But when youre dehydrated, the ammonia concentration is stronger and so is the smell. The symptoms of organ failure vary, depending on the area involved and the cause. Accessed Aug. 10, 2016. The Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena has a page devoted to this matter of "paranormal . Urinary retention is a condition in which your bladder doesnt empty completely even if its full. If you dont have that enzyme, though, you end up with smelly urine after eating asparagus. Rarely, people can have bad breath because of organ failure. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. While a UTI is relatively harmless, it can progress and cause serious health issues, including kidney infections. Chan School of Public Health. Free Special Report: The Secret Fixes for Your Sleep Problems, Get this report FREE when you opt in for our FREE Health eTalk daily Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Because urine is generally more concentrated, a fishy odor may be present. In this article, we explore what causes smelly urine and offer strategies to reduce the smell. Eliminates a strong organic odor of animals and their urine. skin infections around the vulva or prepuce Concentrated urine can have a strong odor. Untreated liver disease can be life threatening. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Lack of treatment can lead to brain damage and death. Basically, the strange urine odor is the bacteria's fault (because bacteria is what causes UTIs in the first place). 4th ed. Pregnancy and olfaction: a review. Trimethylaminuria is more common in women, according to the National Human Genome Research Institute, and multiple studies suggest that it might be more prevalent among Black American women. Some people find that asparagus gives their urine a strong, foul odor that may last from a few hours to a few days. Dont miss a thing by downloading Apple News here and following Prevention. (Basically, the waste products created in your kidneys dont have enough fluid available to dilute them as you excrete them.). The smell is one of the signs of a high white blood cell count in the urine and is a strong indicator or a urinary tract infection. Liver failure also tends to cause yellowing of the skin or eyes, while kidney failure may also cause pain during urination. Typically, the urine smell will go away after the asparagus has passed through your system. Just a few days of persistent symptoms warrants a visit, says OLeary. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Some common synonyms of putrid are fetid, fusty, malodorous, musty, noisome, rank, and stinking. It could happen after your morning cup of coffee. A bladder fistula occurs when you have an injury or defect that allows bacteria from your intestines to enter your bladder. In: Fundamentals of Urine and Body Fluid Analysis. Luckily, this. Asparagus can alter the smell of our urine, as can a urinary tract infection. One bag covers 50-100 sq. Only after we are satisfied with the products. Those metabolites are back! What Are The Benefits Of L-Glutamine Supplements? Women are more likely to suffer from UTIs owing to their shorter urethras. Smelly urine can also be a sign of an infection, however, so if the smell does not go away on its own, or if additional symptoms develop, see a doctor. As this compound builds up in the body, it causes affected people to give off a strong fishy odor in their sweat, urine . Beverages: The consumption of coffee or other caffeinated beverage can result in foul-smelling urine. Adj. Coffee has a light diuretic effect, meaning it can cause your body to release water, ultimately dehydrating you and contributing to ammonia-like urine, says Dr. Bladder infections are also known as urinary tract infections. Urine that contains a lot of water and few waste products has little to no odor. Urine can have a more pungent smell from the hormones produced during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, says Dr. Rossbut it's not necessarily a huge change in your pee; rather, your ability to smell it (women tend to have a slightly increased sense of smell during pregnancy). Some people have an enzyme that breaks down compounds in asparagus that can cause smelly urine, Dr. OLeary says. Dietary habits could also cause sour-smelling sweat at night. Last medically reviewed on September 16, 2020. Various hormonal changes involved may change the smell of urine or the persons sensitivity to smells. Dune. Matthew Wosnitzer, MD Like urine color, the smell of your urine can be a clue about your body's condition. If youve already been diagnosed with diabetes and notice sweet-smelling urine, consider it a sign that your condition is no longer under controland make an appointment with your physician. In: Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures. Trimethylamine has been described as smelling like rotten or decaying fish. You can check the color of your urine to confirm whether you're dehydrated. Instead, keep a water bottle handy (at your desk, in your bag, wherever), so you can drink as often as you feel like, says Dr. Ross. Also, artificial flavors are put in some pill coatings to make them more