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What does it mean if urine smells? The smell of urine in women. Metabolic disorders

In a healthy person, urine has a light yellow tint, is transparent and free from various impurities. Fresh urine is completely odorless, but due to oxidation in air it soon acquires the smell of ammonia.

Unpleasant urine odor may be due to the use of medications or the consumption of certain foods. However, most often, the pungent odor of urine immediately after its release from the body indicates the development of various pathologies in the body that require mandatory treatment.

Causes of unpleasant odor of urine in women

There are many reasons for the unpleasant odor of urine in women. These can be diseases of both the urinary system and other organs and systems. It is important to remember that the prolonged presence of a pungent odor should be a reason to contact a specialist, since timely diagnosis and treatment of certain pathologies will help avoid the development of health and life-threatening consequences.

There are pathological and non-pathological causes of the strong smell of urine.

Pathological factors

Diseases of the urinary system

The most common reason why women's urine starts to smell bad. It should be noted that urine changes its smell long before the first clinical signs of diseases of this group appear, therefore, thanks to this single symptom, pathology can be identified at the initial stages of development and treated without the risk of complications. Diseases of the urinary system develop as a result of exposure to pathogenic microflora and its waste products.

Most often, foul-smelling urine is associated with the following pathologies:

  • Pyelonephritis is an infectious disease of the renal tubular system, which is caused by Escherichia coli. The disease manifests itself as acute pain in the lumbar region, fever and painful urination;
  • Urethritis is an inflammation of the urethra, which is caused by infections that enter the body through sexual contact;
  • Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder, which can be either a consequence of pyelonephritis or its cause. The main causative agents of cystitis are Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, chlamydia, streptococcus, etc. Signs of cystitis can be frequent and painful urination and a constant feeling of fullness of the bladder;
  • Pyelitis is a disease characterized by damage to the renal pelvis. Unlike pyelonephritis, with pyelitis there is pus in the urine.

The main symptoms of diseases of the urinary system include:

  • the pungent smell of ammonia from fresh urine;
  • urine is cloudy, dark yellow or, conversely, colorless;
  • pain in the lower back, radiating down the abdomen;
  • pain when urinating;
  • the presence of foreign matter in the urine (pus, blood, mucus, etc.).

Sexual infections

Women who have an active sex life with different sexual partners often complain that urine stinks when going to the toilet. Diseases that are sexually transmitted often cause a change in the odor of urine, which is associated with the anatomical proximity of the urinary and reproductive systems. If urine has a strong unpleasant odor some time after unprotected sexual intercourse, then there is a reason to consult a venereologist for diagnosis and subsequent treatment.

The most common STDs that change the smell of urine are:

  • Chlamydia is a disease caused by exposure to chlamydia that enters the female body during vaginal and anal sex. 1-2 weeks after infection, the woman notices the appearance of discharge with an unpleasant odor, pain in the lower abdomen, pain when urinating, intermenstrual bleeding;
  • Ureaplasmosis. The pathology is caused by the opportunistic microorganism ureaplasma. When the functions of the immune system decrease, the microorganism begins to actively reproduce, which leads to inflammation of the internal genital organs, ureters and urethra. More often the disease is found in men, but with reduced immunity it can also occur in the fairer sex;
  • Mycoplasmosis is a condition caused by mycoplasmas, which lead to inflammatory processes in the reproductive system and kidneys. Also associated with exposure to mycoplasma is the development of bacterial vaginosis, a characteristic symptom of which is the release of mucus from the vagina with an unpleasant fishy odor;
  • Trichomoniasis, which is characterized by foamy vaginal discharge, inflammation of the external genitalia, and pain during intercourse. The infection provokes the development of inflammatory processes in the urethra, cervix and vagina.

Liver diseases

Pathological processes in the liver are indicated by a change in the odor and color of the urine discharge. Due to the presence of a large amount of bilirubin in urine, which occurs in the case of liver damage, it acquires a dark, rich color and a sharp, unpleasant odor. Liver diseases require mandatory and immediate treatment. Failure to see a doctor in a timely manner can lead to the death of the patient.

Dehydration and starvation

Insufficient intake of fluid into the female body leads to changes in the state of urine. The cause of dehydration may be improper drinking regimen, taking certain medications, blood loss, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. Under the influence of dehydration, women often encounter the fact that fresh urine acquires a sharp, concentrated smell of ammonia. Excessive adherence to diets for weight loss also leads to the appearance of symptoms.

Diabetes

Women with diabetes often complain that their urine smells like acetone or sour apples. Immediately after the onset of a symptom, you must consult a doctor, since the unnatural smell of urine indicates hyperglycemia, which leads to the development of very dangerous complications (diabetic coma). Along with the appearance of a stench when urinating, women are faced with dry mouth, a feeling of thirst, an increase in the volume of urine produced, and sudden changes in body weight.

