Urine is an important fluid in the body as it carries away waste products and toxins. While urine typically has a mild smell and is relatively clear, sometimes it can have an odd smell. The smell can vary from sweet to fruity, fishy, musty, or foul.

Here are some common causes of strange urine smells:.

Dehydration

If you’re not drinking enough water, your urine may have a strong, ammonia-like smell. Dehydration makes your urine more concentrated and therefore stronger-smelling.

To fix this, drink more water or fluids that hydrate the body, and avoid diuretic beverages such as caffeine or alcohol, which can make dehydration worse.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are bacterial infections that occur in the urinary tract. Symptoms include an urgent need to urinate, painful urination, and strong-smelling urine. The odor associated with UTIs can be strong, unpleasant, and fishy.

To treat a UTI, see a doctor who will prescribe antibiotics.

Bladder Infections

A bladder infection occurs when bacteria enter the bladder and multiply. Symptoms include frequent urination, pain or burning during urination, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine.

In addition to antibiotics prescribed by a doctor, drinking more fluids can help flush the bacteria from the bladder and alleviate symptoms.

Kidney Infections

A kidney infection is a serious condition that can lead to kidney damage or failure if left untreated. The infection starts in the bladder and moves up the ureters to the kidneys. Symptoms include fever, chills, back pain, and smelly, cloudy urine.

Antibiotics are essential to treat a kidney infection, and hospitalization may be necessary in severe cases.

Food and Drink

Certain foods and beverages can change the smell of urine. For example, asparagus can give urine a strong, sulfur-like odor. Coffee and alcohol can also give urine a strong smell.

To reduce the impact of food and drink, drink plenty of water and avoid foods that cause strong odors, especially before working out or going to work.

Medications and Supplements

Certain medications can affect the smell of urine. For example, antibiotics can give urine a strong, medicinal smell, while taking B vitamins can turn urine bright yellow and give it a strong odor.

Herbal supplements and vitamins can also alter the smell of urine. If you are taking medication or supplements and notice an odd smell of urine, discuss it with your doctor.

Diabetes

Diabetes can cause a sweet, fruity odor in urine due to a high level of glucose being excreted in the urine. This condition is called glycosuria. Diabetes can also cause dehydration and a concentrated urine smell.

See a doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms, as untreated diabetes can lead to serious health complications.

Liver Disease

Liver disease can cause urine to smell musty or like ammonia. The liver filters blood and breaks down toxins, and if it is inflamed or damaged, this can cause an odor in urine. Other symptoms of liver disease include jaundice, nausea, and abdominal pain.

See a doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms.

Menopause

As women age and go through menopause, hormonal changes can cause urine to have a strong, ammonia-like scent. This condition is called genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Other symptoms include dryness, irritation, and pain during sexual activity.

Talk to your doctor about treatment options.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, hormonal changes can alter the smell of urine. The increase in hormones can make urine smell stronger or more pungent. Also, many pregnant women experience urinary tract infections, which can also cause foul-smelling urine.

If you are pregnant and experience unusual urine smells, see a doctor immediately.

Conclusion

While odd urine smells can be unpleasant, they are usually treatable. The cause of the odd smell can range from dehydration, hormonal changes, medication, and diseases such as diabetes and liver disease.

If you are experiencing an unusual smell with your urine, it is important to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause and get proper treatment.