Noticed your urine looking cloudy or foggy? Cloudy urine in men can result from several causes, including urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections, kidney or prostate problems, foods you’ve eaten or underlying health conditions such as diabetes.
What should your wee look like?
Urine is usually clear or light yellow when you’re well hydrated. If it’s darker yellow or amber, you might be a bit dehydrated. Very dark yellow or brown urine can mean you’re really dehydrated. Red or pink coloured urine could be a sign of bleeding somewhere in your urinary system, and you should get that checked out by a doctor.
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Cloudy urine can be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI), which is an infection that can affect any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra. UTIs are usually caused by bacteria — particularly Escherichia coli (E. coli) — entering the urethra and travelling to the urethra (causing urethritis) or bladder (causing cystitis). In addition to cloudy urine, symptoms might include a burning sensation when urinating, frequent urges to urinate or pain in the lower abdomen. UTIs are usually easily treated with antibiotics but, if they are severe, they can cause kidney infections. If a kidney infection is untreated it can lead to permanent kidney damage, so if you have symptoms see a doctor as soon as possible.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Cloudy urine can sometimes be caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea. When these infections occur, the body sends white blood cells to fight them off and these cells can mix with urine, causing it to appear cloudy. Other symptoms might include a burning sensation when urinating, unusual discharge from the penis or pain in the testicles. Keep in mind that some STIs don’t cause noticeable symptoms straight away, which means you could have an infection without realising it. If you’re sexually active and notice changes in your urine or any discomfort, it’s important to get tested — early treatment can prevent complications and help stop the spread to others.
Did you know chlamydia can cause male infertility if it isn't treated?
Learn more about the causes of male infertility and the screening you can do.
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Prostatitis
Cloudy urine can be a symptom of prostatitis, which is inflammation of the prostate gland. This condition is often caused by a bacterial infection, but it can also occur without one. When the prostate is inflamed, it can affect the urinary tract and cause symptoms such as cloudy urine, pain or burning during urination, difficulty starting or stopping the flow of urine and discomfort in the lower back, pelvis or genitals. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor — treatment depends on the cause and may involve antibiotics or other therapies.
Kidney problems
Cloudy urine can sometimes be a sign of kidney problems, particularly if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like swelling in the legs or face, high blood pressure, fatigue or pain in the lower back or sides. Kidney issues can cause protein or white blood cells to leak into the urine, making it appear foamy or cloudy. This can happen with conditions like kidney infections, kidney stones or chronic kidney disease. Because your kidneys play a crucial role in filtering waste and balancing fluids in the body, any persistent changes in your urine — especially if they’re linked with other symptoms — should be checked by a doctor to rule out or manage underlying kidney conditions.
Diabetes
Cloudy urine can also be linked to diabetes, especially if blood sugar levels are poorly controlled. High blood sugar can cause excess glucose to pass into the urine, which may make it appear cloudy and smell sweet. Diabetes can also increase the risk of urinary tract infections and kidney problems — both of which can cause cloudy urine as well. If cloudy urine is accompanied by symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue or unexplained weight loss, it could be a sign of undiagnosed or poorly managed diabetes. It's important to speak to a doctor for testing and appropriate treatment.
Diet
Cloudy urine can sometimes be caused by your diet, particularly if you've recently eaten foods high in phosphorus. Dairy products (especially milk) and meat are rich in phosphorus and when the body excretes excess phosphorus in the urine, it can cause cloudiness. In most cases, these changes are harmless and short-lived and go away once the body processes the substances. However, abnormal levels of phosphorus in your wee may be a sign of a serious health problem so it’s a good idea to check in with a doctor if it doesn’t go away after a few days.
If you've noticed cloudy urine for more than a couple of days or if you're experiencing other symptoms, book in to see your doctor.
