White Stuff in my Urine, could I be Pregnant?
Do you have white stuff floating in your urine? You go to the bathroom and see that your urine is a cloudy whitish color. What could be causing this, and should you be worried?
Cloudy urine can be caused by a variety of things, from dehydration to UTIs. Therefore, it's essential to figure out what's causing the cloudiness so you can get the proper treatment.
This article provides information on some of the most common causes of cloudy urine, as well as advice on when you should see a doctor.
White stuff floating in my urine. Could I be pregnant?
Yes, you could be pregnant. When you are pregnant, one of the things you might notice is that you have white stuff in your urine.
This whitish stuff is due to leukorrhea, a normal vaginal discharge that is usually thin and milky.
Leukorrhea is a result of an increase in the hormone estrogen. This hormone stimulates the growth of the lining of the uterus.
The discharge helps to keep the vagina clean and free of infection. While it is perfectly normal to have leukorrhea during pregnancy, if you notice that the release is thick, yellow, or green, this could be a sign of an infection, and you should see your doctor.
In most cases, however, leukorrhea is nothing to worry about and is just a sign that you are pregnant.
Other causes of whitish stuff in your urine
There are several other possible causes of whitish stuff in your urine:
Dehydration
While having whitish stuff in your urine can be alarming, there are many harmless causes.
One common cause is dehydration. When your body doesn't have enough fluids, it will start to hold on to what it does have, leading to darker urine.
If you're dehydrated, you may also experience other symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and dry mouth.
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a severe health concern, and the presence of whitish stuff in your urine can be one of the first signs that you have one.
UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract, and they can cause a wide range of symptoms, including pain, burning, and difficulty urinating.
If left untreated, UTIs can lead to kidney damage or even death. While anyone can develop a UTI, women are at greater risk due to their shorter urethras.
Other symptoms of a urinary tract infection may include:
- Burning sensation when urinating
- More frequent urination
- Increased urge to urinate
- Difficulty urinating more than a small amount of urine
- Bloody or cloudy urine
- Dark-colored urine
- Urine that has a strong odor
- Pelvic pain in women or men
- Rectal pain in men
- Pelvic pressure
- Pain in the lower abdomen
If you think you may have a UTI, it's essential to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for preventing serious complications.
Kidney stones
If you notice that your urine is cloudy or has a whitish tinge, it could be due to kidney stones. According to the Mayo Clinic, kidney stones are a solid mass made of tiny crystals.
They form when your urine contains more crystal-forming substances than the fluid can dilute.
If you have tiny kidney stones that can pass during urination, this may seem like you're discarding them.
That might give the impression of tiny white particles in your urine.
A kidney stone may not cause symptoms until it tries to move down the ureter and gets stuck.
Then, you may experience severe pain in your side and back, below your ribs.
The pain may radiate down to your groin. Other symptoms include:
- Pink, red, or brown urine.
- Cloudy urine.
- Inability to urinate more than a small amount at a time
- Foul-smelling urine and constant need to urinate.
- Urgent need to urinate
- Severe and/or fluctuating pain in the abdomen, lower back, or side
- Burning or pain when urinating
- Fever and chills
- Bloody, cloudy, or foul-smelling urine
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain radiating to the groin and lower abdomen
If you have any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately, as kidney stones can block the flow of urine and cause serious complications.
Sexually transmitted infections
While the most common cause of whitish stuff in your urine is dehydration, there are a few other potential causes to be aware of, including sexually transmitted infections.
STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea can both cause symptoms like cloudy or milky urine, as well as pain or burning during urination, unusual discharge, and painful sex.
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's essential to see a healthcare provider for testing and treatment.
Left untreated, STIs can lead to serious health complications, so don't delay in getting help if you think you might be at risk.
Ovulation
Cervical mucus is produced and secreted by the cervix. The consistency and amount of vaginal discharge changes depending on where you are in your monthly cycle.
Before and during ovulation, you may have more mucus than usual. This mucus may be wetter and creamier than at other times. Some of this mucus may pass when you go to the bathroom.
Contact your physician if the mucus discharge smells foul, contains blood, or is green.
Bacterial vaginosis
While there are many possible causes of white stuff in your urine, one of the most common is bacterial vaginosis.
Bacterial vaginosis is a condition that occurs when the average balance of bacteria in the vagina is disturbed.
That can lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, which can then cause symptoms like itching, burning, and unusual discharge.
In some cases, the discharge may be white or milky in appearance. If you have any concerns about the white stuff in your urine, it's essential to see a doctor for an evaluation.
With proper diagnosis and treatment, you can restore your vaginal health and get back to your regular activities.
Fungal infections
Although most causes of white spots in urine are harmless, there are a few conditions that can cause more severe problems. One of these is a fungal infection.
Fungal infections can occur anywhere on the body, and they often cause a white, cottage cheese-like discharge.
In some cases, the discharge may also be accompanied by itching or burning. If you suspect you have a fungal infection, it's essential to see a doctor so that you can get the appropriate treatment.
Fungal infections can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated and can cause serious health problems.
The bottom line
So, what could be the cause of that whitish stuff in your urine? We've outlined a few potential causes, but it's essential to speak with a doctor if you are experiencing any symptoms.
In the meantime, please read our other articles for more information on keeping yourself healthy and hydrated. Thanks for reading!
DISCLAIMER: buildyourbody.org does not provide medical advice, examination, or diagnosis.
Medically reviewed and approved by Nataniel Josue M D.