We have to pee several times a day, though most of us don’t like to talk about it much. But did you know your urine can reveal quite a bit about your health? Its smell in particular can give you vital clues to your wellbeing. We spoke to Doctify urologist Mr Marc Laniado about what to do if you notice a strange whiff when you take a whizz.
‘Normal urine when dilute barely has an aroma unless you put your nose right up to it,’ explains Marc. But here are some reasons it might have an unusual scent:
1. It’s something you ate
You’re probably aware eating certain things can make your breath smell a bit funky, but some foods will even affect the aroma of your pee.
Some people avoid asparagus because it makes their urine smell bad. But only about half of us have the enzyme that will break asparagus down to cause this stench.
‘Interestingly, only some people can smell the foul urine even if they make it. The reasons are not clearly understood though,’ says Marc.
Some other foods such as Brussel sprouts, cabbage, turnips, cauliflower and garlic can have a similar effect on the urine. So if you notice a smell, try and remember what you’ve eaten recently.
2. It’s something you drank
Addicted to that caffeine hit? There’s a good chance it’s affected your pee as well as your energy levels. So no, you’re not going crazy – your urine probably does smell a little like coffee.
3. You’re dehydrated
If you notice a strong ammonia scent, it might be time to take a trip to the water cooler. Without enough fluid to dilute your urine, it will be darker in colour and will likely pong a bit more too.
‘Often urine smells most strongly in the morning because there is relative dehydration overnight and this improves when you start drinking fluids during the day,’ explains Marc.
4. It’s your medication
Are you taking antibiotics or on medication for epilepsy? They could be the culprit of a strange smell when you take a tinkle.
‘Some drugs in the sulpha class, which are also known as sulphonamides, can make the urine smell bad. Sulphonamides have been used for the treatment of infections and epilepsy,'” reveals Marc.
5. It could be an infection…
A UTI could well be the cause of your foul smelling pee. Especially if accompanied by a stinging or burning sensation. See your GP because you could need antibiotics.
6. …Or diabetes
People with undiagnosed diabetes may notice slightly sweet-smelling urine. If symptoms are accompanied by a constant thirst, headaches and a need to urinate a lot more than you used to, go and see your doctor.
‘Sometimes, the urine can seem to smell sweet, because diabetes is present and sugar levels are uncontrolled,’ says Marc. ‘However, this is unusual. Another rare disease called maple syrup disease in which there is a problem in the breakdown of amino acids, the urine can smell sweet. If the urine smells musty, it may because the liver is failing.’
7. Or (though it’s rare) a fistula
‘Occasionally, an abnormal connection between the bowel and bladder called a fistula can make the urine smell bad as well as cause recurrent urine infections,’ says Marc.
So if your urine’s smelly and you’re constantly getting UTIs, get yourself checked out.
What else should you look for in your pee?
Marc gives his us tips:
‘The colour of the urine is one of the most things to look out for. Blood is the most serious sign i.e. red urine. This is because it can be a sign of cancer and always needs an urgent evaluation by a urologist. However, consider that if you’ve eaten a lot of beetroot that might explain the red colour, so remember what you have had in your diet.
‘If it hurts to pass urine, the smell is offensive, and the urine is cloudy or dark, then there may be a urine infection, and you would need to get that tested as well. If you’re passing urine frequently and in large volumes but not drinking much, that might indicate a problem with sugar control – get it checked out by your doctor.’
