Like many topics in the urology world, urine is a fairly taboo thing to bring up in conversation, and it can, therefore, be uncomfortable if there is a problem, especially one that seems minor. The color, specifically, of your urine can say a lot about the state of your bladder, kidneys, and all sorts of other parts of the body.
In today’s blog, we’re going to discuss some of the most common variations of urine color and what they could mean. Since it’s not likely you’re going to bring up the color of your urine with friends, it’s a symptom that can easily lead you to sites like WebMD, where scary, often wrong diagnoses will pop up from the jump.
We’re here to clear some of that noise and worry from your mind, and explain when it’s time to visit your urologist based on the color of your urine. Let’s get started.
The Basic Facts
Before we talk about the various colors of urine, let’s start by talking about why urine changes color at all. As you know by now, normal, healthy urine ranges in color from clear to a deep yellow. This is the result of a pigment called urochrome, and the variations are the direct result of how diluted it is by the water you drink.
However, other factors can also change its color, from certain foods like beets and berries to medications that can give urine vivid tones like greenish-yellow or even blue. While some unusual colors can be signs of disease, it’s good to be aware that sometimes, it’s simply because you ate something or you’re on medication.
Normal Urinary Colors
As we just mentioned (and as you already know, at least to some extent), the regular color of urine is yellow or clear. If your urine is usually a strong yellow, this usually means you haven’t been staying properly hydrated.
Liquids of any kind, but most often water, are the number one factor when it comes to clear urine. Fluid dilutes the yellow pigments in urine, so the more water you drink, the clearer it will be. If your urine is clear most of the time, you’re well hydrated and your bladder is likely in good shape. Now that you understand the basics of healthy or “normal” colors, let’s move on to some other colors that your urine could be.
Red or Pink
While reddish or pink urine can be scary, it’s not necessarily a sign of danger or disease. Red and pink urine can be caused by eating beets, blackberries and rhubarb, as well as various medications, specifically Rifampin, an antibiotic, and any laxatives containing senna.
However, as you might have already guessed, another factor in red urine is sometimes blood. Blood in your urine doesn’t mean you need to panic, but it is likely a sign you need to see a doctor. There are a number of causes for blood in urine, ranging from inconsequential to serious, such as an enlarged prostate, cancerous and noncancerous tumors, kidney or bladder stones, and even long-distance running. Visit your urologist if your urine is and continues to be bloody.
Orange
While similar to red urine, orange urine is caused by different things. There aren’t really any foods that can cause orange coloration specifically, but there are several medications, mostly in the anti-inflammatory category.
In some cases, orange-colored urine could mean a problem with your liver or bile duct, especially if you have light-colored stools. Additionally, dehydration can make your urine an amber color, which is similar to orange and can be difficult to tell apart.
Blue and Green
While definitely, the most shocking to see, blue and green urine is most often harmless, usually caused by a brightly colored dye in a food such as candy. Also, dyes used for tests on kidney and bladder functions can also turn urine blue. In most cases, your blue and green urine will go away after only one trip to the bathroom.
Like other colors, these can also be caused by medications, and in some cases (more rare than red or orange), blue and green urine can be caused by a medical condition, though it’s not common. Finally, green urine can sometimes occur during a urinary tract infection.
Brown and Cloudy
Brown urine is definitely the most gross-sounding of the various options, but like the others, it isn’t necessarily a sign of disease or risk. If you’ve recently eaten a lot of rhubarb, fava beans, or even aloe, your urine can turn brown. Also, medication can sometimes cause these symptoms.
Some liver and kidney diseases can cause brown urine, as well as extreme exercise, including muscle injury. If your urine is brown, pink, or cloudy, it could be the result of muscle injury, urinary tract infection, or kidney stones.
When to Visit the Urologist
If your urine is an unusual color, the truth is it’s never a bad idea to visit your urologist so they can run tests and make sure you’re not abnormal in any way. This is especially true if your urine has been an unusual color for more than 1-2 instances, as this could indicate something irregular going on in the kidney, liver, or bladder.
Contact Norman Urology today to schedule your appointment for all your urology needs. Our team is well trained and ready to help!