palatable, but they can also change the scent of your urine. If youve done a good job hydrating, your pee will be the color of pale straw or a more transparent yellow (think: fresh-made lemonade), according to the Cleveland Clinic. Al Roker Hospitalized Again Due to Complications, Katie Couric Gifts After Breast Cancer Battle, Everything You Need to Know About Cloudy Urine, Exercise May Reduce the Risk of Metastatic Cancer, Alzheimers Drug Lecanemab: What You Need to Know. A nose for trouble. According to Dr. Dutta, many people notice their urine smells different after taking vitaminsthe same way some people detect a different urine odor after eating certain foods. Every person has a different vaginal microbiome, but some ways yeast gets the hint that its party time are when you take antibiotics, youre pregnant, you have uncontrolled diabetes, you have an impaired immune system, or you start taking either hormonal birth control or hormones prescribed for menopause, according to the Mayo Clinic. For example, doctors may suggest avoiding foods that include trimethylamine and other compounds, such as milk, eggs, peas, beans, peanuts, and brassicas (which include foods like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower). Your brain typically regulates this process, but sometimes the, Frequent urination is the need to go more than normal. Sweet Smelling Urine. Urinalysis. If a person who has any chronic condition finds that the smell of their urine changes significantly, it may be a good idea to flag it with a doctor. "There will be other symptoms, as well.". Douching with scented feminine hygiene products is common in certain cultures, per OWH. What are common symptoms of phenylketonuria (PKU)? Type 2 diabetes: Artificial intelligence model predicts onset within 12 hours, Stroke: Researchers develop AI model to predict a persons 10-year risk, In Conversation: How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, back pain, if the infection has spread to the kidneys, going to the bathroom frequently, especially at night. Many women might mistake the abnormal vaginal discharge associated with these sexually-transmitted infections with smelly urine, says Dr. Changes in how often you urinateand whats in that urineare often the first indicators of diabetes, says Dr. OLeary. Unfortunately, there may not be too much you can do to prevent kidney stones in the first place, as infections and family history of kidney stones are one cause. Another 2012 study found that liver disease can change the way urine smells. "Vitamins tend to be a little bit in excess of what your body truly needs, so you'll often end up peeing some of that out," Dr. Dutta said. A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria get into your urinary system through the urethra and then begin to multiply in the bladder. If you don't have other symptoms like burning or pain when you pee, suddenly needing to use the bathroom more often, or blood in the urine, Dr. Pannell says you don't need to see a doctor. Breath that smells fruity or like rotten apples, for example, can be a sign of diabetes that's not under control. Different foods produce different metabolites as we break them down, says Dr. Also, get the facts on diagnosis and. So, if youre smelling fruity pee as an adult, its possible that type 2 diabetes is the culprit. "It's most likely because their body doesn't have the enzyme they need to break it down completely," Dr. Dutta explained. Smelly urine does not always stem from a health condition. People who can break down the smell-inducing compounds in asparagus are called asparagus anosmic. Kidney stones are tiny, hard deposits that can form in one or both kidneys. If youre worried about the odor of your vagina, see a doctor to pinpoint the real cause instead of trying to mask it with douching. Diabetes: A metabolic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels and a lack of or underutilization of insulin. 1. putrid-smelling - having the putrid odor of decaying organic matter. If your doctor determines you have a UTI, theyll give you antibiotics to kill the bacteria. (2021). One of the most common is maple syrup urine disease, in which a deficiency in enzymes needed to break down certain amino acids causes sweet-smelling urine, explains Dr. This can occur regardless of the length of time the medication is used. The color of urine can help identify whether a person is hydrated. People who have undiagnosed diabetes are "spilling out sugar into their urine," Dr. Dutta said. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. 