Cloudy urine is a common symptom with a range of possible causes. In most cases it isn’t dangerous, but persistent or recurring cloudiness should be evaluated, especially if accompanied by other symptoms. Key possibilities
- Dehydration or concentrated urine: Not drinking enough fluids can make urine appear cloudier.
- Dietary factors and supplements: High mineral content (like calcium or phosphate), excessive protein, or certain vitamins and supplements can alter urine color and clarity.
- Infections of the urinary tract or kidneys: UTIs or kidney infections can cause cloudy, sometimes foul-smelling urine, often with burning or frequency during urination.
- Sexually transmitted infections and vaginal infections: Infections can contribute to cloudy urine or unusual discharge.
- Crystals or mucus: Some people have cloudy urine due to crystals, mucus, or white blood cells in the urine, which can occur with or without infection.
- Medical conditions: Less commonly, conditions such as kidney stones or kidney disease can present with cloudy urine, especially if there are accompanying symptoms like pain, fever, or persistent changes.
What to look for (warning signs)
- Cloudiness that lasts more than a day or two, or keeps returning
- Pain or burning with urination
- Frequent urge to urinate, urgent or inability to fully empty the bladder
- Blood in the urine (pink, red, or cola-colored urine)
- Strong or unusual urine odor
- Fever, back or flank pain, nausea, or vomiting
What to do
- Hydration first: Increase water intake and monitor whether the urine clears as you become well-hydrated.
- Review substances: Consider recent changes in diet, supplements, or medications that could affect urine appearance.
- Monitor symptoms: If cloudiness is mild and brief, with no other symptoms, you may observe for 24–48 hours.
- Seek medical care promptly if you experience:
- Persistent cloudiness for several days
- Pain, burning, fever, back pain, or vomiting
- Blood in the urine or dark urine
- Recurrent cloudy urine over weeks or months
- Known risk factors or conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, or a history of UTIs
Testing and evaluation your provider might consider
- Urinalysis to look for infection, blood, crystals, protein, or pus
- Urine culture if infection is suspected
- Blood tests if kidney function or systemic infection is a concern
- Imaging (e.g., ultrasound) if stones or structural issues are suspected
Bottom line
Cloudy urine can be harmless, often related to hydration or benign factors,
but it can also signal a urinary tract or kidney issue or another underlying
condition. If cloudiness persists, is accompanied by pain, fever, blood in the
urine, or you have underlying health concerns, schedule an evaluation with a
healthcare professional.
