{"id":14477,"date":"2020-03-30T05:43:40","date_gmt":"2020-03-30T05:43:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=14477"},"modified":"2021-05-06T19:35:30","modified_gmt":"2021-05-06T19:35:30","slug":"14-common-causes-of-smelly-urine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/14-common-causes-of-smelly-urine\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Common Causes of Smelly Urine"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Pale straw urine that is almost clear, but not so quiet, with a mild smell is considered normal. In many instances, foul-smelling urine is not always caused by alarm, especially when it results from taking certain foods or medication since it often fades away after a couple of trips to the bathroom. However, when the condition worsens or persists, it is perfectly in order to seek a doctor\u2019s opinion. There are many other causes of smelly urine besides asparagus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rectifying a severe condition of urine odor involves treating the underlying cause, which makes it important to learn some of the common causes of smelly urine. Note also that peeing clear urine frequently, perhaps 20 or more times a day is an indication of excessive water in the body which poses the risk of messing up your electrolyte balance and causing other serious health issues. Here are the common causes of smelly urine; <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Dehydration <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Urogynecologists rank insufficient water levels in the body as the main cause of smelly pee. Normal human urine is a solution of well over 95% water, wastes extracted from foods, and other toxic compounds filtered by the body to be passed out in the urine. When the body is insufficiently hydrated, urine becomes quite concentrated explaining the strong abnormal smell. Dehydration<\/a> can also be noticed from the color of the urine. Dark yellow or sometimes dark orange urine with a foul odor is often a clear indication of dehydration.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the urine has sulfuric compounds, dehydration will make it more noticeable in both smell and color. Smelly urine with no noticeable color abnormalities may mean that your urine smells foul for some other reasons and not due to insufficient water in the body. Urine odor resulting from dehydration can be corrected by drinking more water, especially after strenuous physical exercises. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

2. Taking Certain Foods and Drinks <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ever noticed that after eating asparagus your urine smells \u2018terrible\u2019! According to a 2016 study published in the British Medical Journal, 40% of people attest to peeing smelly urine after taking asparagus<\/a>. Well, shunning asparagus alone won\u2019t save you from having smelly urine because there are a dozen other foods and drinks that are likely to have the same effect on your urine as asparagus. They include garlic, onion, fish, Brussels sprouts, curry, Salmon, alcohol, and coffee among several others.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the digestion of these foods, sulfur-like compounds are filtered from the body and expelled in urine. This causes a distinct pungent smell in pee. As mentioned earlier, the smell is often temporary and normalcy returns upon the completion of the digestion process. Drinking more water after taking any of these foods may help neutralize the smell a little but it is not always effective. Avoiding these foods completely is the only sure way of preventing the odor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

3. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is an infection of the urinary system (kidneys, bladder or urethra), although we shall discuss kidney stones separately in this article. UTIs are more common in women and usually affect the bladder or urethra. Besides causing severe pelvic pain, increased urge for urination, pain while urinating, and blood in the urine, UTIs <\/a>are also responsible for smelly urine.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When bacteria enter the urinary system usually through the urethra, they begin to build up in the bladder. Bacteria, pus, and sometimes blood in the urine are likely to change the smell of urine. Most of the UTI-causing germs have been established to respond well to clinically-approved antibacterial drugs. Smelly urine and a burning sensation while peeing are signs of urinary tract infection. UTIs are known to get severe when ignored which is why it is important to seek medical attention immediately any of the aforementioned symptoms begin to show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

4. Yeast Infection<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Naturally, yeasts are benevolent microorganisms that live in various body parts including the vagina. They are meant to keep things running, from the digestive system to the immune system. However, sometimes yeast residing in the vagina grows uncontrollably causing chaos characterized by inflammation of the vagina, intense itchiness, vaginal odor,  and a thick white discharge that looks like cottage cheese. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At some point, your urine picks up the foul smell from the infection. Women are at more risk of developing a yeast infection when they are pregnant, diabetic, taking antibiotics, hormonal birth control, or taking hormones for menopause <\/a>among others. The good news is that yeast infection can be combated with over-the-counter antifungal creams, ointments, or other antifungal medication. Healing can take from 1 to 7 days tops. When over-the-counter prescriptions don\u2019t work (which may happen in severe cases), it is important to pay your doctor a visit.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

5. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not all, but some sexually transmitted infections can give your urine a funky smell. Most of these STIs cause the inflammation of the urethra associated with bleeding, bacteria, and pus. Like I mentioned earlier, your urine can pick up the foul smell from the vagina. Chlamydia <\/a>is the STI commonly known to cause your urine to smell awful. Other symptoms of chlamydia include abnormal vaginal discharge, lower abdominal pain, swelling and pain of the labia, discomfort during urination, and sometimes a discharge of pus in the urine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other STIs associated with smelly urine include trichomoniasis and gonorrhea. Chlamydia can easily be cured except it is often difficult to detect because its symptoms can easily be dismissed as a side effect of another infection or misdiagnosed for that matter. If you have any of the above-listed symptoms, see your doctor for prescriptions. Having protected sex or abstinence can help you dodge all kinds of STIs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

6. Kidney Stones <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Kidney stones<\/a> are formed when deposits of salt and other minerals present in concentrated urine solidifies to form stone-like deposits as small as sand grains and sometimes as large as gravel. Passing out these solid deposits through the urinary tract is usually painful although it never causes permanent damage. Large chunks of kidney stones that can\u2019t pass through the urethra reside at the kidney where they collect bacteria that lead to other infections and sometimes bleeding. This chain of reactions can totally alter the smell of urine.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The presence of kidney stones is also characterized by intense pain at the back and side, nausea, frequent urination, presence of blood in the urine, and fever. Smelly urine alone is not enough to prove the presence of kidney stones. It has to accompany a host of these other unpleasant symptoms. In many instances, kidney stones usually exit with urine, however, when you experience acute symptoms it is recommended to seek medical attention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

7. Diabetes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One early symptom of diabetes among others is smelly urine. When your blood sugar levels are abnormally high, ketones begin forming in your body due to insufficient insulin <\/a>responsible for breaking down sugar. The body in its own way finds means to expel excess sugar from the system, and leaking out unprocessed sugar into urine becomes one of the ideal ways. Two things might happen to your urine in the face of diabetes; one, your urine might have a sweet, fruity scent resulting from unprocessed sugar spilled into the urine.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Secondly, the body might spill the formed ketones in the urine which will automatically change the smell of your urine to strongly pungent. Besides a sulfur smell in the urine, you will also experience excessive thirst, fatigue, and occasional mood swings among other symptoms of diabetes. Getting rid of the sulfur scent from the urine involves the proper use of insulin \u2013taking it in the right amount always. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

8. Vitamins <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Vitamins <\/a>have an effect on urine smell the same way some people may detect a change in their urine scent after eating certain foods. Experts advise that there is little to worry about when your urine odor has been rendered strongly odorous by vitamins. Vitamins are said to be in excess of artificial flavors meant to make them more palatable. The body has no use for these flavors, so they are expelled in urine. These filtered wastes are responsible for altering the urine\u2019s scent.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vitamin B and D produces a similar effect on urine. Note that the two vitamins are common in most multivitamins. Vitamin B6, in particular, is known to produce a strong odor in urine compared to the rest of the vitamins. The effect of vitamins in urine odor fades when you stop taking the supplements, which explains why this cause for smelly urine is not a cause for alarm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

9. Taking Certain Medications <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Medications <\/a>are known to have side effects; some as mild as a change in urine odor while others are severe that doctors would prefer prescribing something different. Sulfur- drugs that treat diabetes, bacterial infections, rheumatoid arthritis, and several other conditions are notorious in changing urine odor.\u00a0 The sulfur compounds in the drugs produce a funky odor that slips to the urine explaining the change in urine smell.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like the change in urine smell caused by taking certain foods and supplements, the effect on urine odor resulting from specific medications will correct itself after completion of the dose. There\u2019s no need panicking when you are sure that change in urine scent was caused by the medication you are taking. Alternatively, taking more water can go a long way in diluting the effect of sulfur compounds present in the urine.  However, when the scent persists even after completing the medication, then you may consider notifying your doctor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

