Urine Color Changes

Urine Color Changes Can Signal a Problem

One of the best ways to gauge what's going on inside your bladder may be to take a look at what's coming out…literally. Changes in your urine’s color and clarity can be the first indicator of possible medical issues.

Here are some possible medical issues related to urine color. Contact your physician for proper diagnosis.

What You See When You Pee: Clear Urine

• Most Likely Means: You’ve been drinking more liquids, such as increased water intake.
• What to Do: Typically, clear urine signals good hydration and health. However, if you do not consume many beverages or much water and your urine remains consistently clear, contact a physician because it could be a sign of a kidney or liver disorder.

What You See When You Pee: Dark Yellow Urine

• Most Likely Means: You have not been drinking enough liquids and are likely dehydrated.
• What to Do: Consume more water. Climate, activities and diet can impact hydration, but on average, we need at least 32 ounces of fluids per day.

What You See When You Pee: Fluorescent Yellow/Orange Urine

• Most Likely Means: You’ve been consuming a lot of darker colored foods, such as beets, carrots, too much vitamin C, etc. However, this could also be an early sign of liver dysfunction if urine is consistently a dark yellow/orange or brownish color.
• What to Do: It is very important to make sure that you are drinking enough liquids. However, if this condition persists, it highly recommended that you consult with your primary care physician for an accurate diagnosis.

What You See When You Pee: Blood-Tinged or Rust-Colored Urine

• Most Likely Means: If accompanied by pain, burning and frequent urination, it is most likely a urinary tract infection (UTI). In some cases, the urine is also cloudy and/or has an odor.
• What to Do: Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you have red urine, whether you are having symptoms or not. They will run a urine culture to confirm the diagnosis of a urinary tract infection (UTI), for which you’ll need a prescription antibiotic. In the meantime, take Cystex® Urinary Pain Relief Tablets, available over-the-counter at drug stores. Not only will this unique medicine help alleviate any painful/burning symptoms that you experience with a urinary tract infection (UTI), but it can also help stop the progression of the bacterial infection until you can see your doctor and start the prescription antibiotic.

What You See When You Pee: Brown Urine

• Most Likely Means: Brown urine can be an indication of a serious condition. This may be caused by either liver or kidney diseases. There are other symptoms related to these ailments that should also be considered as indicators.
• What to Do: See your physician as soon as possible for an accurate diagnosis.

What You See When You Pee: Green or Blue Urine

• Most Likely Means: Artificial coloring in food or drugs (i.e. dyes) can cause urine to turn green or blue. Urine in the brighter green color can also be an indication of an excess of B vitamins.
• What to Do: Scale back on the supplements and artificial coloring that might be changing your urine color. If nothing changes, then consult with your physician.

What You See When You Pee: Murky, Cloudy Urine

• Most Likely Means: It could be related to either bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection, a urinary tract infection (UTI), kidney stones or other urinary tract diseases. Some urinary complaints might accompany this change in urine clarity, including painful urination, reduced urine outflow and increased urinary frequency.
• What to Do: It is important that you see your physician for an accurate diagnosis. Be sure to also alert your doctor to any changes in the way that you urinate (i.e. flow, pain, and urgency).

If you are experiencing any of the urine changes indicated above, see your medical practitioner as soon as possible.