Metabolic disorders

The smell of urine may be the only sign by which the presence of a particular disease can be determined. A specific or strange aroma may be a manifestation of rare but serious metabolic disorders. Thus, with phenylketonuria - a hereditary disorder of protein metabolism - the process of urination is accompanied by a persistent smell of mold, which some call the “mouse smell”. Trimethylaminuria is a rare pathology characterized by the accumulation of trimethylamine in the body, manifested by the presence of a persistent smell of rotten fish not only in the urine, but also from the entire human body (some patients note that the urine and body smell like rotten eggs). The aroma of burnt sugar or maple syrup in the urine is a characteristic sign of leucinosis.

Non-pathological causes

A change in the smell of urine is not always a consequence of pathological processes in the female body. Sometimes the symptom can be caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy. In this case, the expectant mother notes the presence of odor in the second half of pregnancy. The habit of enduring the urge to go to the toilet leads to “infusion” of urine in the bladder. The longer a woman endures, the more pungent the smell she will feel.

Certain foods and dishes can change the smell of urine. Thus, spicy, fatty and salty foods, garlic, soda, asparagus, etc. have a great influence. Taking antibiotics and B vitamins always entails a change in the smell of urine. Drinking alcoholic beverages, especially beer, can cause a foreign odor to appear in the urine.

Treatment

Self-treatment for unpleasant odor when urinating caused by any disease is impossible. This can only be done by a specialist, after diagnostic measures and clinical studies of biological fluids have been carried out. Each disease requires careful diagnosis and specific treatment tactics. Self-diagnosis and self-medication are unacceptable! If the examination does not show the presence of diseases, you need to adjust your diet, give up alcohol and smoking, and lead a healthy lifestyle.

Conclusion

If the smell of urine has changed, the woman should consult a doctor as soon as possible. After identifying the cause of the symptom, it is necessary to undergo a course of therapy and unquestioningly follow the recommendations of the attending physician. Dangerous consequences can be avoided only if the pathology is eliminated at an early stage of development.

An unpleasant smell of urine that appears in a healthy person should be a cause for concern. There are several reasons for its change to harsh and repulsive. The smell emanating from urine may signal the onset of illness or improper eating or drinking habits. Normally it should be light and special. If odor appears, it is necessary to find out the causes of the adverse event. For this purpose, doctors conduct a full examination of the body.

The urine of healthy people emits a barely audible ammonia odor. An interesting fact is that when female urine is placed in the open air, its aroma noticeably intensifies. Urine also stinks when pathological processes within the body are active. True, a strange aroma appears even when urinating. To find out why the smell of urine has changed and what to do in such a situation, contacting a medical specialist will help.

The physical parameters of urine change under the influence of various factors. These include:
  • venereal diseases;
  • inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs;
  • dehydration of the body;
  • consumption of certain foods in large quantities (alcohol, garlic, asparagus);
  • impaired metabolism;
  • deviations that have developed at the genetic level;
  • diseases of the liver and digestive organs;
  • improper use of certain groups of medications (including antibiotics).

Unpleasant urine odor often occurs due to the accumulation of acetone compounds in the urine. They are also present in the urine of healthy people, but in lower concentrations. If the urine has a very strong and specific smell, it is likely that the amount of acetone exceeds the permissible limits. And here it is important to know why this is happening.

A smell reminiscent of acetone is often an alarm bell notifying of the following abnormalities and pathologies:
  • stomach cancer;
  • diabetes;
  • disturbed diet (when it is dominated by food with a large amount of fats and proteins);
  • exhaustion of the body due to a long, unbalanced diet, heavy physical activity, prolonged fasting;
  • elevated body temperature that does not subside for a long time;
  • poisoning of various natures (including alcohol);
  • thyroid diseases;
  • prolonged vomiting that occurs due to toxicosis of pregnancy or intestinal poisoning.

The strong smell of acetone from urine is often accompanied by additional symptoms indicating a particular disease. But even if they are absent, and the smell of acetone appears sporadically in the urine, the person should still go to see a doctor. The scent of acetone is a sign of the presence of ketone bodies in urine. If timely treatment measures are not taken, the patient falls into a coma or suffers serious problems with his health. This is especially true for women preparing to become mothers.

In general, urine with acetone has a pungent odor or the aroma of rotten apples. Therapy helps eliminate the causes that have changed the physical parameters of urine, as well as adjust the dietary plan.

Another type of compound that is always present in urine is ammonia. If it accumulates in large quantities, the urine begins to smell like ammonia. With the development of unfavorable physiological conditions in the body, the scent of ammonia intensifies.

