What is the medical term for cloudy urine?

In everyday language, cloudy means urine looks hazy, milky, or less transparent than usual. Clinicians may describe this appearance while considering concentrated urine, crystals, cells, mucus, or material introduced during collection. The appearance alone cannot identify the cause. A urinary tract infection can present with cloudy urine, particularly when burning, urgency, frequency, or lower abdominal pain is also present. A kidney infection may add fever, chills, nausea, or side pain. Dehydration may make urine darker and more concentrated, sometimes changing its clarity.

Record whether the change was seen once or repeatedly and note the timing of any pain, smell, fever, or altered urinary habits. If testing is advised, collect a clean-catch sample as instructed so discharge or skin bacteria are less likely to confuse the result. Testing may look for infection, blood, protein, crystals, or other clues. Do not interpret a cloudy sample as proof that antibiotics are needed.

Contact a clinician when cloudy urine continues, keeps returning, or is paired with painful urination, visible blood, fever, or new pelvic pain. Get urgent help if you develop fever and pain in the side or back, persistent vomiting, marked weakness, confusion, or difficulty drinking. Prompt assessment is especially sensible when symptoms are worsening rather than settling.

What findings would distinguish crystals from infection? Should I repeat the urine test with a clean-catch sample? Could my medicines, fluids, or discharge affect the appearance?