Mucus in Urine | Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

What really is Mucus in Urine?

Urine is mostly clear in color but at times it may be amber or straw colored. Moreover, due to presence of mucus it might appear cloudy. Mucus is found in the lining of the urethra and urinary bladder and may be excreted out by getting mixed with urine. The secretions are mostly thin and fluid like.

Mucus is not so common in urine and often considered harmless. However, if found they can be cause diseases in the digestive system, urinary tract, reproductive system and even the immune system. When something goes wrong in the body and several systems are not in sync then only mucus formation is seen in urine.

Types of mucus in urine

There are primarily two types of mucus found in urine:

• Irregular and longitudinal fiber like threads forming bundles that are pale, narrow-ended on one side
• Mucus corpuscles are similar in look to pus cells and are curvy in shape

Common causes of mucus in urine

• Urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by bacterial infection leading to discomfort in urinating and thereby mucus formation
• Urinary tract infection causing pain
• IBS or irritable bowel syndrome
• Inflammatory bowel disease such as Ulcerative colitis
• Obstruction in urinary tract
• Bacterial infection through sexually transmitted diseases like Gonorrhea or Chlamydia
• Bladder cancer with blood in urine
• Kidney stones cause increase in mucus and foul smelling urine with severe pain

Specific Causes of mucus in urine for women

Urinary tract infections have many different factors leading to these diseases:

• Having more than one sexual partner
• Frequent & vicious sexual intercourse
• Diabetes
• Pregnancy
• Dangerous Contraceptives
• Regular intake of antibiotics
• Escherichia Coli Infection
• Harsh cleaners
• Past experience of UTI infection
• Tumors or harmless masses obstructing the urinary tract
• Birth controlling pills
• Staphylococcus infection

Symptoms of Mucus in urine

Signs and symptoms may vary depending on the underlying causes for the formation of mucus. Some of them are as follows:

• Pain in abdomen
• Painful urination
• Discomfort while urinating
• Fever
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Foul smell in urine

Primary symptoms specific to women

• Frequent urges for urinating
• Incontrollable compulsion of urinating
• Amount is quite insignificant at all times
• Urine gets cloudy
• Feeling a burning sensation while urinating each time
• Urine is pinkish, yellowish or Cola colored
• At times, presence of blood in urine
• Urine is pungent smelling

Some other Signs

• Inflammation or pain in the pelvic region
• Restlessness
• Cramps or pain felt at the lower part of stomach
• Discomfort or feeling sick
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Frequent chills

Test for Mucus in urine

• Medical history check
• Thorough physical examination
• Urinalysis for checking the presence of infection
• Urine culture test to know the microorganism behind its cause

Treatment for Mucus in urine

On noticing the presence of mucus in urine, one must undergo medical treatment immediately. Few treatment modalities are mentioned below:

• Antibiotics such as amoxicillin or erythromycin.
• Anti-inflammatory medications in case of membranous inflammation

Natural remedies for Mucus in urine

• Cranberry juice for cleaning out urinary tract infections
• Yoghurt with honey to fight bacteria
• Maintenance of proper hygiene to avoid infections
• Dietary changes
• Avoid gassy foods, wheat, dairy products, and raw vegetables
• Avoid carbonated beverages
• Stop smoking and alcohol consumption
• Include fruits like oranges and apples, salads and green vegetables
• Keep the genital region clean
• Wear cotton underwear
• Use of wipes at intervals
• Drink adequate amount of water at least 10-12 glasses a day
• Keep the body well hydrated with more amount of fluid intake
• Practice safe sex

Homeopathic treatment for mucus in urine

Homeopathic treatment acts quite helpful as they trigger to find the primary cause underlying this symptom of mucus formation and try to cure it. Homeopathic medicines treat the patient and its body as a whole. And also specific medication can be used for particular types of problems according to the symptoms experienced. Effects of these medicines may help to rule out the excess amount of mucus.

Some commonly prescribed medications include:

• Belladonna (if mucus is white)
• Merc (if mucus is red)
• Phosphorus (if mucus is yellow then)
• Causticium or Antimonium Tart if patient feels nausea
• Kali bichrome and Kali Mur

Risk of mucus in urine

A little amount of mucus in urine is however not much of concern. But an excess excretion is alarming and one should pay serious attention to it. Although the mucus may be mild, it may cause high damage to the body if not treated timely. It may cause urinary tract infection, but it may not be much critical as bladder cancer. But this symptom may carry underlying ailments such as abnormalities in the reproductive system, issues of the excretory system and immune system causing an infection.

Prevention steps

The best steps to be followed to prevent further complications are:

• Medical history, the nature, and location of pain all verified
• Consulting the doctor, necessary tests as per recommendation
• Have a healthy diet
• Drink plenty of fluids and water
• Maintain proper hygiene

When to call the doctor?

On noticing excessive mucus accompanied by cloudy urine that is deep yellowish, pinkish or Cola colored carrying a foul smell, make an appointment with the doctor. Some cases might be harmless, but in some conditions, the mucus may be a symptom of an underlying disease that may turn critical. The doctor can quickly determine through the warning symptoms if the mucus is severe or less acute and easily treatable.