6th ed. Infections of the urinary tract can lead to foul-smelling urine that may be fish-like in nature. What to do about it: Skip the douche. If your pet is on medication, ask your vet if the prescription is known to cause a change in the smell of urine. Ideally, your urine would be a pale yellow in color.. Having liver disease may result in large quantities of bilirubin to get passed through the urine, causing urine to look darker and become smelly. for quality and safety during the production process. Urine might smell foul because, as the body is breaking down chemotherapy agents and metabolizing . The following are some good habits to keep your bladder healthy. In fact, pee that has a strong ammonia smell, or foul or slightly sweet-smelling urine is often the first indication that you have a UTI. When an unusual urine odor is caused by an underlying medical condition, other symptoms are also present. One food that many people say makes their urine smell strong is asparagus. Type 2 diabetes is typically diagnosed in adults, according to the CDC, because it develops over many years. Its your bodys way of telling you to rehydrate, stat. If you have never had smelly pee after drinking coffee before, this likely is not the cause. Urine consists mainly of water. When organs involved in digestion or urination are not working properly, it can affect the way urine smells. This is often due to the compression of the uterus on the bladder. The same hormones that gestate a baby (again, estrogen and progesterone) are also at work during your regular cycle, albeit on a smaller scale, according to Dr. Ross. Serious liver disease can make breath smell musty or like garlic and rotten eggs. Dune. The Journal of Biochemistry. Yep, those pesky (but normal!) What to do about it: OTC creams and suppositories (like Monistat) can get your microbiome back to normal, and if those aren't getting rid of the itch or increased discharge, talk to your doc. Some of these may include: Make an appointment with your doctor if you have a strong or abnormal urine odor that lasts for more than 2 days or if you have symptoms such as: These symptoms may be signs of diabetes, severe dehydration, or liver disease. St. Louis, Mo. Weve all experienced this one: You take your daily multivitamin (or whatever slew of vitamins and supplements your daily routine involves) and a couple of hours later your urine looks and smells rather terrifying. Elsevier; 2018. The whole concept of urine being a barometer, if you will, of overall health is not new, says Michael OLeary, MD, surgeon and urologist at Brigham and Womens Hospital in Massachusetts. In most cases, bladder fistulas that connect to the bowel are caused by inflammatory bowel diseases, like Crohns disease or ulcerative colitis, says Dr. OLeary. Since the infections are usually caused by bacteria, an antibiotic from your doctor can wipe them outand the resulting odor, although you may have a different smell in the meantime from the medication. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Calcium supplements and vitamin D may make the urine smell fishy, while iron supplements and kelp may precipitate a metallic smell to the urine.". Urine has a natural odor that is unique to everyone. You actually have an undiagnosed genetic disorder. This can cause changes in the odor of your stool and its consistency. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cure, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, https://www.cdc.gov/std/bv/stdfact-bacterial-vaginosis.htm, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470195/, https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00067/full, https://medical.mit.edu/ask-lucy/2018/11/could-it-b-vitamins, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441848/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3738402/, https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00431-014-2348-9, https://www.bmj.com/content/355/bmj.i6071, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3505402/, https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kidney-infection-pyelonephritis/symptoms-causes, https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/urination-changes, https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/urinary-tract-imaging, https://www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-the-basics/diabetes-symptoms, https://www.unitypoint.org/article.aspx?id=e3fb7065-bbb0-48d9-b85a-b4b430e91f91, Alzheimers disease: Urine biomarker may provide early detection, study shows. However, in the majority of cases, fishy smelling urine is due to something that can be treated or is a side effect of your diet or medication. If you arent going that much, you may need need to drink more. Phenylketonuria: A metabolic disorder characterized by the inability of the body to break down the phenylalanine amino acid. Most of the time, urine odor is not something to worry about. They can prescribe an antibiotic that can help you get over the infection. They often form when the urine becomes too concentrated, allowing minerals to crystallize and stick together. An intense urge to urinate, needing to urinate frequently, and a burning sensation upon urination are the most common additional symptoms of a UTI. If low hydration or high urine concentration were the reason, the color would also be a very strong shade of yellow. Accessed Aug. 11, 2016. High fruit and vegetable diet. You might have diabetes or prediabetes. Dont be alarmed: Multiple vitaminsespecially vitamin B6can affect urine color and odor, says Dr. Is the urine cloudy? This is often the case first thing in the morning or when a person does not drink enough water throughout the day. "When you're dehydrated, your urine has less water in relation to waste products, which