Nobody wants to sit around thinking about urine (I sure don’t!). But there’s a reason our doctors make us go in a cup at almost every office visit — urine can provide important clues about health.

I spoke with Rebecca Rogers, MD, chief of urogynecology at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center. “Urinary changes can signal something as simple as an altered diet or as serious as cancer,” she said. Watch for changes in…

COLOR

 

Normal: Pale to medium yellow.

  • Bright yellow or orange can result from ingesting certain supplements (vitamin B, vitamin C, beta-carotene)… or medications, such as the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin) or the bladder infection drug phenazopyridine hydrochloride (Pyridium). This is not cause for concern.
  • Dark yellow suggests dehydration. Remember: The average adult needs about eight cups (64 ounces) of fluid (preferably water) daily.
  • Reddish or tea color may occur after ingesting beets, blackberries or rhubarb or a laxative that contains dye. But: It could be caused by blood. “To see whether the blood is actually just your period, put in a tampon and then urinate. If what’s in the toilet looks reddish, this suggests blood in the urine — so alert your physician,” advised Dr. Rogers. The most likely cause is a urinary tract infection (UTI), which should be treated with antibiotics so it doesn’t spread to the kidneys. Your doctor also may check for kidney stones, bladder stones or bladder cancer.

CLARITY

 

Normal: Clear.

  • Cloudiness can occur after consuming lots of milk or a large meal because phosphate crystals build up in your urine. But if cloudiness persists for more than a day or is accompanied by genital itching or pain, see your doctor. You could have a UTI, vaginal yeast infection or sexually transmitted disease. You also should be tested for proteinuria (excess protein in the urine), a possible sign of kidney disease or diabetes.
  • Foam can form when you urinate rapidly, but if foaminess persists for several days, your doctor may test for proteinuria.

ODOR

 

Normal: That faint familiar smell… stronger after waking in the morning.

  • Sulfur-like odor can occur as you digest amino acids in asparagus. If the smell continues for more than a couple of days, however, see your doctor to get checked for a UTI or vaginal infection.
  • Ammonia-like odor occurs when bacteria break down urine outside the body — so the smell suggests that you’re leaking urine. Dr. Rogers said, “Ask your doctor about ways to reduce leakage. Sometimes the fix is as simple as doing exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles. In the meantime, try odor-reducing, urine-absorbing incontinence pads [available at drugstores].”
  • Sweet smells may signal proteinuria, particularly from diabetes — so see your doctor right away.