When Your Pee Goes “Cloudy”: What’s Really in Your Urine?

By Urine the News Staff

Hook: You glance at the toilet bowl and blink—your urine looks like hazy lemonade. Before you panic, here’s why a little cloudiness might be more common than you think.

What Does “Cloudy” Urine Even Mean?

According to Harvard Health Publishing, normal urine should be transparent and pale yellow. Cloudy urine appears milky or hazy—so much so that you couldn’t read a newspaper through it if you poured it into a glass (source).

Top Reasons Your Urine Might Look Murky

• High pH Levels: Diets rich in fruits and veggies—especially among vegans—can raise urine pH, causing mineral crystals to cloud the liquid.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): White blood cells or a bit of blood from an infection may turn urine cloudy. You’ll often notice pain or urgency alongside the haze.
• Dehydration: Concentrated urine from low fluid intake can look dark and cloudy—an easy fix with plenty of water.
• Diabetes: Excess sugar spilling into the urine can give it a cloudy, sweet-smelling quality if blood glucose isn’t well controlled.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Infections like gonorrhea, chlamydia, or trichomoniasis can introduce cells and debris that cloud urine.
• Medications: Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin) or antibiotics (e.g., rifampin) can alter color or cause microscopic bleeding, both of which lead to a hazy appearance.
• Kidney Issues: Diseases or stones may release proteins or tiny bubbles into urine, making it look foamy or cloudy, often accompanied by pain.
• Prostate Problems (in men): Inflammation or infection of the prostate can introduce white blood cells or tissue fragments into urine, clouding it.

When to Dial Your Doctor

If cloudy urine shows up once and you otherwise feel fine, try upping your water intake and monitor for a day. But if the murkiness lasts over 24 hours, returns after clearing up, or comes with any of the following, it’s time to call your physician:

• Severe or persistent pain on urination
• Visible blood in the urine
• Fever or chills
• Abdominal or flank pain (possible kidney stone warning)

For the complete rundown on what cloudy urine might signal—and when to seek help—read the full Harvard Health Publishing article here: Common Causes of Cloudy Urine.