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Causes of White Particles in Urine

Urine is faint yellow in color normally and is free from any particles. Sometimes due to conditions such as pregnancy, kidney stones, or infection, there may be the appearance of white particles in the urine. Mostly the urinary changes occur due to pregnancy and urinary tract infections.

Causes of White Particles in Urine

The 8 common causes of white particles in urine include the following:

  1. Pregnancy

    Pregnancy leads to hormonal changes in the body. This may cause vaginal discharge and other symptoms.(1) The vaginal discharge can mix with urine and make it appear white or it may seem as if there are white particles in the urine. This condition is normal and not of much concern.

    If during pregnancy a person has darker than usual discharge along with burning and itching, should speak with their doctor.

  2. Yeast Infection

    A yeast infection may lead to white particles in the urine.

    Candida Albicans is a fungus normally growing in healthy people. It may grow rapidly leading to infection in the vagina.

    Yeast infection may lead to a thick discharge that may show up as chunky white in appearance. This may mix with urine and may cause white particles in urine.

    Other symptoms of yeast infection include:

    • Itching and soreness
    • Painful intercourse
    • Redness and swelling around the vagina
    • Itching and soreness

    Antifungal treatment may be recommended by doctors for yeast infections.

  3. Ovulation

    Females release extra mucus during ovulation. The mucus may be milky or creamy in texture and appear as a stringy white substance in urine.

    It is normal for this mucus to be released in the urine. If in case the mucus has an offensive odor, a doctor should be consulted.

  4. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

    Urinary tract infection is a common cause of white particles in urine. It occurs when the bacteria enter the urethra and make their way into the ureter. In the ureter, they multiply and cause infection.

    According to the review done in 2018, UTI can cause discharge in both males and females and lead to white particles in urine.(2)

    Other symptoms of UTI include:

    Urinary tract infections caused by bacteria may need to be treated with antibiotics. If not treated the infection may spread to other parts leading to serious complications.

  5. Retrograde Ejaculation

    Retrograde ejaculation is a condition in which the muscle or the sphincter that plays the role of keeping the semen from entering the bladder does not contract properly. In this case, the person may have an orgasm without ejaculation and the semen enters the bladder.

    According to a review, when a person passes urine, the semen is then seen as a stringy white bit floating in the urine.(3)

    Retrograde does not pose any direct health risk but treatment may be necessary for infertility if a couple is trying to conceive.

  6. Bacterial Vaginosis

    Bacterial vaginosis is the inflammation of the vagina that is caused by the imbalance of bacteria. This may lead to a variety of symptoms including foul-smelling urine and a burning sensation while urinating.

    Sometimes in this condition, a female may notice grayish-white discharge in the urine.

    The treatment of bacterial vaginosis includes a course of antibiotics. However, it may vary for different people.

  7. Sexually Transmitted Infection

    Sexually transmitted infections are transmitted through vaginal sexual, oral, or anal contact. It may lead to changes in the urine.

    These may lead to genital discharge, which may appear as white particles in the urine.(4)

    Any person with a sexually transmitted infection should speak with their doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

  8. Kidney Stones

    Kidney stones develop when the levels of substances such as uric acid, calcium, and oxalate increase in the body.

    The small stones are expelled from the body via urine. They may appear as small white particles in the urine.

    Kidney stones may also lead to the following symptoms:

    • Difficulty in urination
    • Pain and burning during urination
    • Pain in the abdomen radiation downwards to the lower abdomen, pelvis, and groin
    • Cloudy and bloody urine
    • Frequent urge for urination

    Sometimes, doctors may give medication such as alpha-blockers that may help pass stones in the urine. It may help by breaking the bigger stones into smaller pieces making it easy to pass.(5)

    Genital discharge is mostly the cause of white particles in urine. It is important to diagnose the underlying cause and get proper treatment for the same.

Team PainAssist
Team PainAssist
Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Team PainAssist, Pain Assist Inc. This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer
Last Modified On:November 11, 2022

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