Understanding Leukocytes in Urine: Causes and Treatment

Leukocytes, also known as white blood cells, in your urine can be indicative of various health conditions. The most common cause of leukocytes in the urine is a urinary tract infection (UTI), which can affect the bladder or kidneys. Other potential causes include trauma, kidney stones, kidney disease, and rarely, cancer.

Causes of Leukocytes in Urine

The immune system responds to any infection by increasing the production of leukocytes to fight off bacteria. If you have leukocytes in your urine, your clinician will correlate this with your symptoms to provide an accurate diagnosis.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

UTIs are the most likely cause of leukocytes in the urine, especially if the number is high. Any infection triggers the immune system to produce more white blood cells. Your doctor can treat a UTI with antibiotics.

Other Potential Causes

Other reasons for leukocytes in urine include trauma to the urinary tract, kidney stones, and kidney disease. In rare cases, leukocytes could indicate the presence of cancer.

Diagnostic Procedures and Treatment

Depending on the amount and type of leukocytes, your doctor may recommend further diagnostic procedures, such as urine culture or a microscopic examination of your urine. If an infection is suspected, a urinalysis with leukocyte esterase can help confirm the presence of a UTI.

Urine Culture Analysis

If your urine culture shows 2 or more different bacteria, it may suggest contamination and a repeat test might be necessary. A high WBC count in urine should prompt a urine culture as it could indicate an infection. If an infection is diagnosed, antibiotics are typically prescribed.

Vaginal Contamination

Leukocytes in the urine can also result from vaginal secretion contamination, which is more likely if there are a high number of epithelial cells observed during microscopy.

Conclusion and Next Steps

If you have leukocytes in your urine, it is important to discuss the results with your healthcare provider. They will help determine the appropriate treatment plan based on the severity and underlying cause of the infection. Additionally, understanding your blood type and other factors can aid in the overall diagnosis and treatment.

For more information on how to manage UTIs and other urinary issues, consult your healthcare provider or visit a healthcare clinic for a thorough evaluation.