What Does Finding Mucus in Urine Mean? Causes & Treatment

What Does Mucus in Urine Mean?

Finding mucus or cloudiness in your urine can be alarming. Mucus in urine is often the result of temporary, benign causes, but it can also be a sign of underlying medical conditions that need treatment.

Urinary Tract Infection

Excess mucus is commonly seen with urinary tract infections (UTIs). Bacteria like E. coli invade the urinary tract, causing inflammation and discharge. Along with mucus, pain and burning during urination often occur.

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones irritate the urinary tract as they pass through, which can stimulate mucus production. Small amounts of mucus accompanied by blood in urine may indicate kidney stones.

Sexual Activity

In women, sexual arousal leads to cervical mucus production that may get passed with urine afterward. This temporary mucus is generally normal if not excessive.

Prostatitis

Prostatitis, or prostate gland inflammation, can cause white or yellow mucus in urine in men. There may also be prostate enlargement, pelvic pain, and difficulty urinating.

What Does Mucus Look Like in Urine?

Mucus in urine can manifest in a few different ways:

Cloudy Urine

A overall hazy, cloudiness throughout the urine indicates mucus. Infections like UTI’s often cause cloudy urine with a fouler odor.

Stringy Mucus Strands

Thinner mucus may be seen as tiny hair-like strands or globs suspended in the urine and visible during urination.

Mucus Plugs

Thick globs or clumps of mucus that accumulate together can occasionally discharge from the urethra, looking like plugs.

Jelly-like Discharge

More copious amounts of mucus may be jelly-like with a stretchy consistency. This often signals irritation of the reproductive tract.

Particles in Urine

Small specks or blobs of mucus floating around in the urine, noticeable when urinating or on wiping.

What Causes Mucus in Urine?

Some common causes of mucus and discharge in urine include:

UTIs

Bacterial UTIs are the most common cause, producing cloudy urine with foul odor. Burning with urination accompanies it.

STDs

Sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia and gonorrhea infect the urethra and also provoke mucus production.

Vaginitis

Vaginal infections cause vaginal discharge that can get into the urine. Yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis cause excess mucus.

Cervical Mucus

Increased cervical mucus production during ovulation or arousal flows out with urine in women.

Prostatitis

Prostate inflammation or infection in men leads to white or yellow mucus passing during urination.

Kidney Stones

As kidney stones travel down the urinary tract, they irritate the tissue lining, inducing mucus secretion.

Chemotherapy Drugs

Some chemotherapy medications are metabolized and excreted rapidly, irritating the bladder lining and causing temporary cloudy urine with mucus.

When to See a Doctor

Passing small amounts of clear or white mucus occasionally likely needs no treatment. But see your doctor if you have:

Persistent Cloudy Urine

Ongoing cloudy urine with mucus indicates infection or inflammation needing assessment. UTIs should always be treated.

Other UTI Symptoms

Burning with urination, pelvic pain, blood in urine, fever, or foul strong-smelling urine accompanying mucus warrants medical care.

STD Risk

Multiple sexual partners or a new partner greatly raises the risk for STDs if mucus persists. Get tested.

Other Symptoms

Mucus with back pain, nausea, vomiting or other concerning symptoms should be evaluated by your physician.

Recurrent Mucus

Repeated bouts of cloudy urine with mucus may mean an underlying condition needs diagnosis and specific treatment.

Tests to Diagnose Mucus in Urine

Doctors can diagnose the cause of mucus through:

Urinalysis

Checking a urine sample under the microscope reveals mucus strands, white blood cells, bacteria, and other signs of infection or inflammation.

Urine Culture

Culturing a urine specimen determines the type of bacteria present and pinpoints which antibiotic will treat a UTI or STD.

Cystoscopy

A small camera inserted in the urethra and bladder lets doctors view the lining for signs of irritation and source of mucus.

Imaging Tests

Ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs help identify kidney stones, cancers, blockages, or other structural issues contributing to mucus.

Pelvic Exam

A gynecologic pelvic exam can detect discharge from cervicitis, vaginitis, or reproductive cancers.

Treatment for Mucus in Urine

Treatment targets the underlying cause of mucus production:

Antibiotics for Infections

Bacterial UTIs, STDs, prostatitis, and cervicitis are treated with appropriate antibiotic medications.

Medications for Stones

Kidney stone removal or alpha-blockers to help stones pass quicker. Pain medication for symptom relief.

Increase Fluid Intake

Drinking more water dilutes urine and flushes mucus out to speed healing of mild irritation.

Prevent Recurrences

Practice safe sex, urinate after intercourse, avoid feminine hygiene sprays to prevent recurring infections causing mucus.

Surgery if Needed

Severe cases due to obstruction from cancers, strictures, or chronic stones may require surgical intervention.

When Mucus in Urine is Normal

Small amounts of clear or whitish mucus are considered normal if:

Associated with Sexual Activity

Temporary upticks in cervical mucus around ovulation or arousal that flows out after urinating.

No Other Symptoms

If you have no pain, infections, discharge or other urinary symptoms accompanying mucus.

Resolves Quickly

Mucus lasting less than a day or two and goes away on its own.

Well Hydrated

Drinking plenty of fluids dilutes urine so minimal mucus may show up but isn’t concerning.

Preventing Excess Mucus in Urine

You can reduce recurrent episodes of mucus in urine by:

Practicing Safe Sex

Using condoms protects against STDs that infect the urinary tract and provoke mucus production.

Urinating After Sex

This flushes out any bacteria introduced to the urethra before it can cause issues.

Avoiding Irritants

Prevent exposing the urethra to harsh soaps, strong fragrances, douches and sprays.

Treating Constipation

Straining to pass hard stool can irritate the bladder opening and stimulate mucus.

Staying Hydrated

Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, keeps urine diluted and helps flush mucus out.

See Your Doctor for Ongoing Mucus

While small amounts may be normal, recurrent or excessive mucus in urine should be evaluated. Proper diagnosis and treatment will alleviate discomfort and prevent complications.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.