What should you know about dark red urine in males?

A deep amber or brown-red colour may appear when urine is concentrated after sweating, fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, or not drinking enough. Blood from the kidneys, bladder, urethra, or prostate can make urine pink, red, or cola-coloured; burning, urgency, side pain, or clots can provide useful clues. Liver or bile-flow problems may darken urine and occur with yellowing of the eyes, pale stools, nausea, or itching. A colour change after a new medicine, supplement, or strongly coloured food is also possible. Colour alone cannot identify the cause, and dark urine does not by itself mean cancer. For context, see [Dark Urine](/symptoms/dark-urine/) and information about [Dehydration](/conditions/dehydration/).

Notice when the colour started, whether it changes with fluids, and whether there is pain, fever, reduced urine, a new medicine, strenuous exercise, or visible blood. Drink fluids normally if you can do so safely, but do not force large amounts if you have been told to restrict fluids. Arrange a clinical assessment if the colour persists, returns, or has no clear explanation. A clinician may check a urine sample, kidney function, blood count, and liver-related tests.

Seek urgent care for inability to pass urine, heavy bleeding or clots, severe flank or abdominal pain, faintness, confusion, high fever, repeated vomiting, or marked weakness. Get prompt medical advice for dark urine with yellow eyes, pale stools, swelling, or new pain in the testicle or back. Heat exposure with dizziness, headache, nausea, or weakness warrants attention; read about [Heat Exhaustion](/conditions/heat-exhaustion/).

Ask whether the urine should be tested for blood, infection, protein, or pigment; whether your medicines or supplements could change its colour; and which symptoms should prompt same-day review. Mention recent exercise, dehydration, fever, urinary symptoms, and any liver symptoms.