The occurrence of such conditions depends on the following factors:
  • use of large quantities of medications containing a lot of iron and calcium;
  • eating large amounts of protein (ammonia is formed during the breakdown of protein amino acids);
  • inflammation in the urinary organs, accompanied by the smell of ammonia (such conditions rarely develop, for example, as a result of pyelonephritis or cystitis);
  • dehydration (the concentration of components in urine increases, including ammonia);
  • stagnation of urine (the level of ammonia in the urine often increases in the morning, after prolonged abstinence, in pregnant women and people suffering from stones in the kidneys, bladder, or compressing the ureter);
  • liver diseases (released ammonia molecules entering the urine from the inflamed organ become a source of a pungent odor).

If some physical factors (poor nutrition, lack of fluid, prolonged retention of urine in the bladder) become the determining cause of changes in the smell of urine, then you can make it normal again by adhering to the correct drinking regime and emptying the bladder in a timely manner.

It happens that the steps taken do not bring the expected result, and urine with an unpleasant odor appears even 3 days after the start of therapy. This situation indicates that the internal organs are working intermittently. The doctor conducts additional diagnostics, which allows him to develop the correct treatment regimen.

The sour smell coming from urine may resemble the aroma of sour milk or sauerkraut. Its appearance is caused by the activity of an infectious fungus in the genitourinary organs (candidal urethritis or candidiasis).

Such a specific smell of urine is complemented by the following symptoms:
  • cloudiness of the liquid;
  • persistent itching in the vagina;
  • the appearance of whitish discharge from the genitals (their consistency resembles flakes);
  • the formation of white plaque on the vaginal mucous membranes.

If your urine is cloudy and smells sour, your doctor will recommend topical medications such as ointments, vaginal suppositories, and suppositories for effective therapy. Medicines that have a systemic effect (these include tablets that need to be taken orally) also help.

The sour smell of urine sometimes appears due to problems with the functioning of the digestive system. High acidity of juice in the stomach or intestinal dysbiosis become the main factor provoking the development of the situation. Another explanation for why urine has a strong, unpleasant odor is vaginal dysbiosis or vaginitis. Pathologies of the female genital organs cause a sour aroma of urine, complemented by discharge. Suspensions, capsules or vaginal tablets, the action of which is aimed at restoring the intestinal microflora, will help to successfully cope with dysbiosis. If pathogenic bacteria are detected, the medical specialist prescribes antibacterial medications.

It is very rare that urine has an unpleasant smell of rotten fish. Its appearance is caused by the presence of pathological secretions in the vagina, which, when mixed with urine, give it a corresponding odor. For example, yellow urine, mixed with secretions of the same color and smelling specifically of fish, occurs due to the active activity of trichomonas (they are the causative agent of the venereal disease trichomoniasis).

Along with bad urine odor, other signs also appear:
  • pain during urination;
  • swelling or redness of the vaginal and urethral mucous membranes;
  • vaginal discharge that is yellowish-brown in color.

An imbalance of vaginal microflora explains why urine smells strongly of fish. Pathogenic microorganisms, gardnerella, become predominant in the composition of the liquid. An unpleasant odor is accompanied by an abundance of greenish discharge, inflammation of the mucous membranes, and painful sensations that intensify when emptying the bladder (provided that urethritis has developed against the background of the inflammatory process).

Urine may smell like spoiled fish due to a genetic disorder called trimethylaminuria. In people suffering from this pathology, a pungent aroma, reminiscent of rotten fish, begins to appear when any fluids are released from the body (urine, blood, sweat, saliva). This happens because the liver, due to genetic disorders, cannot fully regulate the production of individual enzymes responsible for the transformation of the active connecting component trimethylamine (it is released during the digestion of food by the stomach). Trimethylaminuria is diagnosed mainly in children when they are weaned from their mother's breast. But there are known cases of detection of this genetic disorder in adults. The treatment course involves constant adherence to a low-protein diet and the use of absorbent medications by the sick person.

A sweetish smell of urine, reminiscent of maple syrup, is most often part of the inherited disease leucinosis. The body disrupts the production of certain enzymes involved in the breakdown of amino acids. As a result, they gradually accumulate inside the tissues and poison the body. The diagnosis of leucinosis is made mainly in newborn children. However, the first manifestations of the disease occur at a later period of development.

The sweet smell of urine is not the only symptom of a hereditary pathology. the disease worsens under stress, reduced immunity, serious physical strain, and is accompanied by the following pronounced symptoms:
  • convulsions;
  • nausea or vomiting;
  • uncoordinated movements.

Therapy for leucinosis involves following a diet throughout life, without including certain types of amino acids in the diet. It is also important to constantly monitor the results of clinical tests. The prognosis is favorable provided timely treatment.

Urine may smell bad if a person has phenylketonuria and the fermentation system in their liver is not working properly. The phenylalanine component is not broken down, but accumulates in tissues. The consequence of this is the release of fluids from the body (urine, sweat, saliva) with an unpleasant odor, reminiscent of mice or mold in smell.