can make you have smelly urine," Dr. Dutta said. However, there are also conditions that affect the salts and other chemicals produced by the body,. Less often, smelly urine could be a sign of a disorder called trimethylaminuria. What to do about it: There's no cure for the disorder, but by working with your doctor, there are lifestyle changes you can make to reduce the smell. Learn more here. Urine can change it smell when you have a urinary tract infection (fowl) or if the patient has developed diabetes (sweet). What to do about it: If your pee is smelly and is accompanied by cloudy urine and pain in your back or side, see a doctor to get that kidney stone out of there ASAP. A high-salt diet can also make your urine more concentrated, giving it a stronger scent than what you may be used to. Queremel Milani DA, et al. Odor of feces and urine: Clear urine without stinking odor indicates asthenia and cold syndrome, also seen among healthy people. When a urinalysis comes back positive for nitrites, it usually means you have a bacterial infection. (2017). The vaginal infection bacterial vaginosis causes a distinct fishy odor that may be worse after sex. Certain STIsparticularly chlamydia and trichomoniasiscan lead to painful urination and smelly discharge in both men and women, according to the CDC. (2020). 1. Certain diabetes medicationsand a drug called Methenamine, which is used to address chronic UTIscan have this effect. Experts Explain, The Best Muscle Rubs For Post-Workout Recovery, The Best Vitamin D Supplements, According To An RD, 8 Reasons You Have Nipple Pain, Per Ob-Gyns. With early treatment, a person should feel better in a few days. Related:Proteinuria (protein in urine) treatment with statins and home remedies to stop chronic kidney disease. Copyright 2022 Bel Marra Health. You're not alone: 40 percent of people can actually smell a difference in their pee after eating asparagus, according to a 2016 study in the British Medical Journal (it's actually called asparagus anosmia, and it's due to genetic variations in our senses of smell, not the pee itself. Chemotherapy can cause dry mouth, mouth sores and vomiting, all of which can lead to bad breath. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Kidney infections are actually a type of UTI. Other symptoms of liver disease include: See your doctor right away if you have symptoms of liver disease. This condition will lead sufferers to produce strong, putrid smelling urine that often has a mousy, fishy, or musty odor. Treatment often involves lifestyle and diet changes or the use of certain medication. Causes, symptoms, tests, and treatment. Bio-enzymes destroy molecules of stench. (n.d.). Included is detail on when to see a doctor and treatments for the condition. Medicines: Intake of antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin or amoxicillin may change urine odor to smell like fish or yeast. In most cases, smelly urine is not a sign of disease, but it can sometimes indicate diabetes, liver disease, renal failure, urinary stones, and urinary tract infection. Again, this does not occur for everyone. What Causes Urinary Retention, and How Is It Treated? According to research published in the British Medical Journal, roughly 40 percent of people notice changes in how their pee smells after eating this veggie. Infection is the commonest cause and a sample sent off to the bacteriology lab will reveal that. Bladder fistulas can occur due to surgical injuries or bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. Drink enough fluids during the day, and make sure a good amount of that fluid is water. Other metabolic disorders, like phenylketonuria (also known as PKU), though, can also influence urine smell. If we combine this information with your protected In most cases, sweet smelling urine is usually a sign of diabetes or uncontrolled diabetes. Here's what could be causing that stinky pee, and how to address each issue. Plus, the metabolites (aka by-products) produced as your body breaks down coffee may also influence the smell of your urine, Dr. You ate something with a strong smell. Bacterial infection does not always result in symptoms, but when they do occur, they can include the following: Related:Are urinary tract infections (UTIs) contagious? Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Gastrointestinal-bladder fistula (abnormal connection between the intestines and bladder), Maple syrup urine disease (rare genetic condition that becomes apparent during infancy), Metabolic disorder (a problem with the way your body converts the foods you eat into energy). Health MOT: A bad breath could signal a number of different . Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. The ingredients are tested by the manufacturer for. One of the most common reasons for strong-smelling pee is dehydration. In some cases, the doctor may order imaging scans of the urinary tract or kidneys. The concentration of waste gives the urine of all cats a super pungent smell. Kidney leakage (chyluria). Why your urine smells like fish: Causes and remedies. 