person using push button flush on toilet
Sean Cate
Sean Cate
September 17, 2024 ·  4 min read

9 Reasons For Smelling Urine – and What To Do

Urine can tell you a lot about your health. While its color is one clue, an unusual odor can also signal potential issues. Let’s explore the most common causes of smelly urine and what steps you can take to address them.

Dehydration – A Simple Fix

person drinking from a glass of water
Credit: Unsplash

Dehydration is one of the most common causes of strong-smelling urine. When you’re dehydrated, urine becomes more concentrated, resulting in a stronger ammonia smell. This is because there is less water to dilute the waste products being expelled from the body.1

What to do: Drink more water! Aim for at least eight glasses a day to keep yourself hydrated. You’ll notice the odor diminishes as your hydration levels improve.

Read More: This Kid has Eaten Almost No Refined Sugar Her Whole Life. This is What She Looks Like Today

Asparagus, Garlic, or Something Else You Ate

a bundle of asparagus
Credit: Unsplash

Certain foods, especially asparagus, onions, and garlic, are notorious for creating smelly urine. These foods contain specific compounds that, when broken down, create strong-smelling metabolites.2

What to do: To avoid this, either cut back on these foods or drink plenty of water during meals to help dilute the chemicals that cause the smell.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) – A Common Culprit

wooden person in front of a toilet
Credit: Unsplash

A UTI can cause your urine to develop a foul odor, often accompanied by symptoms like burning during urination, frequent urges to pee, and cloudy or bloody urine.3 The infection is caused by bacteria that enter the urinary tract and multiply in the bladder.

What to do: Seek medical attention if you suspect a UTI. Antibiotics will likely be prescribed, and drinking plenty of fluids can help flush out bacteria.

Diabetes – Sweet-Smelling Urine

diabetic person checking their blood sugar
Credit: Unsplash

Your urine doesn’t need to be smelly to be odd. A sweet or fruity smell in your urine could be a sign of uncontrolled diabetes. This happens when there is excess glucose in your bloodstream, which spills over into your urine.

What to do: If you have diabetes or suspect you may have it, managing blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medication is essential. Consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and management.

Kidney Stones – A Sharp, Smelly Symptom

a collection of stones
Credit: Unsplash

Kidney stones can cause a strong odor in urine, often accompanied by severe pain, nausea, and visible blood in the urine. These stones form when minerals like calcium and salt stick together and block the urinary tract.

What to do: If you experience these symptoms, see a doctor. In many cases, small stones pass on their own, but larger ones may require medical intervention.

Read More: Wife Refused To Pull The Plug On Her Husband, He Woke Up 3 Years Later And Said 2 Words

Medications and Supplements – Unexpected Side Effects

Close-up of a full bottle of pills
Credit: Unsplash

Certain medications, including vitamin B supplements and antibiotics like sulfa drugs, can cause smelly urine. These compounds alter your body’s chemical balance, leading to sulfur-like smells in your urine.

What to do: If the odor bothers you, consult your doctor about switching medications. Staying hydrated can also help reduce the intensity of the smell.

Bacterial Vaginosis – A Fishy Odor

fish inspecting a bigger fish's mouth
Credit: Unsplash

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition caused by an imbalance in the bacteria in the vagina, leading to a distinct fishy odor that can be detected in urine, especially after intercourse.

What to do: BV is easily treated with antibiotics. If you notice symptoms like itching or pain, consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

Liver Problems – Dark, Smelly Urine

highlighting a person's liver
Credit: Unsplash

When the liver is not functioning properly, it can’t filter out toxins effectively, leading to dark, smelly urine. Other symptoms include yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) and abdominal pain.

What to do: If you experience these symptoms, see a doctor immediately. Liver problems can be serious, but they are treatable with early detection and proper care.

Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD) – A Rare Condition

pancakes with banana slices, blueberries, and maple syrup on top
Credit: Unsplash

MSUD is a rare genetic disorder that causes urine to smell like maple syrup. This condition is diagnosed in infants and can also cause developmental delays and feeding problems.

What to do: MSUD requires lifelong management. If your infant shows symptoms, consult a healthcare provider for testing and treatment options.

When to See a Doctor

doctor sittiing at a desk with a laptop
Credit: Unsplash

Smelly urine is often harmless and can be linked to dehydration or certain foods. However, if the smell persists for more than a few days or is accompanied by other symptoms like pain or fever, it’s time to consult a healthcare provider.

By staying hydrated, watching your diet, and paying attention to your body, you can often resolve the issue on your own. But don’t hesitate to seek medical help if the odor is persistent or concerning.

Read More: 10 Natural Remedies To Help Tame Heartburn

Sources

  1. Why Does My Pee Smell?Health. Samantha Lauriello. June 12, 2023.
  2. What causes smelly urine?Medical News Today.  Zawn Villines. January 25, 2024.
  3. What Causes Urine to Smell Like Sulfur and How Is This Treated?.” Healthline. Ana Gotter. April 18, 2023.