You went for a regular urine test, probably didn’t think much of it — until the report came back with the words: “pus cells in urine.” Sounds worrying, right? But here’s the truth: it’s more common than you think, and in many cases, it’s treatable. Still, it’s not something to ignore either.
This article will walk you through exactly what pus cells in urine means, what causes them, how they’re diagnosed, and what you can do about it — explained in a clear, no-jargon way.
Pus cells are white blood cells (WBCs) that help your body fight infections. When they’re found in your urine, it usually means your immune system is responding to something going wrong in your urinary tract — like an infection or inflammation.
This condition is medically known as pyuria.
In small numbers, pus cells in urine can be harmless. But a high count? That often means there’s a bigger issue that needs your attention.
Here’s what’s considered normal when a urine sample is viewed under a microscope:
Anything above these numbers is considered abnormal and should be investigated further.
There are several reasons why pus cells might show up in your urine. Some are minor, some more serious. Let’s look at the most common causes:
By far the most common reason. Bacteria enter the urinary tract and cause an infection. Your immune system sends WBCs to fight it — some end up in your urine.
A UTI that travels up to your kidneys can lead to a more serious infection.
You might experience:
STIs like gonorrhea or chlamydia can cause urethral inflammation, leading to pus cells even if you don’t feel classic UTI symptoms.
Stones can cause blockages or irritation, which leads to inflammation and sometimes infection — both of which can result in pus cells showing up in your urine.
Inflammation of the prostate can cause symptoms like pelvic pain, painful urination, and white blood cells in urine.
A rare but serious cause. TB can affect the kidneys and cause chronic pyuria with no bacteria in the urine (called sterile pyuria).
Diseases like lupus or interstitial nephritis can cause the immune system to attack the kidneys, leading to pus cells in the urine without any infection.
Not everyone with pus cells in urine will have obvious symptoms. But if the cause is an infection or inflammation, you might notice:
If you’re feeling any of these, don’t brush it off. They’re your body’s way of telling you something needs attention.
If pus cells show up in your urine, your doctor may recommend further tests to understand what’s going on.
This checks for:
A lab technician examines the urine under a microscope to count the exact number of pus cells and check for bacteria.
If a UTI is suspected, this test identifies the exact bacteria causing it and helps select the right antibiotic.
An ultrasound or CT scan might be needed to rule out kidney stones, abscesses, or structural problems.
Depending on your symptoms, additional tests may be ordered to rule out infections or autoimmune conditions.
The treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause. Once the issue is identified, here’s how it’s usually managed:
For UTIs, kidney infections, and most bacterial causes, antibiotics are the go-to treatment. Your doctor will choose one based on your urine culture results.
Drinking lots of water helps flush out bacteria and keeps your urinary system working properly.
If you’re in pain, over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen can ease discomfort while treatment takes effect.
Autoimmune diseases may require steroids or immunosuppressants
It’s a good idea to seek medical help if you experience any of the following:
Don’t wait — early treatment prevents serious complications, especially if your kidneys are involved.
You can reduce your risk of urinary issues with some simple daily habits:
Manage chronic illnesses like diabetes, which can raise infection risk
Pus cells in urine are a clue — not a diagnosis by themselves. They simply mean your immune system is active in your urinary tract. Sometimes it’s just a mild infection. Other times, it points to something more complex.
The key is not to ignore your symptoms or brush off a strange test result. If you notice discomfort, changes in your urine, or keep getting infections, talk to your doctor.
Health doesn’t come from luck — it comes from listening to your body.
