What if urine has a strong smell

Strong smelling urine that is dark and cloudy can be confused with symptoms of a urinary tract infection or so-called Asymptomatic Bacteriuria see below. Bacteria in urine Scientists have recently found that the urinary tract has its own microflora. This means that most people have small amounts of bacteria in their urine.

Research is ongoing to find out the composition of this flora, whether it is stable or not and whether it can help prevent infections caused by other unwanted bacteria. When urine smells, it may be a urinary tract infection Sometimes, unwanted bacteria can enter the urinary tract and cause an infection — urinary tract infection or cystitis.

This is often caused by the Escherichia coli bacteria that occur naturally in the intestine, and which sometimes get into the urethra and travel up the urinary tract. In women, a urinary or bladder infection occurs more often because the urethra is shorter and closer to the anus. In addition to bacteria, viruses or fungi can trigger an infection. The invading bacteria thrive in urine and multiply quickly and cause an infection, which can result in an unpleasant smell.

Smell in urine caused by Asymptomatic Bacteriuria It is also possible that large numbers of bacteria can populate the urinary tract. The bacteria are usually of different types and not especially harmful. This means they can be present without causing any problems, apart from making the urine smell unpleasant.

These bacteria are more common in the elderly, in women and in people with diabetes or catheters. This condition is not usually treated with antibiotics.

Some foods and medications, such as asparagus or certain vitamins, can cause a noticeable urine odor, even in low concentrations. Sometimes, unusual urine odor indicates a medical condition or disease, such as:. Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis. There is a problem with information submitted for this request.

Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health. Error Email field is required. Error Include a valid email address. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information and to understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your e-mail and website usage information with other information we have about you.

If we combine this information with your PHI, we will treat all of that information as PHI, and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of e-mail communications at any time by clicking on the Unsubscribe link in the e-mail. The same hormones that gestate a baby again, estrogen and progesterone are also at work during your regular cycle, albeit on a smaller scale, says Dr. Not much you can do for this one but flush and get outta the bathroom quickly.

As if sexually transmitted infections weren't enough fun sarcasm, clearly , some of them can also cause foul-smelling urine, says Dr. Chlamydia is the most common culprit, followed by trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted parasite. When you do show symptoms, chlamydia can cause abnormal vaginal discharge and a burning sensation when you pee, while trichomoniasis can also cause a change in vaginal discharge and uncomfortable urination as well as itching, burning, redness, or soreness in your genital area, according to the CDC.

What to do about it: If you even suspect you have one of these diseases, Dr. Ross says to get screened immediately so you can get the meds you need to get rid of them.

Some supplements, vitamins, and medications can cause changes in your urine smell, says Dr. Artificial flavors are put in some pill coatings to make them more palatable, but they can also change the scent of your urine.

What to do about it: The most likely offenders? Pills high in vitamin B6, including some multivitamins, heart, and pregnancy medications. 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. Weight Loss. United States. Type keyword s to search. Today's Top Stories. Taraji P. Accessible Beauty Products For All.

Jeffrey Westbrook. Here's what could be causing that stinky pee, and how to address each issue. Related Story. The symptoms of organ failure vary, depending on the area involved and the cause. Liver failure also tends to cause yellowing of the skin or eyes, while kidney failure may also cause pain during urination.

Some people find that asparagus gives their urine a strong, foul odor that may last from a few hours to a few days. Some people may not be able to detect the odor. Some people notice a change in the smell of their urine during pregnancy. Many people report a stronger sense of smell during pregnancy, though very little research has looked into this phenomenon.

It is worth noting that pregnant people with UTIs may not have any more noticeable symptoms — a change in the odor of urine may be the only warning. Prompt treatment of UTIs decreases the risk of serious complications for both the person and their baby. Also, having an overall healthy lifestyle and reducing or eliminating alcohol intake can protect the liver and may help get rid of the smell. The doctor will ask about certain lifestyle factors, recent health changes, and when the bad smell began.

They may do a urine culture to check for bacteria and other signs of infection. When the diet is responsible for the smell, the doctor may be able to diagnose the problem based on symptoms alone.

In some cases, the doctor may order imaging scans of the urinary tract or kidneys. A person may also need blood work to check for other health conditions.

A bad smell in the urine often goes away on its own, especially when dehydration or something in the diet causes it. A person does not need to see a doctor if they can identify a harmless cause of their smelly urine, such as asparagus. Other causes need medical treatment. While a UTI is relatively harmless, it can progress and cause serious health issues, including kidney infections.

With early treatment, a person should feel better in a few days. Because some people with UTIs have no symptoms, see a doctor if the bad smell lasts longer than a few days. This is especially important for people who are pregnant.