Smelly urine (2024)

Smelly pee on its own is not usually a cause for concern. There are often things you can do to help your pee return to normal.

Common causes of smelly pee

Pee is usually clear or pale yellow, with a mild smell.

Things that can often make your pee smell stronger include:

  • certain types of food and drink, like asparagus or coffee
  • not drinking enough fluids (dehydration)
  • some medicines
  • vitamin B6 supplements

If you have other symptoms such as pain when peeing, peeing more often than usual and pee that looks cloudy, you may have a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Less often, smelly pee can be caused by other conditions such as type 2 diabetes or kidney stones.

Things you can do if you have smelly pee

There are some things you can do to help keep your pee clear and smelling mild.

Do

  • drink plenty of fluids, particularly water, so that you pee regularly during the day and do not feel thirsty

  • drink more in hot weather and when exercising

Don’t

  • do not drink a lot of sugary fizzy drinks, coffee or alcohol

  • do not eat a lot of garlic or asparagus – they contain strong-smelling chemicals that can pass into your pee

  • do not take more than 10mg of vitamin B6 a day

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

You have smelly pee and:

  • you need to pee suddenly, more often than usual, or during the night
  • you have pain or a burning sensation when peeing
  • your pee looks cloudy

Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

You have smelly pee and:

  • there's blood in your pee
  • you have lower tummy pain
  • you have pain in your back, under the ribs
  • you feel tired and unwell
  • you feel confused or agitated
  • you have a very high temperature, or you feel hot and shivery
  • your temperature is very low

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

Page last reviewed: 16 October 2023
Next review due: 16 October 2026

Smelly urine (2024)

FAQs

Smelly urine? ›

Urine (pee) is made up of water and waste. Urine smells stronger when there's less water or more waste. Certain foods, medications, and dehydration can cause smelly pee or make your urine smell differently. Talk with a healthcare provider if you have foul or fishy smelling urine — these can be a sign of infection.

Why does my pee smell bad even though it's clear? ›

Common causes of smelly pee

certain types of food and drink, like asparagus or coffee. not drinking enough fluids (dehydration) some medicines. vitamin B6 supplements.

Why does my pee smell bad even though I drink a lot of water? ›

Smelly urine or urine that has an unusual odor may be a result of diabetes, an infection, eating asparagus, or using certain medications, among other causes. Treatment can depend on the underlying cause. Urine often has a slight ammonia smell, especially first thing in the morning or when a person is dehydrated.

How do you get rid of a strong urine smell? ›

Make a solution of baking soda, peroxide and any dish detergent. The combination of the three is often powerful enough to drive away strong urine smells. The solutions is eight fluid ounces of peroxide, three tablespoons of baking soda, and a few drops of dish detergent.

What does diabetic pee smell like? ›

If you have diabetes, you may notice your pee smells sweet or fruity. This is because the body is trying to get rid of the excess blood sugar and is disposing of glucose through your urine. For people who haven't been diagnosed with diabetes, this symptom can be one of the first signs they have the disease.

When should I be worried about smelly urine? ›

See your GP if: you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI), such as pain, presence of blood, or a burning sensation when urinating and a need to urinate often - this is the most likely cause of unexplained foul-smelling urine.

Why does my urine smell but no infection? ›

Some foods and medicines, such as asparagus or certain vitamins, can cause urine odor, even in small amounts. Sometimes, urine odor points to a medical condition or disease, such as: Bacterial vaginosis (irritation of the vagin*)

Does smelly urine mean kidney problems? ›

Kidney disease causes chemicals in urine to become concentrated and to cause a smell resembling ammonia. Kidney dysfunction can also cause high bacteria and protein levels in the urine, which will contribute to a foul ammonia smell.

Does liver problem cause smelly urine? ›

Liver disease and certain metabolic disorders may cause musty-smelling urine. Some conditions that can cause changes in urine odor include: Bladder fistula. Bladder infection.

Why can I smell myself through my pants? ›

Limiting frequent bathing can lead to dirt, sweat and dead skin cells build up leading to Your clothes have a strong smell. You can reduce these effects by showering regularly and washing with mild soap and warm water. Sweating in the groin area can attract fungi and bacteria that lead to bad odors.

What does UTI pee smell like? ›

Pee that smells like ammonia

If you detect a hint of ammonia in your urine, it could be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI). The odor suggests that bacteria may be swimming around in your urinary system, most likely in your urethra, kidneys or bladder.

What do nursing homes use to get rid of urine smell? ›

Hospitals, nursing homes, health care clinics, and other facilities have relied on ZORBX® as the guaranteed odor remover for urine, bile, human waste and other body fluids. Try it and Start Enjoying The Sweet Smell of... Nothing.

What medications cause urine to smell bad? ›

Foul-Smelling Urine: Vitamins & Medication
  • Sulfonamide antibiotics. An example is Bactrim, which is commonly used to treat UTIs.
  • Diabetes medications. These sulfa drugs are sold under the names Diabeta, Glynase PresTabs.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis medications. This sulfa drug is sold under the name of Azulfidine.

What causes urine to smell like rotten? ›

Foods that convert to sulfur compounds in your body can make your urine smell rotten. This smell is commonly compared to rotten cabbage or rotten eggs and can come from eating asparagus, garlic, and onions. There are rare conditions that create a rotten smell, too. Trimethylaminuria.

Why does my toilet smell like urine even after I clean it? ›

Undetected leaks in your toilet, pipes, or even the wax ring can allow urine to accumulate in hard-to-reach places. The stagnant urine may create a persistent smell that regular cleaning won't eliminate. Leaks can be insidious and may not be immediately noticeable, but they can contribute to the ongoing odor problem.

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