Why foul smelling urine

This is especially important for people who are pregnant. Other health issues that can cause this odor require ongoing treatment. For example, a person with diabetes may need to switch medications or make certain lifestyle changes. 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. Foul-smelling urine can be alarming, but it may be short-lived, and drinking more water may help the smell fade faster.

However, if there is not a clear cause — such as asparagus, supplements, or dehydration — it is a good idea to consult a healthcare provider. A look at urine that smells like ammonia, which can have many causes.

Included is detail on when to see a doctor and treatments for the condition. Sweet-smelling urine may be caused by diet, diabetes, or maple syrup urine disease.

Learn why urine may smell sweet, treatments, and when to see a…. Some diets and pregnancy can also cause this symptom. Urine that smells like coffee can be caused by a person drinking too much coffee…. Many people drink cranberry juice to treat and prevent urinary tract infections. Learn more about whether this is an effective treatment option, here.

What causes smelly urine? Common issues Health conditions Asparagus Pregnancy Tips Diagnosis When to see a doctor Summary Urine often has a slight ammonia smell, especially first thing in the morning or when a person is dehydrated.

Common issues that cause smelly urine. Share on Pinterest Dehydration and some medications may cause smelly urine. Medical conditions. Can asparagus make urine smell? Can pregnancy cause smelly urine?

Strategies for reducing the smell. Diagnosing the cause of smelly urine. When to see a doctor. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. Why does my urine smell like ammonia? Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. We asked a doctor to explain what causes smelly urine and what you can do about it. Hint: The five cups of coffee you had this morning aren't doing your pee any favors.

Urine is a combination of water and waste products, Dr. Dutta explains. You can check the color of your urine to confirm whether you're dehydrated. If it's amber- or honey-colored, or even a dark orange, you probably need to up your water intake. But if it's a pale straw or transparent yellow color, you're well hydrated, which means your urine could be smelly for another reason.

Asparagus is notorious for making urine smelly. But if this veggie doesn't give your pee a funky odor, that's normal, too. Dutta says everyone digests food differently, and some can get away with eating asparagus without any change in their urine. But others do have the enzyme, and when those people digest asparagus, "their bodies make something called a sulfur metabolite, which can make the urine have a sulfur or ammonia smell.

Other foods, like Brussels sprouts , onions, garlic, curry, salmon, and alcohol, can have a similar effect. Dutta suggests drinking plenty of water when eating foods that you know make your pee; it'll dilute your urine so the stench isn't so noticeable. We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but your coffee habit could be making your pee stink.

Coffee metabolites, or the byproducts that come from coffee when it's broken down in your body, can make urine smell, Dr. Dutta says. Like we said before, this isn't the case for everyone. So if you've never noticed an odor after your morning cup of joe, you're probably in the clear.

Coffee is also a diuretic, meaning it makes you have to pee a lot , flushing your body of extra fluid and sodium. 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.

To determine if your urine odor is caused by a medical condition, your doctor will use several tests. Some of these are:. Make an appointment with your doctor if you have a strong or abnormal urine odor that lasts for more than two days or if you have symptoms such as:. However, if the odor is new and persists, check with your doctor to rule out a medical conditions. A bladder infection is a bacterial infection and a type of UTI, which refers to infection in the bladder, kidneys, ureters, or urethra.

Most bladder…. Find information on phenylketonuria causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Does your urine smell like coffee? Learn how drinking too much coffee can cause this and what you can do. Do you have a bladder infection? Learn about seven remedies for bladder infections that can ease symptoms and get rid of the infection.

Some of these…. Being dehydrated can negatively affect your body and brain. Here are 7 evidence-based health benefits of drinking water. Here's a step-by-step guide to cleaning your vulva or penis after you pee and the benefits and risks involved in the process. If your doctor suspects complicated urinary tract infection UTI , there are several treatment options they may recommend. Learn what to expect if you….

Cystocele is a condition in which the bladder protrudes into the vagina. We explain the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and more. A urine pH level test analyzes the acidity or alkalinity of a urine sample. Discover why it's important, what a normal urine pH level is, how to….

Foul-smelling urine is not a symptom or sign of cancer. It can, however, indicate other conditions, such as urinary tract infections or STIs. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. What Causes Abnormal Urine Odor? Medically reviewed by Carissa Stephens, R.