What medical term is used for pus in the urine?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Pyuria is the medical term for pus in the urine. It occurs when white blood cells accumulate in urine, often signaling an underlying infection or inflammation in the urinary tract. Pyuria may appear as cloudy, murky urine and is commonly linked to urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney infections, or sexually transmitted infections, though other causes are possible.

Because pyuria can point to a range of conditions—from minor infections to more serious issues requiring prompt treatment—understanding the potential cause is important. A quick, free, and confidential symptom check can help you identify likely causes based on your specific symptoms and guide you on the best next steps, whether that means monitoring at home or seeing a doctor. Taking a few minutes now could save you time, worry, and unnecessary complications later.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Pyuria is the term used when there is pus in the urine. Pus is made up of white blood cells, and its presence in urine can be a sign of infection or inflammation in the urinary tract.

Causes of Pyuria

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Most commonly, pyuria is caused by infections in the bladder or kidneys.
Other Infections: Infections of the prostate or other parts of the urinary system can also result in pyuria.

Symptoms

Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
Frequent urge to urinate
Pain or burning during urination

Treatment

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. If a bacterial infection is the cause, antibiotics may be prescribed. It's important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, try Ubie's free AI symptom checker to help identify potential causes and determine when to seek medical care.

(References)

Rahmatika N, Wirjopranoto S, Azmi YA, Putra AGP, & Soetanto KM. (2025). Massive hydropyonephrosis on pediatric patient: A case .... International journal of surgery case reports, 39731798.
Chan KG, Puthucheary SD, Chan XY, Yin WF, Wong CS, Too WS, & Chua KH. (2011). Quorum sensing in Aeromonas species isolated from .... Current microbiology, 20544198.
Al-Sheboul SA, Al-Madi GS, Brown B, & Hayajneh WA. (2023). Prevalence of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamases in .... Journal of epidemiology and global health, 37095370.

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