2. Historically, physicians and healers would make diagnoses by looking at, smelling, and even tasting peoples urine.. From time to time, you may notice that your urine occasionally has a stronger smell than it normally does. Urine is the substance that is created when the kidneys filter and remove waste products from the blood," says Stephanie Pannell, MD, MPH, a urologist at UCLA Health. Certain foods: The breakdown of certain foods may lead to your urine taking on their unique odor. Review/update the (Urine can also have a strong ammonia odor. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health 2005-2022 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. This is commonly seen in those who consume asparagus, as it tends to release a sulfur byproduct that is released in the urine. Some kidney stones pass in the urine without any need for treatment. You have 30 days to try one bottle of the product. 7 Reasons Why It Hurts to Peeand What To Do About It, What Your Urine Color Says About Your Health, Yeast Infection vs. UTI: How to Tell the Difference, 5 UTI Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore, According to Doctors, Leaking Urine: Why It Happens and How to Treat It, How Do You Get a UTI? Asparagus is notorious for making urine smelly. This can cause it to have a strong smell. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. You may be dehydrated. High alkaline causes cloudy urine. A person may also need blood work to check for other health conditions. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Visit the bathroom as soon as the urge strikes. Pills high in vitamin B6, including some multivitamins, heart, and pregnancy medications. Itchy yeast infections happen when a naturally occurring fungus that lives in your vagina gets a chance to grow wild. Bladder and urinary tract infections are common causes of smelly urine, particularly in women, who have shorter urethras than men (and thus less distance for bacteria to travel to impact the bladder), says Dr. OLeary. ill-smelling, malodorous, malodourous, stinky, unpleasant-smelling - having an unpleasant smell. Urine that smells like coffee can be caused by a person drinking too much coffee. We avoid using tertiary references. Following these tips will help get rid of your urine smell: If you still have fishy smelling urine despite all your efforts to get rid of it, it is recommended to see a doctor about your condition. This is common in both males and females and is possibly due to underlying conditions. Bono, M. J. Avoid eating foods that cause urine to smell, especially asparagus. ft. This is probably the least likely scenario here, but certain genetic disorders are associated with a bad urine odor. 2. Dehydration: Water is very important to the human body, and if you do not stay hydrated, your body will try and hold on to as much water as it can. Sweet-smelling urine may be caused by diet, diabetes, or maple syrup urine disease. And that includes the smell of your pee. Unusual urine odor can be caused by numerous reasons, such as what you ate the night before, the medications youre taking, and the health conditions youre living with. Any pain or increased frequency/urgency? The more hydrated you are, the less concentrated the ammonia is. And your pee naturally has an odor that's not the most pleasant. 1. These side effects of antibiotics are usually temporary. Bacterial vaginosis is characterized by foul smelling, greyish white, and often fishy smelling discharge. Dr. Masha Niv, associate professor of chemical senses and molecular recognition at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, has been studying the effect of COVID-19 on smell since March. Kidney stones can also affect your urine. The cadaverous smell is dangerous for health because a person can get serious poisoning with cadaveric . No statement herein is to be construed as a diagnosis, treatment, preventative, or cure for any disease, disorder or abnormal physical state. Since having kidney stones increases risk of developing kidney disease (and dealing with more stones in the future), its important to stay well hydrated and work with your doctor to make any lifestyle or dietary adjustments that can reduce risk. Written by Claudia Gambrah-Lyles, MD. Liver. 9. Bacteria in your urine cause urinary tract infections. Some supplements, vitamins, and medications can cause changes in your urine smell. Smelly urine can be caused by dehydration, certain foods, coffee, various. People with chronic kidney disease can now monitor their kidney health at home, using a test kit and a smartphone. McPherson RA, et al., eds. Learn more about these causes and what you can do about smelly urine. People with unmanaged diabetes have high blood sugar levels, giving urine an almost sweet odor. "When your body is dehydrated, the urine has a strong odor and appears dark in color, says Sherry Ross, MD, an ob-gyn at Providence St. Johns Health Center in Santa Monica. "That can then change what the urine smells like. Coffee is another food that could change the odor of your pee. As if sexually transmitted infections weren't enough fun (sarcasm, clearly), some of them can also cause foul-smelling urine. Untreated diabetes is dangerous and can be life threatening. As for the free gifts you