The disease is detected in children, and is often accompanied by additional symptoms:
  • lethargy;
  • convulsions;
  • mental and physical underdevelopment.

Treatment of pathology involves adherence to a strict dietary diet. Dietary restrictions are introduced for life, helping to slow the progression of the disease. If the patient does not follow the developed diet, then he will experience damage to the brain and central nervous system. The consequences of this condition are very sad, up to the development of imbecility and idiocy.

The presence of a putrid odor may indicate an oncological tumor of the rectum or pyelonephritis. If a woman's urine smells like rotten eggs, there is a high chance of an infection in the kidneys or bladder. The presence of turbidity and various inclusions in the urine (suspensions or purulent particles) indicates pathologies of the genitourinary organs.

In general, the reasons for the strong smell of urine may be of a completely different nature, which is not associated with internal disease. Sometimes a person in good health has to face a similar problem. For example, the acrid smell of urine, similar to rotten eggs, appears after eating a large amount of asparagus. It goes away on its own, without any treatment, 6 hours after eating the plant. If a person drinks a lot of alcoholic beverages, salty, spicy or smoked foods, then his urine may change its aroma for about 1-2 days.

There is also a separate category of urine odors that appear after eating certain foods. For example, it can become a source of the aroma of garlic, beer, sulfur, rubber, smell like fried seeds or sausage, and emit the smell of smoked meats, rotten cabbage or ampicillin. If a person uses antibiotics or other strong medications, his urine will smell like medicine. But this aroma disappears after finishing taking the medications.

The color and smell of urine change when multi-colored seasonings are included in the diet. The presented list of reasons why urine develops a persistent bad odor is only approximate. Urine is called the final product of metabolism in the human body, therefore its physical indicators change when the slightest internal problems appear in the functioning of organs and systems.

Human urine should normally have no odor. If it begins to emit foreign aromas, this means that the urinary system has been attacked by some kind of disease.

For example:
  • pyelonephritis;
  • cystitis;
  • urethritis.

Pathogenic bacteria entering urine cause the acrid smell of urine. For example, the cause of cystitis may be drug-related or infectious. Sometimes this disease develops during long-term drug therapy. The cause of the putrid and pungent odor of urine is progressive inflammation, accompanied by the accumulation of pus.

When determining the source of the unpleasant aroma of urine, the gender of the patient also matters. For example, in men, a change in the smell of urine often indicates a malfunction of the prostate gland or the onset of prostatitis (in which urination is difficult and pain occurs in the perineum).

In addition, in males, an increase in the smell of urine is caused by a number of factors:
  • progressive spread of genitourinary infections;
  • lack of water in the body;
  • diabetes;
  • acute liver failure;
  • long-term intake of B vitamins 6;
  • kidney infection.

Women's urine often changes its odor after sexual intercourse, due to changes in the vaginal microflora. This situation often occurs in women who suffer from thrush, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea or other sexually transmitted diseases.

A bad odor from urine often becomes the only symptom of diseases affecting the genitourinary or excretory system. It appears at an early stage of pathology development and makes it possible to identify it before other signs appear.

Normal feces in childhood do not have any odor. Only after a few years of life, the child’s urine begins to “smell” in the same way as that of an adult. Many parents who have had to deal with changes in the physical parameters of their baby’s urine are interested in what the strong smell of urine in children indicates; is it worth visiting a pediatrician if such a symptom is detected?

The reasons for the occurrence of a pungent aroma of urine in children are similar to those in adults:
  1. If a baby suffers from any hereditary disease, his urine already has an unpleasant odor at the beginning of life. Hereditary pathologies of newborns are diagnosed in the maternity hospital, and therapeutic therapy is carried out there.
  2. Yellow, concentrated urine in a child indicates a lack of fluid in the small body. Such symptoms may be accompanied by an increase in body temperature. Such conditions arise against the background of the development of pathologies of an infectious nature. To help the child, parents should give him as much liquid to drink as possible.
  3. An unpleasant odor from the urine of a newborn baby sometimes comes from the action of factors that are externally localized. For example, if a nursing mother changes her diet, eats sauerkraut, seeds or drinks alcohol, this affects the change in the physical characteristics of urine. The smell of urine should also change when the baby is switched to other artificial formulas or complementary foods are added.

Often, a child’s urine changes its smell due to the action of banal factors. Parents should not ignore this fact. They should consult with their pediatrician regarding discolored urine, even if the baby has no complaints.

During pregnancy, women's urine smells bad due to various factors. If pregnancy proceeds without pathologies, urine practically does not change its smell. True, in healthy women this liquid has a barely audible ammonia scent.

