Yellow-Brown Urine: Causes and When to Seek Help

Urine with a yellow-brown substance?

Hello, doctor.
This morning, I noticed that I expelled a strange yellow-brown substance while urinating.
It stuck to the toilet bowl instead of dissolving in the water like normal urine.
It had a gritty texture and was expelled towards the end of urination, which felt quite uncomfortable.
I also experienced some mild pain in my urinary tract.
However, after I started drinking a lot of water, everything returned to normal and this issue did not reoccur.
I have had a similar experience in the past, but it involved a white substance.
I am wondering if this could be related to the fact that I drank very little water over the past couple of days (about 500 to 800 ml) or if it might be connected to masturbation.
Could you please explain what this situation might be? Thank you, doctor.

Cai Xiansheng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/10/29

Dr. Chen Jiansheng reply Urology

Please seek medical examination.

Reply Date: 2021/10/29

More Info

The presence of yellow-brown urine can be indicative of several underlying conditions, and it is essential to understand the potential causes and when to seek medical attention. Based on your description, it seems you experienced a temporary change in urine color and consistency, which returned to normal after increasing your fluid intake. This suggests that dehydration may have played a significant role in the changes you observed.

Possible Causes of Yellow-Brown Urine
1. Dehydration: When the body is dehydrated, urine becomes more concentrated, leading to darker colors. The yellow-brown hue you experienced could be a result of insufficient fluid intake. The fact that your urine returned to normal after drinking more water supports this theory.

2. Diet: Certain foods can affect urine color. For example, consuming beets, blackberries, or foods high in carotenoids (like carrots) can lead to changes in urine color. If you have recently consumed such foods, this could explain the discoloration.

3. Medications and Supplements: Some medications and vitamin supplements can alter urine color. For instance, B vitamins can cause urine to appear bright yellow, while certain antibiotics may lead to darker urine.

4. Infections: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause changes in urine color and consistency, often accompanied by discomfort or pain during urination. The "gritty" sensation you described could suggest the presence of sediment or crystals, which can occur in cases of infection or dehydration.

5. Kidney Stones: The sensation of discomfort and the presence of unusual particles in the urine could also indicate kidney stones. These can cause pain and changes in urine appearance, especially if they are passing through the urinary tract.

6. Other Medical Conditions: Conditions such as liver disease, hematuria (blood in urine), or hemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells) can also lead to changes in urine color. However, these are usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal pain, or significant changes in urine output.

When to Seek Medical Help
While your symptoms improved with increased hydration, it is essential to monitor your condition. You should seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent changes in urine color or consistency that do not resolve with increased fluid intake.

- Pain or discomfort during urination that does not subside.

- Presence of blood in the urine or a significant change in urine odor.

- Accompanying symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, or abdominal pain.

- Any new or unusual symptoms that concern you.

Conclusion
In summary, the yellow-brown urine you experienced is likely related to dehydration, especially given the low fluid intake you mentioned. Increasing your water consumption is a good first step in addressing this issue. However, if the symptoms recur or worsen, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. They may recommend urine tests or imaging studies to rule out any underlying conditions, such as infections or kidney stones. Remember, maintaining adequate hydration is vital for overall health and can help prevent many urinary issues.

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