When it comes to bathroom habits, most people like to stay private. But if you catch a glimpse of your pee and notice foamy urine, it may trigger a red flag, and you’re likely left wondering “what causes foamy pee?”
“Foamy urine isn’t always a big deal, and it can happen when you pee really hard or when you’re dehydrated,” says David Shusterman, MD, a board-certified urologist at NY Urology. “In general, it’s normal for urine to have some foam or bubbles, especially if the urine stream is strong and hits the toilet water with force,” he explains.
Urine is a liquid waste product the kidneys produce by filtering out excess water and toxins from the body, Dr. Shusterman says. It’s mostly made up of water, but also contains urea, creatinine, electrolytes, and other waste products, however, the exact composition of urine depends on your hydration levels, diet, and overall health, he adds.
The main job of urine is to get rid of waste and toxins from your body to keep your fluids and electrolytes in check, but Dr. Shusterman says your pee can also tell you a lot about the functioning of your kidneys and organs. So, if you notice persistent changes or alarming characteristics to your pee (like blood, foul odor, or pain when urinating), it’s time to check in with your doctor as it may be a sign of an underlying health condition, he explains.
To help you find out what you’re dealing with, we had Dr. Shusterman break down everything you need to know about foamy pee, including foamy urine causes and when to see a doctor.
Experts Featured in This Article
David Shusterman, MD, is a board-certified urologist at NY Urology.
What Causes Foamy Pee?
It’s typically normal to have some foam or bubbles in your pee, but the accompanying symptoms can shed light on the underlying cause. Keep reading to understand more of what’s causing your frothy urine.
Dehydration
Dehydration happens when your body doesn’t have enough water, which can result in darker and possibly foamy urine, Dr. Shusterman says. Other signs to watch out for include dry mouth, fatigue, and dark yellow urine, so if that’s the case, a good first step is to up your hydration game and drink plenty of water, he explains. To prevent the issue (and support your overall health!), aim to drink at least six to eight glasses of water per day, or around 64 ounces. You can also add an electrolyte powder to boost your sodium levels which plummet when you’re dehydrated.
Proteinuria
Proteinuria happens when there’s too much protein in your urine, leading to foamy pee and potential swelling in your hands, feet, or face, Dr. Shusterman says. Proteinuria is not a disease in and of itself, but rather a symptom of certain conditions affecting the kidneys including kidney disease or immune disorders, per the Cleveland Clinic. Treatment depends on the root cause, and may involve medication or lifestyle changes, so if you experience swelling, muscle cramping, lack of appetite, shortness of breath, and/or frequent urination along with foamy pee, check in with your doctor, says Dr. Shusterman.
Urinary Tract Infection
A urinary tract infection (UTI) can cause foamy pee as the bacteria creates bubbles in your urine stream, Dr. Shusterman says. Additional symptoms include frequent urination, a burning sensation, and cloudy or foul-smelling urine, he explains. UTIs are typically treated with antibiotics, so if symptoms don’t go away on their own, it’s crucial to check in with your healthcare provider, he says.
Kidney Issues
Kidney issues such as kidney disease or damage, can result in foamy urine due to protein leakage, Dr. Shusterman says. Healthy kidneys filter out toxins and waste from your blood while keeping protein circulating in your bloodstream, and an increase of protein in the urine can cause foamy pee, signaling that something is up. Kidney issues also often present with swelling, high blood pressure, and changes in your urination (both in frequency and appearance), so it’s essential to monitor symptoms and see a doctor as treatment may involve medication, dietary changes, or dialysis, Dr. Shusterman says.
Powerful Urination
It sounds silly, but vigorous urination can create foamy urine due to bubbles from the force of the urine hitting the toilet water, Dr. Shusterman says. Additional bubbles can also appear if your pee is coming out faster and/or the toilet was just cleaned with toilet bowl cleaner or chemicals. This is usually harmless and doesn’t require medical attention, but if you have other concerning symptoms, Dr. Shusterman recommends talking with your doc.
Medication
Certain medications and supplements can be the culprit behind foamy urine, so it’s important to discuss bubbly pee with a healthcare provider for potential dose adjustments or alternatives, Dr. Shusterman says. In particular, if you regularly take over-the-counter painkillers like Advil, Motrin, and Aleve, it can lead to frothy pee due to elevated levels of protein in the urine. If foamy urine continues even after stopping a medication or supplement, it’s worth further medical evaluation to rule out underlying health concerns, Dr. Shusterman adds.
Sleep
Foamy urine can happen at any time of day, but some people might notice more bubbles in their pee first thing in the morning because it’s more concentrated after sleeping, Dr. Shusterman says. You can rest easy, though, because this is not a cause for concern.
When to See a Doctor About Foamy Pee
If your foamy pee occurs without any accompanying symptoms, it’s likely just temporary and harmless, Dr. Shusterman says. “But if your pee stays foamy, or if it’s foamy along with other issues like peeing a lot, pain, or weird pee color, it might mean something more serious is going on and you should definitely see a doctor.” Additionally, if you’re fatigued, have swelling in your legs, ankles, or face, fever, chills, and/or foul-smelling or bloody urine, it’s time to visit a healthcare provider, he adds.
From there, a doctor can run necessary tests to diagnose the root cause of your foamy pee and prescribe the proper treatment.
Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based freelance writer and graduate from Emory University and Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. Her work has appeared in PS, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, and elsewhere.
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