receive with your purchase, they are yours to keep as a thank you for giving this natural. It's not usually a cause of concern. Maybe just plug your nose when you pee? Normal urine acidic-to-alkaline levels range from 4.5 to 8 pH. Kidney stones are hard masses that can form in your kidneys when certain chemicals in your urine start to crystallize. byproducts from coffee after it gets broken down in your body). Anywhere from 40 to 60 percent of women will have at least one UTI in their lifetimeand 1 in 4 will experience multiple, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Today, we consider urine a market for a number of aspects of our health. They develop when salt and other minerals found in urine stick together and form hard stone-like deposits that can be as small as sand-like grains or as large as full-on chunks of gravel. All You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on They can test you and help you determine the best option for treatment. They can cause pain for some people, but rarely cause permanent damage if treated quickly. The 15 Best Water Bottles For Your Workouts, 8 Healthy Drinks When You're Sick Of Plain Water, 12 Reasons Your Vagina Hurts So Damn Much, The Best Cleansers For Avoiding Vaginal Irritation, 21 Reasons Youve Got Bumps On Your Vagina, Ob-Gyns Are Saying *Every* Woman Needs A Prenatal, What Your Vaginal Odor Means About Your Health, Harvard T.H. Bel Marra products are produced Drink plenty of water to support hydration and kidney and urinary tract health. Yeast infections come with a distinctive yeasty smell, thanks to the imbalance of vaginal bacteria, says Dr. Ross. Often caused (at least partially) by dehydration, kidney stones form when chemicals in your urine crystalize together. This is why you may notice your urine smells stronger in the morning right after you wake up. The urinary tract is a complex system that includes your kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. .css-26w0xw{display:block;font-family:NationalBold,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-26w0xw:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-26w0xw{font-size:1.18581rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.625rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-26w0xw{line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-26w0xw{font-size:1.28598rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-26w0xw{font-size:1.575rem;line-height:1.1;margin-bottom:-0.5rem;}}Ob-Gyns Are Saying *Every* Woman Needs A Prenatal, These Indoor Plants Are Super Low-Maintenance, The 16 Best Silk Sheet Sets For Luxurious Sleep, These Are The Teeth Whitening Kits Dentists Use. The putrid smell also penetrates deeply into all furnishings: furniture, carpets, curtains, as well as into finishing materials - wallpaper, plaster, etc. Dehydration, some vitamins, and some medications can give urine an unpleasant odor. Diuretics can cause dehydration, so on top of the smell from those coffee metabolites, your pee may also have a stench because it's more concentrated than usual. But honestly, there are some perfectly logical (and totally harmless) causes of smelly urine odor. Removes all organic putrid smells. the environment of healthy bacteria) of your entire genital area, worsening bad smells rather than improving them, says Dr. Ross. Bacterial vaginosis CDC fact sheet. Pet urine can be quite potent, but most humans can detect an unusual change in the typical urine smell. In PKU, a defective gene prevents the breakdown of the amino acid phenylalanine, which builds up and causes musty-smelling breath and urine, among other symptoms, like rashes and even seizures. Dont rush the process. What to do about it: Again, the hormones arent necessarily changing the odor of your urine itself, they are amping up your ability to smell it. Dune adds. "Ammonia is a product of protein breakdown," Dr. Jose says. If you think you have an STI, meet with your healthcare provider. If you're not drinking enough water, the urine becomes concentrated. Dehydration. Research from 2016 suggests that about 60% of people have one of several genetic variants that either decreases their ability to smell asparagus in urine or eliminates it entirely. Infections with certain bacteria, notably Aerococcus urinae, may cause very bad-smelling urine, with or without other symptoms. It's not particularly worrisome, says Dr. Ross, but be sure to mention your urine odor to your doctor if you're concerned about it, if it changes suddenly, or if you experience other negative side effects along with the smell. Most likely, sweet smelling urine will be a sign of type 2 diabetesthe type that happens when your body doesnt use insulin well and therefore cant regulate blood sugar, rather than type 1, which is much rarer and happens when someones body doesnt make insulin at all. But sometimes strong or unusual smelling urine is a sign of an underlying medical problem. A higher concentration of ammonia in the urine causes a more pungent smell. This isnt always a cause for concern. According to Dr. See your doctor as soon as possible if your urine frequently smells sweet. What to do about it: If you have already been diagnosed with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes (or even gestational diabetes, which can happen when youre pregnant) and then start having sweet-smelling urine, its a sign that youre not managing your disease well, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Urologists Explain Why These Infections Develop. 