Abnormal Urinary Discharge: Causes and Concerns

There are secretions in the urine every day?

Hello Dr.
Huang! At the end of April, I noticed a large amount of discharge in my urine, which was yellowish-green at the time.
I experienced itching, a slight odor, and a feeling of heat in the genital area.
The gynecologist said it was a common inflammation.
After taking medication for seven days, I improved, but at the beginning of June, I noticed discharge in my urine again, although the color was normal, with no odor or itching, and no pain during urination.
Upon observation, I found that after showering when I got home from work, until the next day, my morning urine did not contain such discharge.
I tried to dab it on a tissue and found that the discharge was sticky, mostly transparent (or very light yellow), and had elastic properties, stretching.
Until today, the discharge has become shorter, lost its stickiness and elasticity, but remains milky white/transparent, and appears in my urine daily, while there is none on the tissue or underwear (if I urinate ten times a day, about three or four times I will notice the discharge).
Based on my situation, what could be the underlying issue? Thank you.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/06/15

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

At the end of April, I noticed a large amount of discharge in my urine, which was yellowish-green at the time.
I experienced itching in the genital area, a slight odor, and a feeling of warmth.
The gynecologist diagnosed it as a common inflammation.
After taking medication for seven days, I recovered, but in early June, I noticed discharge in my urine again, although the color was normal, with no odor or itching, and no pain while urinating.
Upon observation, I found that after showering when I got home from work, until the next day during my morning urine, there was no such discharge.
I tried to dab it on a tissue and found that the discharge was sticky, mostly transparent (or very light yellow), and had elasticity, stretching into strands.
Up until today, the discharge has become shorter, lost its stickiness and elasticity, but remains milky white/transparent, appearing only in my urine daily, with none on the tissue or underwear (if I urinate ten times a day, about three or four times there will be discharge).
Based on my situation, what could be the issue? Answer: Ovulation phenomenon, no need to worry.

Reply Date: 2018/06/15

More Info

Understanding abnormal urinary discharge can be complex, as it may arise from various underlying conditions. Based on your description, it seems you experienced an initial episode of yellow-green discharge accompanied by itching and a slight odor, which your gynecologist attributed to a common inflammation. After a course of medication, your symptoms improved, but you later noticed a different type of discharge that was mostly clear or very light yellow, with no associated pain or discomfort.

The presence of abnormal discharge in urine can be indicative of several conditions, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or other inflammatory processes. The initial yellow-green discharge you experienced could suggest a bacterial infection, which is often characterized by changes in color, odor, and associated symptoms like itching or burning. The fact that this resolved with medication suggests that it was likely an infectious process that responded to treatment.

The subsequent changes you observed—clear or very light yellow discharge that is sticky and elastic—could be related to several factors. One possibility is that this discharge is cervical mucus, which can vary in consistency and appearance throughout the menstrual cycle. This type of mucus is typically more pronounced around ovulation and can be clear, stretchy, and elastic. If you are not experiencing any other symptoms such as pain, burning, or a strong odor, it may not be a cause for concern.

However, the intermittent nature of the discharge, particularly if it only appears after certain activities (like bathing), could suggest that it is related to changes in hydration, temperature, or even the presence of soap or other products that may interact with your body. It's also worth noting that some individuals may experience changes in urinary discharge due to hormonal fluctuations, especially if you are near ovulation or menstruation.

Given that you have experienced both an infectious episode and subsequent changes in discharge, it is essential to monitor your symptoms closely. If you notice any return of discomfort, changes in the color or odor of the discharge, or if the discharge becomes more frequent or bothersome, it would be prudent to consult with a healthcare provider. They may recommend further testing, such as urinalysis or cultures, to rule out any underlying infections or other conditions.

In terms of self-care, maintaining good hydration is crucial, as it helps dilute urine and can reduce the concentration of any potential irritants. Additionally, practicing good hygiene, avoiding irritants such as scented soaps or hygiene products, and wearing breathable cotton underwear can help minimize irritation.

In summary, while your symptoms may not currently indicate a serious issue, continued observation and open communication with your healthcare provider are key. If you have any concerns or if your symptoms change, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. It is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health.

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