7 Causes of Cloudy Urine and When to See a Doctor

What Does Cloudy Urine Look Like?

Cloudy urine appears milky, hazy, or less transparent than usual. It may contain tiny floating particles and can vary in color from pale yellow to darker shades. This change happens when substances like proteins, bacteria, or minerals are present in the urine.

Common Causes of Cloudy Urine

1. Dehydration - A Frequent Reason, Especially in the Morning

When you don’t drink enough water, your urine becomes concentrated with waste products, making it dark and cloudy.

2. Diet and Supplements - Dairy, Asparagus, Vitamin B

Certain foods and vitamins can cause temporary urine cloudiness. Dairy products, asparagus, and vitamin supplements, especially vitamin B, are frequent triggers.

3. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) - Often with Odor or Pain

UTIs cause cloudy urine due to the presence of bacteria, white blood cells, and mucus. You might also notice burning during urination, urgency, and a strong smell.

4. Protein in Urine (Proteinuria) - Possible Kidney Problem

Excess protein can make urine look foamy or cloudy. While this sometimes happens after exercise, ongoing proteinuria can signal kidney disease.

5. STIs - Chlamydia or Gonorrhea

Some STIs cause cloudy urine, often alongside discomfort, unusual discharge, or a burning feeling when urinating.

6. Kidney Stones

Small stones in the urinary tract can irritate tissues, causing bleeding and cloudy, sometimes reddish urine. Severe back or side pain may also occur.

7. High Blood Sugar and Diabetes

When blood sugar is very high, extra sugar can pass into the urine, making it cloudy and sometimes giving it a sweet smell.

Cloudy Urine in Women vs. Men

Female-Specific Causes

• Vaginal discharge or infections (yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis): In women, the urethral opening is located close to the vaginal entrance. If there is abnormal discharge, such as from a yeast infection (thick, white) or bacterial vaginosis (thin, grayish, sometimes with odor), it can mix with urine during urination.
• Hormonal changes during menstruation: Shifts in estrogen and progesterone levels can alter the vaginal environment and pH, and sometimes lead to increased discharge or protein content in urine. In menstruation, a small amount of menstrual blood may also mix with urine, giving it a murky look.
• Pregnancy-related shifts in urine composition: Pregnancy can cause changes in kidney filtration and increased excretion of proteins, hormones, and minerals. This can make urine appear cloudy, especially in the morning when it is more concentrated.

More Common in Men

• Semen residue after sexual activity: After ejaculation, small amounts of semen can remain in the urethra. When the man urinates shortly afterward, this residue mixes with urine and creates a cloudy or milky appearance.
• Prostate inflammation (prostatitis): An inflamed prostate can release white blood cells, proteins, and sometimes pus into the urine. And it often causes cloudy urine along with pelvic discomfort.
• Delayed urination leading to sediment buildup: When urine stays in the bladder for a long time, minerals (like phosphates) and cellular debris can settle. The first portion of urination may flush these out all at once, and make the urine look cloudy or grainy.

Is it Normal to have Cloudy Urine in the Morning?

Morning urine is usually more concentrated. This can lead to temporary cloudiness that clears after hydration. However, persistent morning cloudy urine, especially with odor, pain, or blood, should be evaluated by a doctor.

Cloudy Urine with Other Symptoms

If your urine is cloudy and you notice other symptoms, it can give important clues about the cause. Matching what you feel with the examples below can help you decide if it’s something mild or if you should seek medical care quickly.

With Odor

An unusual or strong smell may suggest:

• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Dehydration
• Certain foods like asparagus or coffee

With Pain or Burning

Discomfort while urinating often points to:

• UTIs
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Irritation from scented hygiene products

With Blood

If urine looks pink, red, or brownish, it could mean:

• Kidney stones
• Bladder or kidney infections
• Injury to the urinary tract

When to See a Doctor for Cloudy Urine

You should seek medical advice if you notice any of the following:

• Cloudy urine doesn’t clear after drinking water.
• It’s accompanied by fever, back pain, or nausea.
• You notice blood in the urine.
• You have cloudy urine during pregnancy.
• You have kidney disease or diabetes and notice changes.

How Cloudy Urine Is Diagnosed

Doctors may start by asking detailed questions about patients’symptoms, medical history, and daily habits. This helps understand what might be causing the change. From there, doctors usually take these steps:

• Physical exam - We gently examine the abdomen, lower back, and, for men, the prostate to detect tenderness or swelling.
• Urinalysis - We collect a urine sample to check for infection, protein, blood, or sugar.
• Blood tests - These allow us to assess kidney function and look for signs of conditions like diabetes.
• Imaging (if needed) - If we suspect stones, blockages, or structural problems, we may order an ultrasound or CT scan.

By combining your history, test results, and physical findings, it is possible to identify the cause and recommend the most effective treatment.

You can also upload your blood or urine test results to get quick, easy-to-understand interpretations, helping you take the next step with confidence.

How to Prevent and Treat Cloudy Urine

The right approach depends on the cause. Sometimes simple lifestyle changes are enough, while other times treatment is required. Here are a few helpful steps:

• Drink 1.5–2 liters of water daily (unless you have kidney, heart, or fluid retention problems)
• Urinate regularly; avoid holding it too long.
• Treat UTIs and STIs promptly.
• Maintain good hygiene: women should wipe front to back.
• Monitor changes in urine during pregnancy.