Strong odors from urine signal the occurrence of pathologies in the patient’s body:
  1. If the aroma of ammonia in the urine immediately becomes pungent, the expectant mother is probably drinking too little liquid. Because of this, urine becomes less and its concentration increases, which leads to the appearance of an ammonia odor. To restore the natural scent of urine, a pregnant woman should reconsider her drinking regime.
  2. In the early stages of pregnancy, many women develop severe toxicosis, and up to 8-10 vomits occur per day. Because of this, a metabolic failure develops, and a bad odor emanates from the urine. The acetoacetic acid and acetone accumulated in it worsen the general condition of a woman’s body, leading to a strong decrease in weight and blood pressure.
  3. Decompensated diabetes mellitus causes the accumulation of ketone bodies, and against this background, urine takes on the smell of rotting apples.
  4. The smell of acetone in the urine of pregnant women is explained by an overly strict diet or uncontrolled fasting.
  5. Ammonia fragrance appears in the urine of many pregnant women. The accumulation of pus, pathological microorganisms or white blood cells leads to foul-smelling urine.
  6. Turbid urine in pregnant women indicates activation of inflammatory processes associated with cystitis or pyelonephritis.
  7. If a pregnant woman eats a lot of onions, horseradish, asparagus or garlic, her urine may smell bad.

If a pregnant woman's urine has changed its smell, this symptom should be regarded as dangerous. It is likely that serious pathologies are developing in the body. The expectant mother needs to ask for help from a urologist to diagnose and identify the causes of the disease.

To find out why a condition has developed that has caused the strong smell of urine, the patient must visit a medical facility and undergo a series of tests, including instrumental and laboratory measures. In the laboratory, the patient’s urine is examined, the level of leukocytes, protein and red blood cells in it is determined. For greater detail of the study, MRI, ultrasound, urography, and computed tomography of the kidneys are performed. An accurate diagnosis allows the doctor to develop the correct treatment regimen and select effective medications.

If a person’s urine changes its smell, it means that pathological processes are occurring in the body that require treatment.

The therapeutic course is developed taking into account the physical characteristics of urine:
  1. Sweet urine with the scent of acetone requires a review of your diet. Remove sweet and spicy foods from your menu, replacing them with natural honey. Do not eat fatty foods, give preference to alkaline water. If the measures taken do not lead to an improvement in the condition, contact a specialized medical center. There you will be able to take the necessary tests and receive high-quality treatment according to a plan that will be individually developed by the doctor.
  2. If urine produces an unpleasant odor in the morning, you need to choose diuretics or antibiotics. They will help restore the full functioning of the urinary organs and eliminate the inflammatory process. The patient also needs to drink more fluids.
  3. The urine will smell like ammonia if a bacterial inflammatory process has developed in the genitourinary organs. To cure the patient, a medical specialist selects a therapeutic complex, including antibacterial and auxiliary drugs. At home, you can add folk remedies (for example, rosehip decoction) to drug treatment.
  4. The smell of rot from urine can be eliminated with the help of antibacterial tablets. Rinsing with a decoction of chamomile will also be useful. To prepare it, take 1 tbsp. l. flowers, pour 200 ml of hot water, infuse and cool before use. Washing is carried out using an enema, 2 times a day.
  5. A moldy odor coming from urine may indicate that a person suffers from the hereditary disease phenylketonuria. The course of drug treatment in this case is developed by the doctor, and at home the patient must take care of changing the diet. It is worth excluding foods that contain animal protein from the menu. It is better to give preference to foods of plant origin.
  6. Urine with a sour aroma appears more often in women with disturbed vaginal microflora or when a fungal infection enters the genitourinary tract. Therapeutic therapy involves the use of drugs containing fluconazole (tablets or suppositories).
  7. Sometimes urine produces a foul odor after sex. This means that a fungal infection has entered the woman's vagina or the balance of lactic acid is disturbed. At home, you can solve this problem with the help of enemas with chamomile decoction. In this case, medications in the form of tablets and vaginal suppositories will also help.
  8. A rancid oil smell from urine indicates high methionine levels. An infusion of fresh dill will help solve the problem. To prepare the product, you need to take 2 tbsp. plants, pour 250 ml of boiling water over it, leave for 30 minutes. The infusion should be drunk before each meal during the day.
  9. If foul odor of urine occurs against the background of prostatitis and is accompanied by an increase in temperature, the patient must first of all obtain advice and a treatment regimen from his doctor. Additionally, you can use a decoction of parsley seeds and leaves at home. To prepare it, take 0.5 cups of raw materials, add 300 ml of hot water and infuse. It is recommended to drink the decoction before meals.

Treatment measures for unpleasant odor of urine are aimed at eliminating the root cause of its occurrence. If you care about your health, undergo a full examination at the hospital, which will help you find out why your urine has changed its smell.

This was probably due to a hidden infection in the genitourinary tract or eating poor quality food. In any case, a medical examination will help you quickly understand and undergo a course of treatment.

