be due to infections, and when the body detects an infection, it mounts an immune response, which includes creating extra white blood cells. Vaginitis can also result in unusual vaginal discharge. Both of these events often may make urine cloudy.
This next cause is yet another medical condition to take seriously…
3. Prostate Inflammation
Inflammation of the prostate, or prostatitis, can also result in unusual urination. This condition may be due to infections, an immune disorder, or even an injury. Whatever the cause, the body may respond to prostatitis by releasing white blood cells. When these cells make their way into the urine, it can result in a distinctly cloudy look.
Prostatitis isn’t the only sex-specifc cause of cloudy urine for cisgender men, though…
2. Retrograde Ejaculation
Retrograde ejaculation is the medical term for a condition that results in a “dry orgasm,” or an orgasm where fluid is not released. This condition results in a dry orgasm because semen that would have been released during orgasm backs up into the bladder instead. The semen is then released upon urination, giving urine a cloudy, milky color.
The following cause of cloudy urine is common, and it happens to virtually everyone at some point…
1. Dehydration
If you notice that your urine is cloudy or dark yellow, you might be dehydrated. Signs of adequate hydration include clear and light-colored urine. On the other hand, urine that is darker and/or cloudy can indicate that you’re dehydrated. It’s not just appearance that will change, either: dark and smelly urine can also indicate dehydration.
If dehydration is mild and not due to another condition, simply drinking more fluids should yield positive results.
