What makes strong smelling urine

Highly concentrated urine, caused by low fluid intake, is often strong-smelling. When urine is too concentrated, it also irritates the bladder lining.

This can cause urge symptoms, which are characterized by a frequent need to go to the toilet. Conditions that can lead to dehydration include fever, kidney disease, diarrhoea or vomiting.

Anyone can become dehydrated, but some people are at more risk, e. Always make sure you, or those you care for, get enough fluids. 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.

Two common examples are vitamin B supplements and sulfa drugs. This may result in an excess of sulfur chemicals leaving your body through your urine. Drinking more water will help reduce the sulfur odor that occurs with these medications. If the scent persists, you may consider talking to your doctor about alternative medications that you can try. For example, you could try a B shot instead of an oral B supplement. UTIs are often caused by bacteria, which can contaminate the urine and cause it to develop a different odor than normal.

If you suspect a UTI, see your doctor. You may be able to prevent recurrent UTIs by drinking plenty of water and cranberry juice. This will help flush chemicals or bacteria from your urinary tract.

Cystitis refers to inflammation of the bladder. When caused by bacteria, the bacteria will affect the urine as it sits in or passes through the bladder. This can lead to strong, sulfur-smelling urine. Drink plenty of water to help get rid of the infection and dilute the sulfur smell.

This can change the appearance, odor, and even the consistency of your urine. They can identify the underlying cause and create a treatment plan tailored to the diagnosis.

Bacteria can contaminate the urine as it leaves the bladder and moves into the urethra, causing the foul smell like sulfur in the urine. If an infection is behind your symptoms, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. Be sure to drink lots of fluids and urinate frequently. This can help to treat and prevent infections.

Fistulas are abnormal connections between two parts within the body, such as between the intestines and the bladder. When this happens, bacteria from the intestines moves into the bladder. This may cause recurrent UTIs or bladder infections, resulting in urine with a sulfur-like scent. This odor can also occur without an infection. Other symptoms of a bladder fistula include recurrent bladder infections or UTIs and urine that smells like stool. If your fistula is caused by an inflammatory condition, this will be treated, too.

Hypermethioninemia is an inherited condition. You may also experience breath or sweat that smells like sulfur. Infections with certain bacteria, notably Aerococcus urinae , may cause very bad-smelling urine, with or without other symptoms.

A UTI usually clears up with antibiotics. If a person does not receive treatment, the infection can spread, so see a doctor as soon as possible. The vaginal infection bacterial vaginosis causes a distinct fishy odor that may be worse after sex.

Other symptoms include:. Learn about treating bacterial vaginosis at home here. Diabetes medications may change the smell of urine, and so too can the disease — especially if blood sugar levels go uncontrolled. Some people notice a very sweet smell. This happens when there is too much sugar in the urine. Other symptoms of diabetes include :. When organs involved in digestion or urination are not working properly, it can affect the way urine smells. According to one study, some people with kidney failure, for example, notice a bad body odor or foul-smelling urine.

Another study found that liver disease can change the way urine smells. 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.