When absolutely healthy, urine does not have any foreign aroma, discoloration or inclusions. The reason for the smell of urine in a woman may be an incorrectly selected diet, a latent disease, or abnormalities in metabolic processes.

Ignoring primary symptomatic manifestations can lead to further development of pathology. The barely noticeable odor gradually increases, accompanied by symptoms of a progressive disease.

Without undergoing a full diagnostic examination, it is impossible to say exactly which version of the infection attacked the body. A sharp and unpleasant smell from urine in women during menopause is a harmless manifestation of hormonal imbalance.

Unpleasant urine odor in women

If the urine has a strong odor, then the girl should consult a local physician and receive a referral for testing.

If the urine smells bad of iodine, vinegar or has a chemical smell, then patients should seek professional help at the local clinic.

Unpleasant smell of urine as a symptom of one of the diseases

A specific aroma may occur due to the following problems:

  • inflammatory processes in the bladder, kidneys, urethral canal;
  • as a consequence of sexually transmitted infections;
  • bacterial vaginosis;
  • thrush;
  • candidiasis.

Under the influence of pathological factors, the smell of biological fluid changes - that’s why urine smells strong.

Unpleasant urine odor during pregnancy

Constant changes in hormonal levels are a standard indication during pregnancy. A change in the smell of urine accompanies almost the entire time of pregnancy and only after childbirth the condition stabilizes. The pungent odor disappears, urine acquires its usual aroma.

Foods that cause urine to smell bad

Indulging in onions, garlic, horseradish or coriander seeds in large quantities is accompanied by a corresponding smell. For the same reasons, urine can smell like smoked meat or fried sunflower seeds.

Changes affect only the aroma - color and consistency remain at normal levels. Sources of the smell of sauerkraut include following a specialized protein diet - excess of the element contributes to impaired liver function. When determining the cause of the problem, girls should rebuild the daily menu to a complete diet, without the benefits of individual products.

Problems with the normal functioning of the liver can provoke the smell of sour beer.

What do different types of unpleasant odors indicate?

Disgusting aromas can signal the initial stages of the formation of serious diseases. The diagnosis is clarified by the specific odor that is detected in the patient’s urine.

Smell of acetone

A pungent aroma indicates the possible presence of the following pathological abnormalities:

  • about oncological processes in the stomach;
  • diabetes mellitus;
  • incorrectly selected daily diet, with a predominance of fat and protein components;
  • chronic elevated body temperature;
  • exhaustion formed due to the dietary table;
  • fasting;
  • excessive physical activity for the body.

What does the absence or presence of aromas indicate? Normally, the body removes acetone in small volumes using the kidneys, but if a strong odor occurs, the deviation indicates pathological signs of its presence in the body.

Ammonia smell

Nitrogen compounds are constantly present in the biological fluid of every patient. A pungent ammonia smell indicates the occurrence of the following diseases:

  • inflammation that has captured one of the parts of the urinary tract - cystitis, urethritis, pyelonephritis;
  • liver diseases;
  • urine smells like ammonia due to insufficient kidney function;
  • diabetes mellitus;
  • oncological problems - in this option, not only the smell, but also the color of urine changes.

Sometimes the clinical manifestation is not related to the pathology. Extraneous aromas appear in patients who consume calcium and iron in high dosages, when holding back the urge to urinate for a long time - this is why urine smells like ammonia alcohol.

Sour smell

A biological fluid that smells like yeast is a sign of a fungal infection in the body. Similar symptoms can be observed with candidiasis and candidal urethritis. Along with the smell, accompanying symptoms appear:

  • cloudy urine;
  • discharge of a cheesy secretion from the vagina with lumps or flakes;
  • obsessive itching in the genital area;
  • the appearance of a whitish coating on the mucous membranes and skin of the labia.

Sour urine odor requires visiting a dermatologist and receiving a treatment regimen.

Fishy smell

Common sources of foul odor include diseases transmitted between sexual partners. The stench resembles the smell of rotten fish; the symptoms accompany the following pathologies, which are presented:

  1. Trichomoniasis - a disease formed by the penetration of trichomonas. Primary signs of the disease are recorded a month after the moment of infection. Foamy discharge with a specific odor comes out of the vagina, swelling of the genital organs and a change in their color are observed. Pain occurs during sexual intercourse. Patients are haunted by the aroma of rotting.
  2. Chlamydia - penetration of chlamydia occurs during vaginal and anal sex. The primary signs of the disease are discomfort that occurs when emptying the bladder. A non-standard secretion is released from the vagina, sometimes containing blood particles. Girls complain of discomfort in the lower abdominal segment.
  3. Ureaplasmosis - an infectious process quickly invades the area of ​​the uterine appendages. The pathological process can lead to serious complications, including infertility. Some patients develop urolithiasis in the absence of a timely course of therapy.
  4. Mycoplasmosis - infiltrated pathogenic microflora becomes a source of development of pyelonephritis, inflammation in the urethra, and bacterial vaginosis. Mycoplasma can provoke numerous complications. The level of odor changes as the disease progresses.
  5. Gonorrhea - registered at the time of penetration of gonococcal infection. After the incubation period, particles of pus are recorded in the discharge. Emptying the bladder is accompanied by pain, and patients suffer from obsessive itching and discomfort in the genitals. The urine smells unbearably, especially in the morning.