10. Liver complications<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Smelly urine <\/a>can be as a result of an underlying liver problem. One of the major functions of the liver is to detoxify chemicals and metabolize drugs keeping your blood clear of harmful toxins. When the liver fails in this core function, filtration of these harmful chemicals will definitely be compromised and therefore, these compounds will find themselves in the urine eventually. This can cause your urine to have a foul smell.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, smelly urine alone may not be sufficient proof of liver failure unless it accompanies other symptoms like abnormally darker urine, nausea and vomiting, yellowing of the skin, swelling of limbs, and abdominal pain among others. Quickly see your doctor when you experience these symptoms given liver failure can be fatal if not quickly attended to. Depending on the severity of the condition, diet and lifestyle changes coupled with certain medications can help remedy the condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

11. You might be pregnant<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Majority of women discover they are pregnant by taking a urine-based test at home. During pregnancy, the body produces the pregnancy hormone hCG that tests positive on the pregnancy kit. The hormone causes strong urine odor especially during the early stages of pregnancy<\/a>. Women are known to have a heightened sense of odor during pregnancy which explains why they are quick to detect a change in urine odor.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pregnant women are advised to drink more water to avoid dehydration. As discussed earlier, dehydration is one of the major causes of smelly urine resulting from the buildup of uric acid known to create odorous urine. Strongly scented urine as a result of pregnancy is no cause for panic as the condition will rectify on its own after pregnancy and sometimes during advanced stages of the pregnancy. Like in other temporary causes, when the condition persists after pregnancy, it is advisable to seek medical counsel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

12.  Genetic disorders <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are a couple of genetic disorders associated with foul-smelling urine. One of the popular conditions is Phenylketonuria (PKU), an inborn defect that affects the metabolism <\/a>of amino acid phenylalanine. Besides causing intellectual disability, mental disorders, and behavioral problems, PKU affects the urine\u2019s scent. The unprocessed amino acids are concentrated in the urine causing it to have a musky smell. The condition also decreases skin pigmentation among several other symptoms.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another disorder with a similar effect on urine scent is trimethylaminuria. The condition leaves your body with a terrible smell regardless of how often you bath or brush your teeth. This condition is more common in women and manifests when the girl hits puberty, during periods, when they take contraceptives, or right around menopause. Consult a physician when you have any of those conditions. Although there is no particular treatment for them, certain dietary and lifestyle changes can go a long way in neutralizing the symptoms.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

13. Prostatitis <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Prostatitis <\/a>refers to the swelling and inflammation of the prostate gland responsible for secreting prostate fluid one of the major components of semen. An inflamed prostate is at risk of bleeding or developing pus which may lead to the urine smelling funky. UTIs can also cause inflammation of the prostate. You can tell that you have a developing case of prostatitis from the smelly urine, difficulty in urinating, pain in the anus and scrotum and general abdominal pain.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Identifying and treating the underlying cause of prostatitis is key in dealing with this condition. The good news is that the infection responds well to antibacterial medications. Alpha-blockers are efficient in relaxing the muscles around the prostate gland which reduces the pain in effect. The swelling and inflammations can be taken care of with anti-inflammatory medications. In severe cases, doctors may recommend a surgical procedure to correct the effects of the inflammation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

14. Gastrointestinal fistula (GIF)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Gastrointestinal fistula refers to an abnormal opening in a person\u2019s digestive tract which causes gastric fluids to leak through the stomach linings into the skin and other organs. When the fluids seep into the bladder<\/a>, they are likely to cause strongly scented urine. The leaking can cause internal infections that can lead to the development of urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs, as discussed earlier, are some of the popular causes of smelly urine in both men and women.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Individuals recovering from abdominal surgery or those living with chronic digestive complications are the most likely to develop gastrointestinal fistulas. Treatment of this condition depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases of GIFs heal on their own, while others may require surgery to seal the opening. It is not wise to ignore a case of gastrointestinal fistula as it may lead to worse conditions like sepsis.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

<\/div>