Black Specks in Urine/health checkup
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What Causes Black Specks In Urine?

At times, you might notice little black specks in urine. This can be caused due to a number of reasons. In case you notice these dark pepper falkes in urine, then you should consult a doctor and convey the symptoms. It may occur in males as well as females. In most of the cases, these are remains of cells in the urinary tract that fall off and get carried along with the urine.

Certain sediments also get eliminated from the body through urine. These sediments contain proteins, leukocytes, white blood cells and bacteria. However, other factors, too, lead to tiny or large black specks in urine. Therefore, you should seek medical advice in case you notice these black pepper flakes in urine. Here are certain factors that can lead to black particles in urine.

Causes of Black Specks in Urine

The reasons for these little black specks in urine are many;

Diabetes

Black pepper flakes in urine are one of the symptoms of diabetes. The presence of ketones in the body may lead to the formation of dark particles that get eliminated through urine. Diabetic patients are prone to the development of ketonuria due to the presence of high amounts of glucose in the blood.

The excessive quantity of ketones in the body is evident from the presence of dark particles in urine. Ketones are one of the reasons behind black specks in urine male. As a result of the breakdown of fat in the body, ketones are formed and they move throughout the body. These are removed through urine, so you may notice pepper like black specks during urination.

Problems In The Liver

Dark specks in urine indicate a probable problem in the liver. Liver problems may result in dark sediments in the urine. Excessive amounts of protein in the body can also lead to dark spots in the urine. Bilirubin, which is produced in the liver, is a type of protein. When the liver produces excessive amounts of bilirubin, it results in the formation of dark spots in the urine. The extra amount of protein has to be removed from the body. These are eliminated from the system through urine. This is why people sometimes notice dark specks in the urine.

Infection In The Urinary Tract

Black or dark particles in urine may also appear as a result of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). This is one of the reasons behind black specks in urine in males as well as females. These infections result in the formation of sediments that get eliminated from the body along with urine.

However, certain sediments are also formed in the body of individuals who do not have urinary tract infections. The amount of sediment in infected persons is comparatively higher than the others. Moreover, these appear to be darker in shade. Along with sediments, dead cells, bacteria, leukocytes and protein particles are eliminated from the body.

Stones In The Bladder

You might notice dark specks in your urine in case you have stones in your urinary bladder. This may be the result of the growth of the prostate. In these cases, the urethra comes under pressure and it obstructs the flow of urine. Well, you might notice black specks in urine during pregnancy.

It is associated with stones in the bladder. During pregnancy, the pressure in the bladder and urethra is increased as a result of the growth or the fetus. As a result of an obstruction in the flow of urine, the urine turns into crystals in the bladder. Evidently, you might notice small crystal particles flowing out along with the urine from the body.

Stones In The Kidney

In case you have kidney stones, you may not notice any symptom unless the stones travel through the ureter and flow out along with the urine. Dark colored particles are present in the urine and you might experience certain pain during urination.

Besides, you might notice other symptoms like cloudy urine, frequent urination and discomfiture when you urinate. This might be complemented with nausea, fever, vomiting and chills. In case you have stones in the kidney, the urine may bear a foul smell.

When you notice little black specks in urine, you should inform your doctor about the symptoms, even if you do not experience any pain or discomfort. Whether you have black pepper flakes in urine during pregnancy or due to other complications in the body, you should seek proper medical attention. This will prevent the health condition from deteriorating.

Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Sameer Kumar (MBBS, MS, FMAS, DMAS)Obstetrician & Gynecologist