Other sources of the aroma of rotten fish are represented by trimethylaminuria. Pathology refers to genetic problems with impaired regulation of the production of liver enzymes.

Sweet smell

Leucinosis refers to the prerequisites for the occurrence of a sweetish odor from urine. The disease is hereditary and is associated with abnormalities in the production of enzymes responsible for the breakdown of amino acids. The result of the pathology is the accumulation of decay products in cellular structures and the subsequent exacerbation of the disease.

Secondary symptomatic manifestations of the disease are characterized by the appearance of seizures, problems with coordination of movement, and sudden vomiting. The disease cannot be treated; patients are forced to follow a specific diet all their lives - this is the only way to get rid of foreign aroma.

Phenylketonuria is the source of the acrid smell of mold or the aroma of mice. The pathology is characterized by deviations in metabolic processes, as a result of which an accumulation of phenylalanine is recorded in the body. The result of the disease is a disruption of the metabolic processes of protein elements.

Rotten smell

Penetration of E. coli into the urinary tract is accompanied by a pungent odor of hydrogen sulfide. The reasons for the development of the disease are violation of genital hygiene requirements or sex with a carrier without the use of personal protective equipment.

When it enters the ureter, the bacterium attaches to its walls and begins to gradually ascend to the bladder. A decrease in the efficiency of the autoimmune system contributes to the active proliferation of E. coli. Patients note:

  • apathy, loss of strength;
  • increased urge to urinate;
  • urine has a pungent smell of rotten eggs;
  • decreased ability to work;
  • the biological fluid contains particles of pus and blood.

Overindulging in asparagus can also cause your urine to smell like rotten eggs. After stopping its use, the unpleasant odor disappears after six hours. As an exception, a foul odor is present in certain cancer processes - this is why women's urine smells unpleasant.

How to get rid of unpleasant urine odor

Folk recipes

To get rid of bad smell, healers offer the following recipes:

  1. Brew a spoonful of dry currant leaves in a glass of boiling water. The resulting mixture is kept in a water bath for 20 minutes and filtered. Drink ¼ cup three times a day.
  2. To cleanse the liver and kidneys, it is recommended to take apple juice daily. The procedure saturates the body with vitamin and mineral components and eliminates strange odors.
  3. Rosehip infusion is used as a diuretic and bactericidal agent. For a liter of fresh boiling water, take two handfuls of dried fruits and leave them in a tightly sealed container overnight. The next day, filter it and drink a glass three times a day.

Changing your diet

Dietary nutrition is prepared individually and depends on the ongoing disease. If the content of protein elements is exceeded, dairy products, chicken eggs, meat products and chocolate are removed from the diet. After some time, they are reintroduced, but in minimal proportions.

Almost all of the above pathologies require compliance with the drinking regime. Sufficient volumes of incoming fluid will cleanse the kidneys and urinary tract. In the fight against unpleasant odor, the balance of all components necessary for the body plays an important role.

Drug treatment

What determines the effectiveness of drug therapy? From the results of the diagnostic examination. Before prescribing a specific therapy algorithm, the patient is sent for diagnostics, during which the condition of the bladder is analyzed. Laboratory manipulations make it possible to determine the amount of bilirubin and conduct urine tests.

Antibacterial therapy:

  • Inflammatory and bacterial infections require the administration of separate pharmacological substances. Antibacterial therapy is carried out with Gentamicin, Ceftriaxone, Nofloxacin, Doxycycline, Levofloxacin. Gynecological practice is based on treatment with Terzhinan and Clindamycin.
  • Pathologies of the urinary tract - symptomatic occurrences are suppressed by Nitroxoline, Furamag, Bisptol, Canephron, Phytolysin, Trinephron. The drugs have an antibacterial spectrum of action.
  • Damage to the genital area requires the prescription of antibacterial suppositories - Betadine, Hexicon, Chlorhexedine, Metrogyl.

In order to prevent intestinal dysbiosis, patients are recommended to take probiotics - Linex, Acipol, Bifidumbacterin. Taking medications can be replaced by using specialized products containing bifidobacteria and other necessary elements.

