The 7 Major Changes in Your Urine to Keep an Eye Out For
Checking your urine for changes in color, odor, and consistency provides a quick snapshot of your urological health. Typically, healthy urine ranges in several shades of yellow with a slight odor, depending on your hydration level. On the other hand, unusual colors or consistency changes can indicate an underlying health problem.
While these issues can be temporary, they may be indicative of a more serious issue within the urinary tract that requires examination by a specialist. Because of this, it’s important to check your urine frequently for any notable changes and contact a professional if anything is alarming.
Here is a complete breakdown of changes in urine you can look out for, what they mean, and what you can do to make sure your urinary system is healthy.
1. Color Changes in Urine
It’s important to note that changes in urine color are extremely common and can be caused by several factors. The most common colors you might notice are shades of brown, red, or orange. Unusual, but still common, pigments that can appear in urine include blue or green.
Red/Brown Urine Color
A red or brown tint in your urine is a common symptom that can point to a number of causes.
Medical Causes
Red or brown-colored urine may be caused by several medical reasons. Some of the most common causes include dehydration, urinary tract infections, blood in the urinary tract (also known as hematuria), and kidney stones. Certain types of cancer, as well as lead or mercury poisoning, may also result in red or brown-colored urine.
Food Causes
Some common foods that can temporarily produce a red or brown tint in urine are beets, blackberries, and rhubarb, along with any food or drink containing a large amount of artificial coloring.
Medication Causes
Many over-the-counter and prescribed medications can also cause red or brown-colored urine. Some of the most well-known medications to produce these colors include:
- Ex-Lax (Sennosides)
- Thorazine (Chlorpromazine)
- Mellaril (Thioridazine)
- Aralen (Chloroquine)
- Primaquine
- Flagyl (Metronidazole)
- Macrobid, Furadantin, Macrodantin (Nitrofurantoin)
Orange Urine Color
Orange-colored urine is most commonly seen after taking UTI medications and goes away once the medication is stopped. As a result, these medications will oftentimes list urine discoloration as a symptom on the packaging.
Medical Causes
Dehydration and urine concentration in the bladder are common sources of orange-colored urine. However, more serious conditions such as liver dysfunction and bile duct dysfunction can also be contributors to discoloration.
Food Causes
Carrots and carrot juice are the main culprits of orange-colored urine due to the highly concentrated number of beta carotenes. Consuming a significantly large amount of food high in Vitamin C may also create a slight orange tint in urine.
Medication Causes
Certain chemotherapy medications may also produce orange-colored urine, however, patients are usually alerted to this beforehand. Other common medications that may produce orange-colored urine include:
- Phenazopyridine (Over-the-counter UTI medications; AZO, Pyridium, etc.)
- Rifadin (Rifampin)
- Coumadin, Jantoven (Warfarin)
Green/Blue Urine Color
A green or blue tint in urine can be more shocking than the other colors listed above. In general, a green, blue, or even purple shade in urine commonly happens after taking certain medications, such as popular antacid reducers like Tums or Pepto-Bismol.
Medical Causes
One serious cause of blue or green-tinted urine can be due to the presence of Pseudomonas Bacteria. This bacteria can sometimes present itself as a urinary tract infection, however, not all UTIs are caused by Pseudomonas Bacteria.
Medication Causes
Medical dyes used for specific bladder and kidney tests can result in the urine turning a blue or green color. Vitamin B supplements are another common cause of green-colored urine. Blue or green urine can also be caused by these medications:
- Phenadoz, Phenergan, Promethegan (Promethazine)
- Tivorbex (Indomethacin)
- Elavil (Amitriptyline)
- Tagamet HB, Heartburn Relief, Acid Reducer (Cimetidine)
2. Odor Changes in Urine
Urine will almost always have a slight odor caused by the waste filtered out of the body through the kidneys. Ultimately, if an odor persists, you may need to check your symptoms with a doctor.
Medical Causes
Dehydration can produce a strong smell of ammonia in urine, which can generally be corrected through rehydration. Other common causes for odor changes in urine include UTIs or liver dysfunction. For women, odor changes can specifically be caused by a yeast infection or inflammation in the urethra, also known as urethritis.
Food Causes
Most people are aware of the effect eating asparagus can have on urine odor. However, the consumption of Brussels sprouts, pineapple, coffee, and alcohol can have similar effects as well.
3. Consistency Changes in Urine
In addition to color and odor, there can also be changes in the consistency of your urine.
