10 Reasons for Smelly Urine (Why Is My Pee Smelling Bad?)

• Certain foods and drinks, such as asparagus, garlic, and coffee, can cause urine to take on a strong smell.
• Dehydration can also lead to strong-smelling pee.
• Some medical conditions, such as urinary tract infections and kidney stones, can also cause smelly urine.

Why is my pee smelling bad? We all know that our urine shouldn’t smell great. After all, it is full of waste products that our body needs to get rid of. However, sometimes our urine can smell stronger than usual or even come with a foul odor.

This can be alarming, but in most cases, it is not indicative of a serious problem. Here are ten possible causes of smelly urine.

1. Dehydration

Dehydration is the most common reason for smelly urine. When you are dehydrated, your urine becomes more concentrated and therefore has a stronger odor. Drinking plenty of fluid throughout the day can help to prevent this. 

2. You’re eating lots of asparagus

Asparagus contains a sulfur-containing compound called methyl mercaptan. This compound is also released in your urine when you eat asparagus and can cause your pee to smell bad. Fortunately, the smell will only last for 14 hours after eating asparagus, and is nothing to worry about. 

3. You’re eating foods that contain sulfur

Sulfur-containing foods include Brussels sprouts, garlic, and onions. When these foods are digested, they release sulfur compounds that make their way into your urine and give it a strong odor.

4. Coffee

If you’re a coffee drinker, your morning cup of joe could be the culprit behind your smelly urine. Coffee contains compounds that are broken down and excreted in your urine, which can cause it to take on a coffee-like smell. 

5. Trimethylaminuria

Trimethylaminuria is a rare condition that affects the way in which the body breaks down trimethylamine. Trimethylamine is produced in small amounts when certain foods are digested, and it has a strong fishy odor. If you have this condition, you may notice that your urine smells fishy, even if you haven’t eaten any fish recently.

6. Urinary Tract Infection

A urinary tract infection (UTI) can cause your pee to smell bad. A UTI occurs when bacteria enter your urinary system through the urethra and travel to your bladder or kidneys.

The most common symptom of a UTI is strong-smelling urine that may also look cloudy or reddish in color. Other symptoms include pain or burning during urination, frequent urination, and pelvic pain in women.

If you think you might have a UTI, see your doctor so they can prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection. 

7. Kidney Stones

Kidney stones can cause pain in your lower back or abdomen, as well as make your urine look cloudy or bloody and give it a strong odor. If you think you may have kidney stones, it’s important to see a doctor right away, as they can be extremely painful. 

Learn More: 5 Early Symptoms of Kidney Stones You Shouldn’t Ignore

8. Liver disease

Musty-smelling urine can also be a symptom of liver disease. When your liver isn’t functioning properly, it can’t filter toxins from your blood efficiently. This can cause those toxins to be excreted in your urine, leading to an unpleasant odor.

Nevertheless, if you’re experiencing smelly urine along with other symptoms of liver disease, such as fatigue, abdominal pain, yellowing skin, or eyes (jaundice), in that case, it’s important to see a doctor so they can run some tests and confirm the diagnosis. 

9. Diabetes

Diabetes can cause the sugar in your urine to increase, which can lead to foul-smelling urine. If you have diabetes and notice that your pee smells sweet or fruity, contact your doctor right away so they can check your blood sugar levels and start you on treatment if necessary. 

10. Medications and supplements

Certain medications, such as antibiotics and some vitamins and supplements, can cause your urine to take on a different odor. If you’re concerned about the way your medication is affecting your urine, talk to your doctor. They may be able to prescribe an alternative medication that doesn’t have the same side effects.

Further reading: How to Stop Urine from Smelling Like Ammonia

Final thoughts

There are many potential causes of smelly urine, but most of them aren’t anything serious. In most cases, smelly urine is simply due to dehydration or eating certain foods such as asparagus. However, if the smell persists or you are also experiencing other symptoms, such as pain when urinating, then it’s important you see your doctor for further investigation and treatment If necessary.

Also read: How To Stop Waking Up At Night To Pee