What makes stale urine smell

Some of these…. Being dehydrated can negatively affect your body and brain. Here are 7 evidence-based health benefits of drinking water. Here's a step-by-step guide to cleaning your vulva or penis after you pee and the benefits and risks involved in the process.

If your doctor suspects complicated urinary tract infection UTI , there are several treatment options they may recommend. Learn what to expect if you…. Cystocele is a condition in which the bladder protrudes into the vagina. We explain the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and more. A urine pH level test analyzes the acidity or alkalinity of a urine sample. Discover why it's important, what a normal urine pH level is, how to…. Foul-smelling urine is not a symptom or sign of cancer.

It can, however, indicate other conditions, such as urinary tract infections or STIs. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. What Causes Abnormal Urine Odor? Medically reviewed by Carissa Stephens, R. Read on to learn several different reasons why urine may have a stronger odor.

Asparagus and urine odor. Underlying medical causes of urine odor. In pregnant women. Healthy urination habits. When to see a doctor. Read this next. What Is a Bladder Infection? Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M. Phenylketonuria PKU. Medically reviewed by Karen Gill, M.

Learn about treating bacterial vaginosis at home here. Diabetes medications may change the smell of urine, and so too can the disease — especially if blood sugar levels go uncontrolled. Some people notice a very sweet smell. This happens when there is too much sugar in the urine. Other symptoms of diabetes include :. When organs involved in digestion or urination are not working properly, it can affect the way urine smells. According to one study, some people with kidney failure, for example, notice a bad body odor or foul-smelling urine.

Another study found that liver disease can change the way urine smells. The symptoms of organ failure vary, depending on the area involved and the cause. Liver failure also tends to cause yellowing of the skin or eyes, while kidney failure may also cause pain during urination. Some people find that asparagus gives their urine a strong, foul odor that may last from a few hours to a few days. Some people may not be able to detect the odor. Some people notice a change in the smell of their urine during pregnancy.

Many people report a stronger sense of smell during pregnancy, though very little research has looked into this phenomenon. It is worth noting that pregnant people with UTIs may not have any more noticeable symptoms — a change in the odor of urine may be the only warning. Prompt treatment of UTIs decreases the risk of serious complications for both the person and their baby. Also, having an overall healthy lifestyle and reducing or eliminating alcohol intake can protect the liver and may help get rid of the smell.

The doctor will ask about certain lifestyle factors, recent health changes, and when the bad smell began. They may do a urine culture to check for bacteria and other signs of infection. When the diet is responsible for the smell, the doctor may be able to diagnose the problem based on symptoms alone. In some cases, the doctor may order imaging scans of the urinary tract or kidneys. A person may also need blood work to check for other health conditions.

A bad smell in the urine often goes away on its own, especially when dehydration or something in the diet causes it. A person does not need to see a doctor if they can identify a harmless cause of their smelly urine, such as asparagus.

Other causes need medical treatment. While a UTI is relatively harmless, it can progress and cause serious health issues, including kidney infections. With early treatment, a person should feel better in a few days. Because some people with UTIs have no symptoms, see a doctor if the bad smell lasts longer than a few days.

This is especially important for people who are pregnant. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; chap Updated by: Linda J. Editorial team. Urine odor. Some conditions that can cause changes in urine odor include: Bladder fistula Bladder infection Body is low on fluids concentrated urine can smell like ammonia Poorly controlled diabetes sweet smelling urine Liver failure Ketonuria. When to Contact a Medical Professional. These include: Fever Chills Burning pain with urination Back pain.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit. You may have the following tests: Urinalysis Urine culture. Metabolic Disorders Read more.