Have you ever left the restroom and found out that you have a foul-smelling urine discharge? The smell may be somewhat more potent than at any other time, or it may be an odd smell not generally associated with wine. Breathe easy. This is something that several men and women out there face. However, the changes in the odor of urine are common for them occasionally. Now, we will discuss why this occurs, what it could witness, and when you should meet the doctor.
Causes of unpleasant urine odor
One of the most often used excuses is a lack of water intake. When one takes less liquid, the urine gets denser. Given the circumstances, this means that it is more concentrated with waste products than water, which is likely to produce a more offensive odor. If you have dark yellow urine with a strong odor, it could suggest that you are not taking enough water.
- Consumption of certain foods is another cause of foul pee smell. Some individuals have a strong preference for asparagus, altering the smell of urine.
- Some treatments can also impart an unpleasant scent to the urine. Vitamins, particularly vitamin B, which is very common, can change one’s urine odor, and vitamin B6 is vice versa. Taking a new medication and experiencing unpleasant changes in the smell of your urine may be connected.
- In some instances, an infection may lead to nasty-smelling urine. Urinary tract infection can result in unpleasant-smelling urine and produce other symptoms, such as painful urination or an increased urge to urinate compared to normal.
- Certain medical conditions may also influence urine odor. For instance, sweet or fruity-smelling urine may occur in people with diabetes. We will explain this more later in the post.
Diagnosing urine odor
If you worry about the smell of your urine, you should first evaluate it. Determine whether the smell has a specific timing or duration or whether any other symptoms are present.
It’s also good to consider how things have changed recently. Have you been eating different kinds of foods, for example? Are you consuming less water than usual? Have you started on any other new medicated drugs? These questions will help you understand the reason.
So, if the smell does not disappear after a few days, it can be accompanied by other symptoms. Then, consult a physician. This may enable them to look for external odor causes, such as infections or other medical conditions.
Sometimes, your physician may also suggest blood tests and additional evaluations to rule out any medical condition that may lead to changes in urine odor.
How to stop pee from smelling?
Let us look at some methods, which prevent the odd smell in urine.
- The first thing is to drink as much water as you can. They help dissolve urine therein making it less concentrated than it would otherwise be and therefore less smelly. The guideline suggests that one must drink approximately 8 glasses of water daily and more if one is physically or outside in the heat.
- Remember that having healthy and balanced meals is also good. Some foods may change the odor of your urine. However, a balanced diet of more fruits and vegetables is ideal for one’s health, even for urinary virgin aids.
- If you notice certain foods make your pee smell, you may avoid them or eat them less often. But remember, some vegetables, such as asparagus, can cause your urine to stink, but they are not poisonous, and there is no need to eliminate them from your diet unless you wish to do so.
- Having sex with healthier individuals, bathing, washing hands and genitals, changing sexual partners, and practicing safe sex, such behaviors are aimed at reducing the risk of urological infections. More attention should be paid to women because a sense of female hygiene is essential in such cases, even if the custom does not require it.
When to see the doctor?
Although there are instances when the odor of urine is not something to worry about, there are also instances when visiting a physician is mandatory.
For instance, if the odor persists for over two days and does not improve even after increased water intake, you should consider seeking medical help.
In addition, combining the smell with other symptoms like the following also warrants a need for a professional’s help:
- Pain or burning when you pee
- Needing to pee much more often than usual
- Fever
- Back pain
- Blood in your urine
They may indicate an abnormality regarding the urinary tract or other conditions that require medical attention.
If you find your urine contains a sweet or fruity smell together with a frequent desire to take fluids or urinate, then seek professional help as soon as possible. This can be one manifestation of diabetes mellitus.
Advice for Healthy Urination
Maintaining a healthy urinary tract helps reduce the incidence of lousy character with urine. The following are recommendations:
- Remember to hydrate often within the day rather than aim to drink when thirsty; you could have lost water then.
- Seek the toilet whenever nature calls. If you think it is terrible to pass urine, then you could prolong the period and develop a UTI.
- After you are through with it in the toilet, make sure the bladder is emptied to the last drop. Well, you do not have to rush yourself, just take your time, be patient.
- Women should ensure that they wipe themselves from the front to the back with a view of avoiding having urinary tract infections.
- Wear loose cotton cloth and underwear; avoid tight or snug clothing. This will also assist in preventing bacteria.
Pregnancy and urine odor
Many people experience a change in the smell of their urine when expecting a child. This is usually normal and not a cause for concern.
As your sense of smell intensifies, you’re likely to get more odd scents than you would usually, especially when pregnant. Pregnancy hormones also alter the smell of the body’s urine.
Another cause for bad-smelling urine in pregnant women can be a sign of UTI. Therefore, if you are a pregnant lady and experience some foul smell coupled with pain or burning while urinating, seek your healthcare provider at the earliest without hesitation.
Consuming a lot of fluids while pregnant is essential, so ensure you consume a lot of water.
Fruity or sweet-smelling pee
As previously stated, sweet-smelling urine might indicate diabetes. Let’s explore this further.
In the condition known as diabetes, when the individual is unable to utilize sugar effectively, some of that sugar may appear in the urine, leading to a bright or sweet smell.
Explaining more, there are additional associated conditions for diabetes, namely excessive thirst, polyuria, tiredness, and non-intentional weight loss, among others.
Conclusion:
If urine smells sweet, especially in the presence of any of these other symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Diabetes should be diagnosed and treated in time so that the attendant complications may not be risked.
Most importantly, though, do not forget that this sweet smell may not always be related to diabetes. It could sometimes be due to some foods or supplements you have taken. But if you have questions, it is always advisable to see your physician.
To summarize, despite specific alterations in urine odor being alarming at times, most instances are harmless. Listening to the body, having adequate fluid intake, and practicing clean habits will contribute significantly to the typical scent of one’s pee. In case of any concerns regarding urine content, one should always seek the attention of a medical practitioner. They are there to assist you and would either reassure you or help identify any problems in good time.