Being aware of what can possibly cause smelly urine can help you address the issue effectively and give you peace of mind.
Causes of foul-smelling urine
As mentioned, there are numerous causes for smelly urine, ranging in severity. For the most part, there’s nothing threatening about having a stronger odor to your urine and the condition can be easily resolved. Here are some factors that can make your urine smell.
Urinary tract infection: Bacteria in the urinary tract can cause an infection along with smelly urine. Other symptoms include higher frequency of urination, burning while urinating, and pain.
Vaginitis: Vaginal infections can lead to smelly urine. Bacteria, yeast, and sexually transmitted diseases can cause vaginal discharge, painful urination, itchiness, and discomfort during sex.
Prostatitis: Men who suffer from prostatitis can develop bladder infections, which can cause smelly urine along with abdominal pain, urine urgency, back pain, and groin pain.
Kidney stones: Smelly urine, especially if it’s pinkish in color, could be an indication of kidney stones. You will also experience severe pain where your kidneys are located.
Dehydration: If you haven’t had enough water, your urine will be darker in color and smell foul.
Foods, drinks, and vitamin supplements: Many foods, beverages, and natural supplements can change the smell of your urine. Prominent examples include asparagus, B vitamins, and even caffeine.
Medications: If you are taking antibiotics or medications derived from mold, you may notice a change in the smell of your urine. Multivitamins, too, can have similar effects.
Liver problems: The liver is responsible for filtering and eliminating waste. If the liver is unable to do so properly, urine can be foul-smelling and very dark in color.
Diabetes: High blood sugar accumulates in urine and is then released. The urine then has a slightly sweet smell and is exceptionally sticky.
Pregnancy: Hormone changes associated with pregnancy can increase the risk of bladder infections and vaginal discharge, both of which can produce smelly urine.
Phenylketonuria: This is an inherited condition that affects the metabolism. Patients cannot process phenylalanine in the diet, resulting in foul-smelling urine.
Maple syrup disease: This is a genetic disorder in which your urine smells like maple syrup. In this condition, certain dietary proteins cannot be broken down. If a patient does not change their diet accordingly to adjust to their disease, it can result in brain damage or even death.
Bladder fistula: This is an abnormal connection between the intestines and the bladder.
Cloudy urine with odor: People with high blood ketone levels that are on a low-carb diet or perhaps fasting, as well as those who have difficulty controlling diabetes can have urine with an odor. With ketone, a sweet, acetone-like odor in the urine can be detected.
Cloudy urine with odor can also be a sign of dehydration, especially if it smells like ammonia. If you have a urinary tract infection or when you are pregnant, your cloudy urine can also be foul-smelling.
Treatment options for smelly urine
When to see a doctor for smelly urine
You should see a doctor for your smelly urine, if you begin to experience other symptoms aside from smelly urine, such as pain, changes in urination habits, or problem managing diabetes.
Related: Proteinuria (protein in urine) causes, complications, and symptoms