What are possible causes of cloudy urine?

Urine may look cloudy when it is concentrated, including during dehydration, or when minerals form crystals after the sample cools. Mucus, semen or vaginal discharge can also change its appearance. Cloudiness with burning, urgency, frequent urination or an unusual smell can occur with a urinary tract infection. Fever, chills, nausea or pain in the side or back can suggest that infection has reached the kidney. Cloudiness alone does not identify one cause.

Drink fluids regularly if you have no medical restriction, and observe whether the change settles. Collect a clean midstream urine sample if a clinician requests testing; avoid using a container that may contain soap or residue. Arrange an assessment if cloudy urine continues, returns often, or comes with pain or urinary symptoms. A urine test can check for blood, white cells, bacteria and other clues.

Get urgent help for cloudy urine with fever, shaking chills, severe side or back pain, vomiting, confusion, faintness or inability to pass urine. Seek prompt advice during pregnancy, with a weakened immune system, or when you see visible blood or feel increasingly unwell.

Ask whether you need a urine test or culture, how to collect the sample, whether your medicines or supplements could affect appearance, and which symptoms should trigger urgent review.