From the Guidelines
Mucus in urine is a symptom that warrants medical evaluation, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like pain, frequent urination, or cloudy urine, as it may indicate an underlying health issue such as a urinary tract infection (UTI) or other conditions that require prompt treatment. The presence of mucus in urine can be a normal finding in small amounts, but excessive or persistent mucus may signal an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. According to the European Association of Urology guidelines on urological infections 1, most cases of uncomplicated cystitis, which can cause mucus in urine, are caused by Escherichia coli.
Common Causes of Mucus in Urine
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Kidney stones
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Inflammatory conditions like interstitial cystitis
- Other potential causes that may require further evaluation
Evaluation and Treatment
If you notice mucus in your urine, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation. The choice of antimicrobial therapy should be guided by the spectrum and susceptibility patterns of the aetiological pathogens; efficacy for the particular indication in clinical studies; tolerability and adverse reactions; adverse ecological effects; and costs and/or availability 1. For females with mild to moderate symptoms, symptomatic therapy (eg, ibuprofen) may be considered as an alternative to antimicrobial treatment in consultation with individual patients 1.
Importance of Hydration
While waiting for medical attention, staying well-hydrated by drinking 8-10 glasses of water daily can help flush your urinary system and may alleviate some symptoms. Mucus appears in urine when the lining of the urinary tract produces excess mucus due to irritation or inflammation, which is why identifying and treating the underlying cause is essential for resolution rather than just addressing the symptom itself. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria for hematuria 1 also emphasizes the importance of a thorough history, physical examination, urinalysis, and serologic testing prior to any initial imaging for patients with hematuria, which may be related to mucus in urine in some cases.
From the Research
Mucus in Urine
- Mucus in urine can be an indicator of a urinary tract infection (UTI) 2
- A study found that greater mucous in urine was associated with an increased likelihood of resistance to nitrofurantoin, an antibiotic commonly used to treat UTIs 2
- Urinalysis, which includes physical, chemical, and microscopic examinations, can help diagnose UTIs and detect abnormalities such as mucus in the urine 3
- Cloudy urine, which can be caused by mucus or other substances, can be a sign of a UTI or other urinary tract problems 3
Urinary Tract Infections
- UTIs are common infections that can cause symptoms such as pain, burning, and frequent urination 4
- UTIs can be caused by bacteria, and antibiotic resistance is a growing concern 2, 4
- Early diagnosis and treatment of UTIs are important to prevent complications and improve outcomes 4
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Urine dipstick analysis and urine culture and sensitivity tests can be used to diagnose UTIs and detect antibiotic resistance 2, 3, 5
- Antibiotics such as sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim and ciprofloxacin are commonly used to treat UTIs, but antibiotic resistance is a growing concern 2, 6, 5
- Treatment guidelines recommend empirical treatment with antibiotics for uncomplicated UTIs, but adherence to these guidelines can vary 5