Unexplained Particles in Urine: Urinary Urgency Issues - Urology

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Presence of unidentified substances in urine?


Hello, Doctor Hsu.
Since I suffered from intermittent urethritis for half a year last year (which was confirmed as resolved by a urinalysis showing no inflammation), I have been experiencing urgency to urinate most of the time, except for the first urination in the morning.
Additionally, I occasionally notice foreign particles in my urine, which appear to be small flakes of dead skin, and sometimes I can see a small amount of tiny white particles.
(I tend to notice these particles more often when my urine is darker yellow.) When I consulted my family doctor about this situation, he mentioned that my urgency to urinate is likely a psychological effect due to my previous illness lasting six months.
Could you please advise me on what might be the issue? Thank you, Doctor!

Xiao Ting, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/01/28

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology


Xiao Ting: Hello, urgency to urinate can be simply categorized into infectious and non-infectious causes.
If there is an infection, there are usually other symptoms, such as changes in urine color or increased sediment.
If there is no infection, symptoms like frequent urination or urgency may sometimes require consideration of other factors, such as kidney stones, non-infectious cystitis, or emotional influences.
It is recommended to perform a urine culture to determine if there is an infection, and then proceed with further treatment.

Director of Urology, Taitung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan, Hsu Wei-Kai.

Reply Date: 2006/01/28

More Info


Unexplained particles in urine, along with urinary urgency, can be quite concerning and may indicate underlying issues that require further investigation. Based on your description, it seems you have experienced urinary urgency following a history of urinary tract infections (UTIs) that have since resolved. The presence of particles, which you describe as resembling dead skin or small white particles, can be perplexing and warrants a thorough examination.

Firstly, it’s important to understand that urinary urgency is often associated with conditions affecting the bladder, such as overactive bladder syndrome, interstitial cystitis, or even residual effects from previous infections. In your case, the fact that you have had a history of urethritis could suggest that your bladder may still be sensitive or reactive, leading to the urgency you are experiencing. This could also be compounded by psychological factors, as your doctor mentioned, especially if you have developed anxiety around urination due to your past experiences with UTIs.

The particles you are noticing in your urine could be due to several reasons. They might be cellular debris, which can occur after inflammation or irritation of the urinary tract. It’s also possible that they are related to the concentration of your urine; for instance, if you are dehydrated, your urine may become more concentrated, leading to the precipitation of certain substances. Additionally, certain dietary factors or medications can also contribute to the appearance of particles in urine.

Given that your urine appears yellow and you notice these particles more frequently when it is concentrated, it may be beneficial to increase your fluid intake to ensure proper hydration. This can help dilute your urine and potentially reduce the concentration of any substances that might be precipitating out.

However, it is crucial to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation. A urinalysis can help identify any abnormalities in your urine, such as the presence of crystals, bacteria, or other substances that could explain the particles you are seeing. If necessary, a urine culture may be performed to rule out any lingering infections that may not have been detected previously.

In addition to urinalysis, your doctor may consider imaging studies, such as an ultrasound, to assess the urinary tract for any structural abnormalities that could be contributing to your symptoms. If the urgency persists despite negative findings, a referral to a urologist may be warranted for specialized evaluation and management.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may have psychological components, it is essential to rule out any physical causes. Increased hydration, further diagnostic testing, and possibly a referral to a specialist can help clarify the situation and guide appropriate treatment. If you continue to experience significant distress or if your symptoms worsen, do not hesitate to seek immediate medical attention. Your health and well-being are paramount, and addressing these urinary issues is important for your overall quality of life.

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