What does it mean when urine looks foamy? Should I be concerned if it doesn't go away after a few days?
Passing foamy urine now and then is common. Urine may be foamy if you urinate quickly or with force. Dehydration, urinary tract infections and exercise also may make urine foamy.
But you should see your healthcare professional if you often have foamy urine that gets more noticeable over time. This can be a sign of protein in the urine, which is called proteinuria. Proteinuria needs to be looked at. Having a lot of protein in your urine could mean you have a serious kidney issue.
If your urine seems more foamy than usual most of the time, your healthcare professional may do a urine test called urinalysis. You collect urine in a cup, and a dipstick is used to check the urine for high protein levels. If protein levels are high, your sample may be sent to a lab. You may need other tests to find the cause.
Show References
- When to get a urinalysis. National Kidney Foundation. https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/what-urinalysis Accessed June 25, 2025.
- Protein in urine (proteinuria): Causes, symptoms, tests & treatments. American Kidney Fund. https://www.kidneyfund.org/resource/all-about-kidneys/protein-in-urine-proteinuria-causes-symptoms-tests-treatments. Accessed June 25, 2025.
- Rovin BH. Evaluation of proteinuria in adults. UpToDate. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed June 25, 2025.
Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/foamy-urine/faq-20057871