Ideally, your urine should be pale yellow and clear. But if you’ve ever noticed it appears milky or hazy, you may be wondering, “Why is my pee cloudy?” While cloudy pee can be alarming, there’s good news to report: “Cloudy urine is often linked to a few different factors, and it’s not always something to worry about, “ assures Raj Dasgupta, MD, Chief Medical Advisor for Garage Gym Reviews. “Most of the time, once the cause is identified, clearing up cloudy urine can be fairly simple.” Here, we break down what causes cloudy pee, along with the best ways to treat it.
Why is my pee cloudy? 5 causes and cures
Some of the most common culprits behind cloudy urine include:
For a UTI, sip cranberry juice
“Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common causes of cloudy urine,” says Dr. Dasgupta. “They bring in white blood cells, bacteria and mucus, which can make the urine look cloudy.”
Cloudy urine from a UTI usually comes with other symptoms like a burning sensation when you pee, a constant need to go (even if it’s just a little) and a lower abdominal ache, he adds. “You might also notice a strong, unpleasant smell or even blood in the urine if the infection is more advanced.”
Natural remedies like cranberry juice, cranberry supplements or d-mannose can be helpful for easing the discomfort associated with mild UTIs. (See our round-up of the best doctor-backed home remedies for a UTI here.) But Dr. Daguspta cautions they’re not effective treatments for more advanced infections.
Your best bet: Heading to your doctor or a urology specialist for urine tests that can diagnose a UTI and guide antibiotic treatment. “Delaying treatment could make the infection worse or lead to complications, like a kidney infection,” Dr. Dasgupta cautions. “It’s better to act quickly if the symptoms don’t ease up.”
For dehydration, drink more water
When you’re dehydrated, your urine becomes more concentrated. “This concentration increases the levels of waste products like urea and creatinine, which can cause the urine to appear cloudy,” Dr. Dasgupta explains.
Along with cloudy pee, dehydration may cause symptoms like dark yellow or amber-colored urine, a dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness and infrequent urination. Symptoms such as dizziness and confusion can signal severe dehydration that calls for immediate medical attention and IV fluid replacement, adds Aleece Fosnight, PA-C, medical advisor to Aeroflow Urology and board-certified physician assistant .
But Dr. Dasgupta notes that drinking more water can help correct cloudiness caused by milder cases. “Aiming for at least eight cups (about two liters) of water a day is a good rule of thumb, though individual needs may vary,” he says. “The key is to stay well-hydrated throughout the day, which helps keep urine clear and reduces cloudiness.”
For a vaginal infection, try a prescription antibiotic or antifungal
“A bacterial infection known as bacterial vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections are among the most common causes of vaginal infections that could lead to cloudy urine,” notes Dr. Dasgupta. “Both conditions are fairly common and can cause noticeable changes in vaginal discharge.” The discharge then mixes with urine to produce cloudiness.
Other clues that a vaginal infection is your cloudiness culprit: “For BV, you might notice a thin, grayish discharge with a fishy smell, along with mild itching or irritation,” Dr. Dasgupta explains. “Yeast infections, on the other hand, usually come with thick, white discharge (like cottage cheese), intense itching and redness.”
If you experience cloudy pee along with the symptoms above, visit your doctor. “While these infections aren’t usually serious, getting the right treatment can help you feel better faster and avoid complications,” Dr. Dasgupta assures. “For BV, antibiotics are typically prescribed, and yeast infections are treated with antifungal medications, either as a cream, vaginal suppository or pill. Most infections clear up within a few days to a week once treatment begins.”
For kidney stones, up your fluid intake
Kidney stones trigger cloudy pee through two major mechanisms. “One is the kidney stone itself may cause a urinary tract infection that makes urine cloudy,” Fosnight explains. “Two, the kidney stone typically develops from minerals and crystals, which causes cloudiness of the urine secondary to the increased particle concentration.”
Cloudiness due to kidney stones can also be accompanied by changes in urine color, especially redness due to hematuria or blood in urine, adds Fosnight. Other symptoms she cites: Flank pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, urinary frequency and/or urgency, dysuria (pain or burning with urination), malodorous urine and decreased urine output.
If you experience such symptoms, Fosnight recommends seeing a medical professional who can conduct a CT scan that evaluates the abdomen and pelvis. If kidney stones are detected, treatment differs depending on their size.
“If the stone is 5 mm or less, individuals are typically able to pass them on their own with increased fluids and alpha blocker medications (like Flomax) to help dilate the ureter and ease the passage,” she says. “For stones 5 mm or larger or smaller stones that are not passing on their own, surgical intervention with ureteroscopy (a scope that goes through the ureter) and/or lithotripsy may be required.”
For high blood sugar, visit your doctor
Normally, your kidneys filter and reabsorb glucose back into the bloodstream. But when blood sugar levels get too high, the kidneys can’t keep up and the extra glucose ends up in your urine. This is a condition called glucosuria that can make pee cloudy, Dr. Dasgupta explains.
“Along with cloudy urine, glucosuria can cause a sweet or fruity smell in your pee,” he says. “You might also notice symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination or feeling unusually tired—common signs of elevated blood sugar. Infections like UTIs are also more likely in this scenario.”
Your best course of action If you think your cloudy pee is related to high blood sugar: Head to your doctor as soon as possible. “Doctors diagnose glucosuria using a simple urine test, often alongside blood tests to confirm high glucose levels and check overall health,” Dr. Dasgupta notes. “Treatment focuses on managing blood sugar, which might include lifestyle changes, medications or insulin, depending on your condition.”
This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.
