Foamy Urine? Heres what Might Be Going On

Unlike benign bubbles, foam — which is abnormal — is white and can hang around the toilet even after you flush, per Northwestern Medicine.

2. There’s Too Much Protein in Your Urine

​Fix it: ​ Don't blow off the foam in the bowl. Left unchecked, these conditions can be harmful to your health, so visit your doctor for a proper evaluation.

3. You’re Dehydrated

Sometimes, dehydration can lead to proteinuria and transiently foamy urine, Dr. Shaw says.

That's because when you're dehydrated, it can trigger a temporary spike in your pee's protein levels, according to the Mayo Clinic. And, as we know, excessive protein in your pee produces a frothy piddle.

​Fix it: ​ "Drinking more water should typically resolve this," Dr. Shaw says. "In general, you want to aim for urine that is 'lemonade' colored," he adds.

So, how much water you should drink per day? Try this equation:

4. There’s Semen in Your Urine

If you pee with a penis, "'retrograde ejaculation' can be a source of cloudy or foamy urine," Dr. Shaw says. "Typically, this is semen mixed in the first one or two urinations after sexual activities," he explains.

​Fix it: ​ In most cases, this is just a temporary issue, and your urine should be foam-free after a few trips to the bathroom.

But if your frothy, post-sex pee persists, consult with your doctor, as this may also be a sign of a more serious issue, such as the side effect of certain medications, surgeries or diseases like diabetes, Dr. Shaw says.

5. You Have a Fistula

If you see a bounty of bubbles in the bowl (versus white foam) every time you go number one, this could be a red flag for a fistula, or an abnormal connection between two body parts (in this case, the bowels and the bladder), Dr. Shaw says.

When this happens, the bowels send gas into the urinary system, he explains. So, during urination, actual bubbles exit the urethra in your pee.

Fistulas could be caused by several health issues, including cancers of the bladder and colon or diverticular disease (pockets in the colon from chronic constipation), Dr. Shaw says.

​Fix it​: See your doctor, who can properly examine you and help you get to the bottom of the bubbles in your pee.

When to See a Doctor About Foamy Pee

"Transient foamy urine may occur from time to time," Dr. Shaw says. "However, if you notice a consistent change in your urine — be it smell, color or foam — see your physician for further evaluation" to rule out any serious health conditions.