What is the reason for the foul smell of urine

Many people know that by looking at the urine you excrete, you can find out if you have any physical problems. Normal urine does not have a strong odor, is not dark in color, and urination is not difficult, but what is the cause if the urine has a foul smell? The urine of adults inevitably has a certain odor, but it is not strong. If there is an unpleasant odor, you should consider the following aspects.

There are six reasons why your pee may stink, and you should pay attention to them!

1. Lack of water

When your body is dehydrated, your urine will turn yellow and may also become smelly. After we ingest protein, the body metabolizes it to produce a colorless compound called urea. Urea is excreted from the body through urine. When the body is well hydrated, urea is diluted. When the body is dehydrated, a certain dose of urea is concentrated, the urine turns yellow and has a stronger ammonia smell. After replenishing water in time, the color and smell of urine will return to normal.

2. Eating certain foods

Foods like asparagus can make your urine smell stronger, and the sulfur compounds they contain are the culprit. In addition, garlic, curry, fenugreek, etc. also contain certain sulfur compounds, which will change the smell of urine.

3. Drink coffee

Coffee beans contain a compound called cafestol, which is the substance that releases the aroma of coffee during the roasting process. However, this substance will not be absorbed by the human body. After you drink coffee, this aroma component will be excreted from the body with urine, and the urine will have a special smell.

4. Urinary tract infection

When a urinary tract infection occurs, bacteria can change the color and smell of urine. You will usually notice that your urine has a strong ammonia smell or is slightly sweet. If your UTI is caused by bacteria, antibiotics may help, but your doctor will be responsible for your specific treatment.

5. Taking medications or certain dietary supplements Some vitamins, medications, and supplements contain ingredients that can change the smell of urine, and sometimes the appearance of urine. People who are taking multivitamins, especially those containing B vitamins, may notice that their urine is dark yellow.

6. Sexually transmitted diseases

Some STDs can also cause foul-smelling urine, including Trichomonas, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. This change occurs because the organisms responsible for these diseases trigger the production of more ammonia, which the body tries to eliminate from the body through the urinary system.

So, when should you see a doctor if you notice your urine has a strong odor?

Generally speaking, if the change in urine smell only occurs for a short period of time and then quickly returns to normal, there is no need to see a doctor. However, if the change in urine smell persists for a long time and is accompanied by other symptoms such as hematuria, frequent urination, burning sensation when urinating, pain when urinating, fever, etc., you may need to contact a urologist for a detailed examination to rule out urinary system diseases such as urinary tract infection, urinary stones, or sexually transmitted diseases!