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It is normal to have slight traces of mucus in the urine, which should not be a cause for concern. However, if you notice an excessive amount of mucus in your urine, it is important to see your doctor. In this article, we will explore the possible causes of mucus in urine, symptoms, diagnosis, and available treatments.
◉ What is mucus in urine?
Mucus is a slippery, gel-like substance that is produced by various mucous membranes in the body (including the nose, mouth, throat, and urinary tract).
It is normal to find a small amount of mucus in your urine. However, having too much mucus can be a sign of inflammation, a urinary tract infection, or another underlying condition.
Testing for mucus in the urine may be part of a urinalysis, the doctor will perform a microscopic analysis of the urine sample. This procedure is simple, non-invasive and simply requires providing a urine sample in a sterile container.
Further investigations are often needed to determine the exact cause.. It is important to consult your doctor who will be able to recommend the appropriate tests based on your clinical situation.
◉ Role of mucus in urine
Mucus plays an essential role in protecting and lubricating the body's mucous membranes, helping to keep them functioning properly and defending against harmful substances.
In urine, mucus is secreted in small amounts by the mucous membrane lining the bladder and urethra. It can play several potential roles:
- Protection : Mucus plays a protective role by forming a barrier between the urinary tract and irritants, bacteria or toxins present in urine. It helps prevent damage and inflammation of the lining of the urinary tract.
- Lubrication : Mucus acts as a lubricant in the urinary tract, making it easier for urine to pass without causing irritation or pain.
◉ What causes mucus in urine
The presence of abnormally high amounts of mucus in urine can be attributed to different causes. Here are a few:
- Urinary Tract Infections: A UTI can develop when bacteria enter the urinary system and cause an infection in one or more parts of the urinary tract (Urethritis, Cystitis, Pyelonephritis, etc. ). These urinary tract infections can lead to the production and evacuation of a fair amount of mucus.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Some STIs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can be associated with excessive mucus production in the urine. These infections can affect the urinary tract and cause inflammation, which can lead to increased mucus production. This symptom is more noticeable in men.
- Prostatitis: In men, an inflamed or infected prostate can lead to mucus in the urine.
- Kidney Stones: When kidney stones pass through the urinary tract, they can cause irritation of the lining, leading to the production of mucus.
- Pregnancy: During pregnancy, it is possible to observe changes in the urine, including the presence of mucus.
- Normal discharge: During ovulation and menstruation, it is common for the amount of vaginal secretions, including cervical mucus, to increase. It is possible that some of these secretions mix with urine and are present during urination.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): In IBS, mucus produced in the colon can mix with stool as it is passed through the anus. In these patients, mucus in urine is the result of mucus from the anus mixing with urine.
- Bladder cancer: Rare and often accompanied by other symptoms (blood in the urine, abdominal pain, difficulty urinating, etc.)
◉ Checking for mucus in the urine
During the medical consultation, the healthcare provider will usually start by taking a complete anamnesis, which is a thorough discussion of your medical history, current symptoms, and other relevant information.
Detecting mucus in a urine test is a part of urinalysis. Your doctor can order this test when faced with these symptoms:
- Dysuria (painful urination).
- Bad-smelling urine.
- Dark or cloudy urine.
- Blood in urine
- Frequent or Urgent Urination.
◉ How Do You Test for Mucus in Urine?
If the doctor suspects the presence of mucus in the urine, he may ask you to bring back a sterile urine sample for a more precise analysis.
Gross Analysis: A lab may examine the urine sample with the naked eye to detect unusual white, thread-like structures in the urine. The presence of large amounts of mucus in the urine can cause the sample to become sticky or sticky.
Microscopic analysis: The urine sample can be observed under a microscope for a more detailed evaluation.
- Brightfield Microscopy: Mucus can be difficult to see due to its low refractive index. It can be confused with hyaline cylinders.
- After Sternheimer-Malbin staining: mucus will be stained pale pink or pale blue.
- Phase Contrast Microscopy: Mucus threads are easily identified by their ribbon-like strands and jagged or jagged ends
Urinary mucus under microscope (@Junaid Mohamed)
Note: Mucus strings in urine are common and therefore not reported as abnormal on a urinalysis report. However, if the mucus is excessive, it could indicate a medical condition that needs attention.
Additional tests may be needed to determine the underlying cause:
- Comprehensive urinalysis: This includes the physical and chemical examination of the urine to detect the presence of abnormal cells, bacteria, white blood cells (Leukocyturia), nitrites in urine, red blood cells, protein (Proteinuria), chyluria or other abnormal substances.
- Urine culture: To detect the presence of bacteria or other infectious agents.
- Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), or intravenous urography (IVU) may be used to assess the condition of the kidneys, bladder, and urinary tract .
◉ Treatment
Treatment for mucus in urine depends on the underlying cause and may vary from person to person. The severity of symptoms is taken into account to develop a treatment plan tailored to each individual.
- Antibiotics: If the presence of mucus is due to a bacterial infection or a sexually transmitted infection, the primary treatment is usually antibiotics. The specific choice of antibiotic will depend on the type of bacterial infection or STI identified, as well as individual factors such as age, allergies, and medical history.
- Dietary Changes: Dietary changes, such as eliminating foods that cause gas, bloating and irritating foods, increasing fiber intake, may be beneficial for reduce symptoms.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs: Can sometimes be used to relieve symptoms of an inflammatory disease.
- Surgery: For kidney stones or bladder cancer, surgery may be a common treatment option.
Note: It is always best to consult your doctor for personalized advice and recommendations based on your individual health condition.
