Urine Surface Film: Is It Proteinuria or Dehydration?

There is a film on the urine?

Hello Doctor, this morning around 6 AM, I got up to urinate but waited until 10 AM to flush the toilet because I was worried about making noise.
When I flushed, I noticed that the surface of my urine seemed to have a transparent film and there were quite a few bubbles.
Could this be proteinuria? I had my glomerular filtration rate checked at the end of August, which was 97, and my urine tests were all normal.
Last night, I played basketball and sweated a lot, so I might not have drunk enough water (my urine output was low).
I woke up at 6 AM due to a nocturnal emission, so I went to the bathroom (possibly due to seminal fluid or prostate fluid?).
My urine color was somewhat yellow.
Should I get checked again, or could this just be due to impurities in the urine, low water intake, and the cooler morning temperature? Thank you, Doctor.

Nìmíng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/11/20

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

Hello, if you experience nocturnal emissions, there may still be some semen residue in the urethra.
Since most components of semen are proteins, when you urinate afterward, the semen can be flushed out, and the protein content may cause bubbles in the urine.
This is a normal phenomenon, so there is no need to worry.
Thank you for your question.

Reply Date: 2021/11/20

More Info

When you notice a surface film or bubbles in your urine, it can be concerning, especially if you are trying to understand whether it indicates proteinuria or dehydration. Based on your description, there are several factors to consider.

First, let's clarify what proteinuria is. Proteinuria refers to the presence of excess protein in the urine, which can be a sign of kidney issues. Normally, urine contains very little protein, and when the kidneys are functioning properly, they filter out most proteins from the blood. However, when the kidneys are damaged or diseased, they may allow protein to leak into the urine.

The presence of bubbles or a film on the surface of urine can sometimes indicate proteinuria, but it is not definitive. Bubbles can also form due to other reasons, such as the concentration of urine, which can occur when you are dehydrated. Dehydration leads to more concentrated urine, which can create bubbles or a film on the surface. In your case, you mentioned that you had been sweating a lot while playing sports and may not have consumed enough water, which could certainly contribute to concentrated urine.

Additionally, the timing of your urination is relevant. You mentioned that you waited several hours before urinating, which can also lead to more concentrated urine. The yellow color of your urine further suggests that it may be concentrated due to dehydration.
Your previous tests, including a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 97 and normal urine tests, indicate that your kidney function is currently normal. However, if you are experiencing any other symptoms, such as swelling, changes in urination patterns, or persistent bubbles in your urine, it would be wise to consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, the presence of a film or bubbles on the surface of your urine could be due to dehydration, especially considering your recent activities and fluid intake. It is not necessarily indicative of proteinuria, particularly since your previous tests were normal. However, if you continue to notice these symptoms or have any concerns, it is advisable to seek medical attention for a more thorough evaluation. Regular hydration is essential for kidney health, so ensure you are drinking enough fluids, especially when engaging in physical activities.

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