5. The harsh smell is also typically accompanied by a darker-than-usual color (along with these other signs of dehydration), which should tip you off that its time to grab a giant glass of water, pronto, Dr. OLeary adds. 2004-2022 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. A UTI usually clears up with antibiotics. Patients suffering from kidney stones are often told to drink a lot of water, as it helps to flush the stones out of their system. This may be the result of infection, metabolic disease, or simply a side effect of a medication. What to do about it: Even after you finish those antibiotics, keep a vigilant eye (or..ummnose) on how your pee smells. Try to pee at least every 3 to 4 hours. putrid definition: 1. decayed and having an unpleasant smell: 2. very unpleasant or ugly: 3. decayed and having an. Wear cotton underwear when possible. Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis) are hard deposits made up of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. Scanty reddish and stinking urine indicates downward migration of damp-heat. Foul Smelling Stools And Thin (Pencil) Stools. Givler, D. N. & Givler, A. An ammonia or putrid smell in the urine can be caused by which of the following? But even if an STI doesn't cause urethritis, urine could still pick up a smell from irritation in the vagina, Dr. Dutta added. The underlying issue may be a kidney infection. If it's amber- or honey-colored, or even a dark orange, you probably need to up your water intake. To determine if your urine odor is caused by a medical condition, your doctor will use several tests. But there's nothing to worry about if you conclude a vitamin is making your pee smell. Urinary tract infections often called UTIs are another common cause of strong-smelling urine. You should contact your doctor to check for other causes if the odor persists. and third party partners, Home General Health Bladder Why your urine smells like fish: Causes and remedies. (2017). The statements herein have not been evaluated by the Foods and Drugs Administration or Health Canada. A rule of thumb: Medical evaluation of smelly urine is warranted if the urine odor persists for several days while maintaining adequate hydration or if symptoms or signs of illness develop, such as fever, general malaise, pain in the back or lower abdomen, nausea, and vomiting, says Dr. Garvey. Urine that is under 5 pH is considered acidic, with urine measuring at 8 pH or higher is alkaline (basic). 13 tips to keep your bladder healthy. using current production and quality control standards. The use of painkillers may also be implemented to help deal with this pain. This content does not have an Arabic version. There is a problem with The culprit of urine odor from asparagus is caused by the level of naturally occurring sulfurous compounds that the food contains. metabolites are back againand messing with the smell of your pee. Urine is mostly made up of water, with the addition of waste products like urea. On any matter relating to your health or well-being, please check with an appropriate health professional. Shirasu M, et al. Urine from male cats also tends to smell worse than female urine due to the presence of hormones and pheromones. UTIs tend to be more prevalent in people with vulvas, according to the Office on Women's Health (OWH), because their urethras tend to be shorter, inviting more bacteria to enter the bladder. Typically, by the time you feel thirsty, youre already a bit dehydrated, so stay ahead of the game with a good amount of water intake throughout the day. People with uncontrolled diabetes will likely also have increased pee urgency or frequency, as the sugar irritates the bladder. Rights Reserved. Yeast is a microorganism that naturally lives in various parts of the body, including the vagina. Metabolites from certain foods. "Kidney stones are never, ever going to just be smelly urine," Dr. Dutta added. Changes in the appearance of the patient's urine is also helpful. "You always have a certain amount of ammonia in your urine. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Your urine should not smell more pungent than usual. Also, having an overall healthy lifestyle and reducing or eliminating alcohol intake can protect the liver and may help get rid of the smell. Lauren is a freelance writer and editor, an American Council on Exercise-certified personal trainer, and the Fitness & Wellness Editor of Womens Health. While urine does have a normally subtle odor of its own, it may take on other pungent odors from time to time. Rocco & Roxie Odor Eliminator with bio-enzymes Spot treatment. do they get our quality seal of approval. However, seek medical attention if you have severe pain, vomiting, bleeding, signs of infection, or a fever higher than 100.4 degrees. 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