Pyuria is when you have a lot of white blood cells or pus in your pee. UTIs are the most common cause, but STIs, viral infections and some medications can also cause it. The most common symptom is cloudy, strong-smelling pee. Treatment involves managing the cause.
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Pyuria is a common condition in which you have high levels of white blood cells (leukocytes) or pus in your pee. Pus is a thick, discolored (white, yellow, pink or green) fluid that your body makes to help fight off an infection. You have pyuria (pronounced "pi-YER-ree-UH") if you have 10 or more white blood cells per cubic milliliter of pee. It may cause your pee to look cloudy or discolored.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Pyuria may be a sign of many different health conditions, and treatment depends on its cause. It often appears alongside urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs are very common. Each year, healthcare providers treat 8 million to 10 million people for UTIs.
Sterile pyuria is a type of pyuria in which you have white blood cells in your pee, but providers can’t detect any bacteria. It often appears due to a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It affects nearly 14 out of 100 women and about 2.5 out of 100 men.
The most common symptoms include cloudy pee or pus in your pee.
If a UTI causes pyuria, your symptoms may include:
UTIs are the most common cause. Other causes may include:
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Certain medications may also cause pyuria, especially if you take them for a long time. These include:
Not always. UTIs are the most common cause of pyuria. But if you have pyuria, it doesn’t mean that a UTI is the cause. Your healthcare provider can diagnose the exact cause.
Pyuria often develops because of another condition, usually a UTI. E. coli is the most common cause of UTIs.
Yes. UTIs are the most common cause of pyuria. But there are other causes, including STIs, kidney stones and pneumonia.
You’re at a greater risk of getting pyuria if you:
You’re also more likely to get it if you have menopause symptoms. The loss of estrogen during menopause can thin out vaginal tissues and cause dryness and irritation. This increases your risk of bacteria entering your urinary system and causing a UTI.
Your healthcare provider will review your health history, ask questions about your symptoms and conduct a physical exam. If they think you have pyuria, they’ll recommend a pee test (urinalysis). A lab technician will check your pee sample for:
Treatment depends on its cause. But it may include:
It depends on the cause. In severe cases, untreated pyuria may lead to serious conditions, like:
Some of these conditions can be fatal.
Call your healthcare provider as soon as you notice any changes in your pee or symptoms of a UTI or STI. These may include peeing problems or pain around your abdomen.
If your provider diagnoses you with a UTI or STI and your symptoms get worse, contact them again. You may need a different treatment, or you may have another condition.
You may want to ask questions during your appointment, including:
With a proper diagnosis, the outlook is usually good. If you have a UTI, pyuria usually goes away a few days after starting antibiotics.
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Until you find out the exact cause of pyuria, it’s a good idea to avoid sexual intercourse. If you have an STI, you can pass the infection to your partner(s).
It’s not always easy to talk about your bathroom habits. But if your pee looks cloudy or has a strong smell, that might be your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong and you should talk to a healthcare provider. They can diagnose pyuria with a pee test. Once they figure out the cause, they’ll work with you to get the best treatment.
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Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards.
Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards.
If you have a condition that’s affecting your urinary system, you want expert advice. At Cleveland Clinic, we’ll work to create a treatment plan that’s right for you.