Cloudy Urine Consistency
If you notice a cloudy appearance in your urine, this may point to an infection. This cloudy or milky appearance is sometimes caused by an excess of white blood cells entering the urinary system.
Medical Causes
Urinary tract infections and kidney stones may also cause cloudy urine. Men might notice a cloudy change in urine consistency if they are experiencing prostatitis, which is inflammation of the prostate gland. In addition, chlamydia and gonorrhea are two sexually transmitted infections that may result in this symptom.
Foamy Urine Consistency
Foam is sometimes caused by forceful urination when emptying a full bladder. Foamy urine may also be caused by excess protein not being filtered out by the kidneys, which could indicate renal damage.
Medical Causes
Foam might indicate kidney disease or a rare condition in men called retrograde ejaculation, where semen travels backward and enters into the bladder, rather than ejaculating through the penis.
Related: How To Relieve Kidney Pain at Home
Medication Causes
Phenazopyridine is a urinary tract medication that may create a foamy consistency. Additionally, AZO and Pyridium are common brands of over-the-counter UTI medications that can cause changes in urine consistency, like foamy changes.
Oily Urine Consistency
You may notice a layer of oil floating at the surface of the water when urinating, which can be caused by a low-carb diet. Yet, if other symptoms such as abdominal pain, blood in urine, or vomiting occur, be sure to contact your doctor to discuss possible causes.
Medication Causes
Oil in urine can be caused by water-soluble vitamins that don’t properly absorb and empty into the urine.
A weakened stream when urinating can also be a cause for concern and point to an enlarged prostate or urinary tract infection. If you believe you’re suffering from urinary retention, here’s what you can do.
4. Frequency and Volume Changes
Increased frequency of urination can be attributed to several underlying causes. One common reason is a urinary tract infection, which predominantly affects women. Similarly, diabetes, a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels, can increase thirst and subsequently, frequent urination. In men, an enlarged prostate, medically termed benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), can obstruct the urinary flow. This obstruction results in heightened urges to urinate, especially during the night.
On the contrary, decreased urine volume often signifies other health issues. Dehydration, stemming from inadequate fluid intake, causes the urine to become concentrated, leading to a reduction in urine volume. Additionally, kidney problems that impair the kidneys’ ability to effectively filter waste from the blood can result in decreased urine production, indicating an underlying renal concern. These changes in urinary frequency and volume necessitate medical attention to identify the specific cause and initiate appropriate treatment.
5. Sediment or Particles
Sediment or particles in the urine could indicate various conditions. It might result from urinary tract infections, where bacteria and white blood cells are shed into the urine. It can also be a sign of kidney stones, where solid particles form in the kidneys and pass into the urine, causing pain and sediment.
6. Painful or Burning Sensation
Pain or a burning sensation during urination is the most common symptom of urinary tract infections. Infections in the urethra, bladder, or kidneys can cause discomfort and pain. Additionally, certain sexually transmitted infections, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, can lead to painful urination.
7. Changes in pH or Specific Gravity
The pH level of urine can vary. Abnormal pH levels can be a sign of metabolic or respiratory disorders. For instance, acidic urine might indicate uncontrolled diabetes, while alkaline urine could be due to urinary tract infections.
Specific gravity, on the other hand, measures the concentration of particles in the urine. Abnormal specific gravity levels could suggest issues with kidney function, dehydration, or certain hormonal imbalances affecting the kidneys’ ability to effectively concentrate urine.
It’s important to note that these changes are not definitive diagnoses, but rather indicators that should prompt further medical evaluation. If you experience any of these symptoms or notice changes in your urine, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis.
Managing Urinary Changes
One of the most common causes of a change in urine is due to dehydration. Try drinking several cups of water and check if your urine goes back to normal after a few hours. If symptoms aren’t improving, or you’re experiencing difficulty with urinating, you can check out our After Hours and Emergency Services page for more information.
When to Talk to a Urologist
If you’ve noticed persistent changes in your urine, it may be time to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and personalized instruction on the appropriate steps to take next.
At Urology Specialists of the Carolinas, we understand the importance of addressing these changes promptly and effectively. If you’ve noticed persistent changes in the color, frequency, volume, or odor of your urine, it’s crucial to consult with a urologist. Our team of experienced urologists is here to help you navigate these symptoms and provide expert guidance.
If you are experiencing any concerning changes in your urine or related symptoms, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us by clicking the button below.
Content was originally published in January 2020 and rewritten in October 2023.