5 Common Causes of High Levels of Leukocytes in Urine Overview
Last Updated: March 26, 2024
Published By: MediFind Medical Staff
What causes leukocytes in urine?
Leukocytes (or white blood cells) are a part of the immune system that helps protect your body from infection. High levels of leukocytes in the urine can mean more serious medical conditions, like inflammation or infection, that require medical attention. MediFind shares potential causes of high levels of leukocytes in urine below. Learn more about how MediFind works here. You can also enter your symptoms into MediFind’s Symptom Checker to receive customized results.
Urinary Tract Infection
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection that starts in the urinary tract. The infection can spread to the urethra, ureters, kidneys, or bladder. Most of the time our bodies can get rid of these bacteria naturally, but there are symptoms to watch for that indicate a UTI. These symptoms include cloudy or bloody urine with a strong smell, a low-grade fever, pain or burning during urination, pressure or cramping in the lower abdomen or back, and a frequent, urgent need to urinate. If you think you have a UTI, please see your provider right away. They will determine the severity and extent of the infection. Treatment requires antibiotics. A UTI can be treated by a primary care doctor. Find one near you here.
Sexually Transmitted Infection
Sometimes high levels of leukocyte in the urine may be the result of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis are common examples. All three are curable and can occur in both males and females. Gonorrhea is caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae and is treated with antibiotics. It spreads through contact with the mouth, throat, eyes, urethra, vagina, penis, or anus. Chlamydia is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis and is treated with antibiotics. It is spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Trichomoniasis is caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis and is treated with antibiotics. The parasite can spread through penis-to-vagina intercourse or vulva-to-vulva contact but cannot survive in the mouth or rectum. Symptoms of these STIs will vary based on gender. It’s possible for symptoms to go unnoticed. This increases the risk of health complications and spreading the STI to another person. That’s why it’s important to get tested for STIs on a regular basis. Primary care physicians can help. Find one near you here.
Kidney Infection
A kidney infection (pyelonephritis) is a possible complication of a UTI. A kidney infection may begin in the tube that carries urine from the body (urethra) or in the bladder. The infection can travel to one or both kidneys. This infection may lead to an increase of leukocytes in urine. Symptoms include chills, fever, nausea, vomiting, lower back pain, painful urination, pus or blood in the urine, or urine that is cloudy with a foul odor. Kidney infections require immediate medical treatment. Otherwise, the infection can lead to permanent damage to the kidneys or spread to the bloodstream. Treatment involves a prescribed course of antibiotics for up to two weeks. Kidney infections are treated by a urologist. Find a urologist near you here.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones (also known as renal or urinary stones) are small, hard deposits that form in one or both kidneys. The stones are made of minerals or compounds found in urine. They come in various sizes, shapes, and colors. In the United States, 9% of women and 19% of men will develop kidney stones in their lifetime. The presence of kidney stones may lead to an increased level of leukocytes in the urine. This is a response to inflammation or possible obstruction of urine flow. If you experience symptoms like pain or discomfort, a doctor may prescribe medications to relax muscles. This helps kidney stones pass with less pain. Kidney stones are treated by urologists. Find one near you here.
Interstitial Cystitis
Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a long-lasting (chronic) condition that causes discomfort, pressure, or burning in the bladder and frequent urges to urinate. It is also known as painful bladder syndrome. When your bladder fills up with urine, it sends a signal to your brain telling the muscles to squeeze. Most of the time, these signals are not painful. But when you have IC, the signals from the bladder are painful and happen even when the bladder is not full. There is no cure for IC. Treatment is based on trial and error until you find relief. Results vary from person to person. Your care team may recommend diet and lifestyle changes. Interstitial cystitis can be treated by a urologist. Find one near you here.
Other possible causes include:
- Acute appendicitis
- Crohn’s disease
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Upper urinary tract obstruction
Understanding the Results
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Differences in Age Groups
Symptoms and causes of these conditions may vary across different age groups.
Differences among Men and Women
It’s important to note that the presence of leukocytes is not affected by gender. The quantity of leukocytes in the urine may vary within the normal range for males and females.
Disclaimer
MediFind provides content for informational purposes only. MediFind does not provide medical advice. This content should not replace a health care professional’s medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Contact a licensed health care provider with any questions about your own health. Contact 911 in the event of a medical emergency.