White Particles in Urine

Urine is normally a clear liquid without any foreign matter in it. The presence of white matter in urine is usually an indication of some kind of underlying disease like polyps, candidiasis, bladder cancer, and STDs, etc. Sometimes, it can occur as part of the varied hormonal and biological changes that occur in the body during pregnancy. These changes can cause the elimination of white blood cells and/or protein along with urine. If such white particles in urine occur over a course of a few days, especially during pregnancy, then immediate medical attention is necessary.

Causes of white particles in urine

White particles in urine are usually caused due to the presence of the below listed underlying conditions.

1. Kidney Stones

• White particles in urine can also be a symptom of kidney stones. These stones tend to appear as sand-like granules in a urine sample. Kidney stones can occur due to varied causes such as diet, lifestyle, etc. People with a history of the condition are more susceptible than others. Recurrent episodes of kidney stones can cause extensive damage of the kidneys and the urinary tract as well as trigger varied health complications.
• In addition to white particles in urine, patients may suffer from flank pain, painful urination, appetite loss, etc. The condition is treated with medications, drinking lots of water, and sometimes surgery.

2. Urinary Tract Infection

• A urinary tract infection or UTI refers to infection of the urinary tract by gram negative bacteria, E. coli, or other kinds of pathogens. These pathogens may enter the urinary system from the bloodstream or via the urethra. In the latter, the germs directly enter the tract, multiply rapidly, and cause the infection. Women are at greater risk to UTIs due to their genital anatomy, wherein the germ-abundant anus is located right next to the vaginal opening.
• In addition to white particles in urine, patients may suffer from symptoms such as painful urination, burning sensations when passing urine, exhaustion, and increased urinary urgency, etc.
• UTIs are usually treated with antibiotics, pain killers, lifestyle changes, and self-care. It is important to immediately treated UTIs as untreated cases can lead to spread of the infection to the bladder and kidneys, which can be very dangerous.

3. Bacterial vaginosis

• Also called BV, bacterial vaginosis is a condition caused due to overgrowth of the bacteria that naturally occur in the vagina. Such overgrowth can be triggered by many causes, including poor genital hygiene.
• In addition to white particles in urine, affected women may experience a variety symptoms such as whitish or grey vaginal discharge, fishy or smelly urine, and itching in and around the vagina, etc.
• It is important for women to immediately treat bacterial vaginosis as non-treatment can increase the risk to development of severe medical problems like pelvic inflammatory disease.

4. Monilia yeast infection

• Monilia yeast naturally occurs in the vaginal canal in small amounts. The yeast may sometimes multiply and grow at a rapid pace thereby causing a vaginal yeast infection. In most cases, such overgrowth is often triggered by changes in the pH levels in the tract.
• One of the main symptoms of Monilia yeast infection of the tract is a whitish vaginal discharge with clusters of cottage cheese like matter in it. This discharge can combine with urine, thereby causing white particles in urine. Other symptoms include redness, itching in and around the vagina, and burning sensations in the genital area.
• Doctors do not opt for complete removal of the yeast from the tract. Instead, treatment involves management of the infection and curbing the growth of the yeast with antifungals and other medications.

5. Parasitic infections

• Schistosomiasis, filariasis, and other infection causing parasites can also attack the urinary tract. These worm-like parasites tend to get removed from the body along with urine, thereby causing urine to look cloudy with white floating particles. Parasites which cause trichomoniasis infection of the tract may result in occurrence of mucus threads in urine; this may give urine a murky appearance along with white thread-like particles. Consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

6. Sediments

• Sediments refer to the white phosphate particles that occur in urine. It is a harmless and widespread condition in humans. Mostly, the white sediment particles in urine are detached cells of the tract walls which get removed during urination. Yeast infections and other kinds of UTIs can also cause such white particles in urine.

7. Retrograde ejaculation

• In this condition, semen flows into the bladder instead of passing into the penis during ejaculation. The semen then gets removed as white particles in urine.
• Men who have previously had some form of prostate surgery are more likely to suffer from retrograde ejaculation. The condition may also occur if the lower sphincter muscles do not open properly during ejaculation or when the upper sphincter muscles do not close fully during ejaculation. Visit a doctor for treatment.