Looked down and noticed your wee is milky or hazy rather than clear? Cloudy urine can have several causes, some harmless and others needing medical attention; the NHS lists cloudy pee as a possible symptom of both urinary tract infections and kidney stones. Here are the causes, when to get help, and how it differs from the darker wee in our urine colour chart.
Cloudy urine means wee that looks milky, murky or hazy. It can have several causes, including discharge mixing with urine, but its appearance alone cannot tell you the cause. Cloudiness with burning when you wee, needing to go more often, pain, a fever or blood needs medical attention.
What causes cloudy urine?
Urine turns cloudy when something is suspended in it that is not normally there, such as cells, discharge or the by-products of an infection. Like other everyday bathroom clues, it is the context that tells the story.
| Possible cause | What often comes with it | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Urinary tract infection (UTI) | Burning when you wee, needing to go more often or urgently, lower tummy pain or pain in your back just under the ribs, a high or low temperature [1] | Pharmacist or GP |
| Kidney stones | Severe pain in the side or lower back that comes and goes, feeling sick, needing to wee often [2] | Seek urgent medical advice, especially with severe pain, fever or shivering |
| Discharge mixing with urine | New or unusual vaginal or penile discharge, itching or soreness [3][4] | Pharmacist, GP or sexual health clinic; new discharge may need an infection or STI check |
| Semen mixing with urine | Often no other symptoms | Speak to a GP if cloudiness persists or recurs |
Is cloudy urine always a UTI?
No. Cloudy urine alone does not confirm that you have a UTI, but it does not rule one out either [1]. Seek medical advice if it persists, keeps returning or comes with burning, urgency, pain or a fever. Our guide to why bathroom habits change day to day explains why the odd off day is common.
Can dehydration make your urine cloudy?
The NHS does not list cloudiness among the signs of dehydration. It lists dark yellow, strong-smelling pee, along with thirst, headache, tiredness and weeing less often [5]. Not drinking enough can make your urine darker and more concentrated. However, persistent cloudiness should not automatically be put down to dehydration, particularly if you notice other symptoms. More in hydration and digestion, hydration and gut transit and morning hydration.
Cloudy urine in women and in pregnancy
A woman aged 16 to 64 who is not pregnant or breastfeeding and thinks she has a UTI can usually start with a pharmacist rather than a GP [1]. Discharge can also mix with urine and make it look cloudy. New or unusual discharge, itching or soreness may need checking [4].
If you are pregnant, the advice is different. The NHS says to ask for an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111 if you are pregnant and think you may have a UTI [1].
Ask for an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111 if you may have a UTI and:
- you are 65 or over, pregnant, a man, have diabetes, a weakened immune system or a catheter
- you have a very high or low temperature, or feel shivery
- you have pain in your lower tummy or in your back just under the ribs
- there is blood in your wee, which may look pink, red or dark brown
- symptoms get worse quickly, or do not improve within 48 hours of starting treatment or treating them yourself
Call 999 or go to A&E if you or your child are confused, drowsy or have difficulty speaking [1].
Why is my urine cloudy but I have no pain?
Cloudy urine without pain can have several explanations, including discharge mixing with urine, but it can also be a symptom of a UTI [1]. If it persists, keeps returning or you develop other symptoms, seek medical advice rather than judging it by appearance.
Why is my wee cloudy in the morning?
Morning urine is often more concentrated, so it may look darker or smell stronger. However, concentration alone does not explain every change in appearance. If your urine is repeatedly cloudy in the morning, mention it to a healthcare professional, especially with other symptoms. A simple record of when it happens may help you describe the pattern.
A one-off change in how your urine looks may not be concerning, but cloudy urine can also be a symptom of a UTI or kidney stones. Notice whether it persists or recurs, and seek medical advice if other symptoms develop, such as burning, pain, fever or blood. If you are pregnant and suspect a UTI, seek urgent medical advice.
References
- NHS. Urinary tract infections (UTIs). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-tract-infections-utis/
- NHS. Kidney stones. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/kidney-stones/
- NHS. Chlamydia. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chlamydia/
- NHS. Thrush in men and women. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/thrush-in-men-and-women/
- NHS. Dehydration. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dehydration/
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you have concerns about your urinary or digestive health, speak to a qualified healthcare professional.
