Smelly Urine Causes

-Generally, the smell that the urine produces is tolerable. Doctors say that a healthy people excrete a clear and nearly odorless urine. However, in any case a bad-smelling urine has not been associated with healthy individuals. But a pungent or fishy smelly urine is embarrassing and can be the onset of an infection. A strong odor emanating from urine (smelly urine symptoms) can be a sign of a serious illness.

Smelly Urine Causes
A number of factors can influence the smell of urine. Consuming less water than required can negatively affect the smell in urine. Formation of kidney stones is also linked to change in urine odor. Other smelly urine causes are given below:

Urinary Tract Infections
This is a common cause of smelly urine in females. Studies have shown that 50 - 80% women suffer from urinary tract infection (UTI). In this condition, the bacteria infects the bladder and kidneys, and damages the tissues. In fact, it is found that women are more susceptible to recurrent UTI. Approximately 20 - 50% of women have frequent urinary tract infections. Smelly urine in males also occurs due to this reason. However, considering the anatomy of men, they are less likely to develop this form of infection frequently. In general, odor in urine is likely to result from urinary tract infections.

Having sexual intercourse after a long gap can also lead to urinary tract infections. People having multiple sexual partners or those who are sexually active are at great risk of developing UTI. This is because, during sex, the bacteria can travel to another body through the vagina, urethra or rectum.

Dehydration
Insufficient fluid intake decreases volume of urine and makes it highly concentrated. When intake of water is less, there is a drastic change in the color and smell of urine. Concentrated urine has a strong smell similar to ammonia. A strong ammonia smell from the urine is an indication that the person is not drinking sufficient water.

Vaginitis
Women whining over smelly urine might be actually suffering from vaginitis, a condition that typically causes swelling of the vagina. The inflamed vagina typically causes pain and itches terribly. Vaginitis is usually the outcome of bacterial or a fungal infection. Although these micro-organisms already exist in the vagina, trouble begins when their population increases beyond a certain threshold. In simple words, vaginitis is the side effect of too much growth of pathogens inside the vagina. In vaginitis, every trip to the washroom is extremely unpleasant as one has to bear the bad or foul-smelling odor of the urine. Apart from bad urine smell, affected women experience painful urination and discomfort during intercourse.

Beverages
Beverages like coffee that are popular all over the world can also change the smell of urine from nearly odorless to foul-smelling. However, one or two medium cups of coffee won't change urine odor. Those who have the habit of consuming 5 - 6 cups of coffee are the ones who complain about smelly urine. Many have reported urine odor similar to coffee after drinking coffee. Basically, coffee has diuretic properties, which means it stimulates fluid loss by increasing the urinary rate. This excess urine production often leads to dehydration, giving a strong smelly odor to urine.

Medications
Weird or unusual urine odor has also been linked to certain medications. Antibiotics used for treating bacterial infections are known to influence urine odor. So, those put on antibiotics such as amoxicillin or ciprofloxacin even for a short while are unlikely to pee odorless urine. Most patients taking antibiotics complain about drastic sudden change in urine odor which is strong and some refer it as yeasty smell. In general, whichever may be the class of antibiotic, change in urine odor is likely to occur.

Liver Problems
To be precise, urine giving out a bad smell can be a sign of liver failure, which means the liver is unable to carry out its functions efficiently. For instance, foul-smelling darkened urine could mean that the person is affected with hepatic (liver disease). It is observed that a yellowish-green colored pigment (bilirubin) is processed by the liver and only a miniscule amount of bilirubin combines with urine. However, if the liver is not working correctly, too much bilirubin escapes into the urine, giving it a distinct dark amber color. Apart from change in urine color, the odor during urination is horribly smelly.

Phenylketonuria
Phenylketonuria is an inborn metabolic disorder in which the body loses its capability to breakdown an amino acid (protein) referred as phenylalanine. With the metabolism of phenylalanine taking a backseat, its concentration in the blood and urine increases. In such circumstances, the urine is said to be emitting a strong, foul, musty or mousy smell.

Smelly Urine and Diabetes
Health problems too can lead to foul smell in urine. More specifically, people suffering from diabetes excrete urine that has an abnormal smell. This is because diabetics, as well all know, have high blood sugar levels. This excess sugar often gets passed down to the urine, giving it a characteristic sweet smell. Smelly urine is often regarded as a symptom of diabetes. People with untreated or mismanaged diabetes in which diet restrictions are not being followed, pee that smells excessively sweet.

Smelly Urine and Asparagus
Including certain foodstuffs in the diet can also cause smelly urine. Although asparagus is rich in nutrients and a healthy choice, including this vegetable in the diet can result into foul-smelling urine. Asparagus passes in the urine through the kidneys, that gives a distinctive odor to the urine. Doctors often prescribe dietary vitamin supplements for various medical conditions. However, these medications can actually bring about a change in the urine odor.

Smelly Urine During Pregnancy
Many times, it is observed that pregnant women suffer from "smelly urine", the main reason being urinary tract infections. Pregnancy is one of the primary factors responsible for causing UTI in women. No wonder when pregnant women pee, their urine smells bad.

Smelly Urine Treatment
Determining the cause behind unusual odor in urine is necessary to get rid of abnormal smell. Urinary tract infections, being the common cause, one will have to take prescribed medications to eliminate the condition. Drinking plenty of water (8 - 10 glasses) daily will also help to clear off foul smell associated with urine.

Smelly urine causes need to diagnosed as early as possible to know whether the person is suffering from any disease. In most cases, foul smell in urine lasts for a short period and is not a cause of worry.