Cloudy, bad-smelling, or bloody urine

Cloudy or bad-smelling urine

Cloudy or bad-smelling urine may be caused by bacteria, mucus, or white or red blood cells in your urine. They can be signs of a bladder infection. Most people who have bladder infections have other symptoms along with changes in their urine.

The risk of a bladder infection increases after a catheter is inserted into the urethra to obtain a urine sample (catheterization) or when the catheter is left in place to drain the bladder (such as a Foley catheter). Cloudy or bad-smelling urine may be the first sign that a person who has a catheter in place has a bladder infection.

Blood in the urine

Blood in the urine (hematuria) may be caused by a bladder infection, kidney stones, bladder cancer, or a tumor in the urinary tract. Some types of exercise, such as running or biking, may also cause bloody urine. In rare cases, blood in the urine is caused by bleeding from a fluid-filled sac (cyst). The blood may be present every time you urinate or just from time to time.

A woman may have difficulty determining whether blood is actually in her urine. Blood that is coming from the vagina or rectum may become mixed in your urine. If you are having your menstrual period and you think you might have a bladder infection, you need to determine whether the blood you see in your urine is menstrual blood or is coming from your urinary tract. To determine where the blood is coming from:

• Carefully wipe the skin folds (labia) around your vagina before urinating, then look to see whether there is blood in your urine.
• Insert a tampon, then see whether blood still appears in your urine.

Blood in the urine is not normal. If you think you have blood in your urine, talk with your health professional.