In a person who does not have health problems, the functionality of the systems, along with the organs, should not be accompanied by suspicious symptoms; accordingly, even urine cannot smell strong. The appearance of an unpleasant odor often indicates the possibility of the formation of pathological processes. If we talk about the norm, urine should be light yellow in color, be completely transparent, and have no impurities.

Of course, we are now talking about fresh urine, since when it oxidizes, its odor acquires an ammonia tint. In some cases, the cause lies not in diseases, but in certain medications or products consumed by a person. But as practice shows, much more often urine that does not smell very pleasant indicates the presence of pathologies, and treatment becomes a sad necessity.

Causes leading to problems

The basic rule that must be followed, regardless of the pathological or non-pathological cause, is to contact a specialist if there is a prolonged presence of an altered odor, since timely diagnosis followed by therapeutic intervention in many cases helps to avoid dangerous complications. Often the causes of a strong smell of urine in women are diseases of the urinary system.

Important. As practice shows, the property in question in urine can change long before the initial clinical signs of a disease in this group appear, which is why it is often possible to identify the problem at the very beginning of its development.

When it appears, you can suspect the presence of a number of diseases in the body:

Name of pathology Peculiarities
Pyelonephritis This disease is infectious, affects the kidney tubules, its development is provoked by Escherichia coli. The unpleasant aroma is accompanied by acute pain in the lumbar region, an increase in temperature, and unpleasant sensations during urination.
Urethritis Inflammation forms in the area of ​​the urethra under the influence of infectious pathogens transmitted from the carrier through sexual contact.
Cystitis Inflammations develop against the background of pyelonephritis or may be its cause; they occur in the bladder. The main pathogen is streptococcus, Escherichia coli or Pseudomonas aeruginosa, chlamydia and others. Associated symptoms are painful frequent urination, the illusion of a constantly full bladder.
Pyelitis The disease is characterized by damage to the renal pelvis; pus is often found in urine.

Women who are not too picky when choosing sexual partners may complain about an unpleasant aroma - in this case, the cause is often infections transmitted through sexual contact. Taking into account the fact that the reproductive system is anatomically located very close to the urinary system, a change in the properties of urine is observed. The most common pathologies that change the odor of urine include:

Name of pathology Peculiarities
Chlamydia The causative agent of the disease is chlamydia, which enters the body during sexual intercourse. Associated symptoms are pain in the lower abdomen and the appearance of intermenstrual bleeding.
Ureaplasmosis The disease is provoked by opportunistic microorganisms, which begin to actively multiply when immunity deteriorates, causing inflammation of the urethra, ureters and genital organs.
Mycoplasmosis Mycoplasmas cause inflammation in the kidneys, reproductive system, and can provoke bacterial vaginosis.
Trichomoniasis The pathology causes the formation of inflammation in the vagina, cervix, and urethra. In addition to inflammation and painful sexual intercourse, foamy vaginal discharge is observed.

In women, the occurrence of a strong odor of urine is a frequent accompaniment of other unpleasant phenomena:

However, a change in the characteristics of the contents of the bladder does not always indicate the presence of pathologies; sometimes the symptom in question develops against the background of hormonal changes due to bearing a baby. Moreover, the problem usually occurs in the 2nd half of pregnancy. The smell will become more unpleasant if you hold back the urge to visit the toilet for a long time - the liquid in the bladder becomes more saturated, literally “infused” and turns into a concentrate.

Nutrition can also change the contents of the bladder for the worse; spicy, excessively fatty foods, pickles, garlic and carbonated drinks, asparagus can negatively affect the fluid. Antimicrobial drugs and B-group vitamins can also have a negative effect. An extraneous aroma can also appear with active consumption of drinks with added alcohol, especially beer.

When the sense of smell gives a distress signal

When urine has a strong, unpleasant odor, you should be wary, and if this phenomenon persists, the best solution is to contact a specialist. It is also worth mentioning the differences in olfactory sensations - a disgusting-smelling liquid, depending on the predominance of one or another shade, may indicate very specific pathological processes in the body. Let's look at what a certain smell can tell you:

  • If the urine stinks of acetone, you can suspect the presence of stomach cancer, diabetes mellitus, an incorrectly composed menu in which proteins and fats predominate, chronically elevated temperature, exhaustion of the body due to diets, fasting, and excessive physical stress. Interestingly, acetone in small quantities is constantly excreted by the kidneys from the body as part of urine, but if the aroma becomes strong, we can talk about a pathological excess of the permissible limit.
  • Another constant component of urine is ammonia. However, if its odor increases, it is necessary to consider possible influencing factors. We can talk about the use of medications containing iron and calcium, abuse of proteins, less often, ammonia stench accompanies inflammatory processes occurring with cystitis or pyelonephritis. Ammonia can form due to stagnation of urine, dehydration, and liver pathologies.
  • The pungent odor of urine may be sour, reminiscent of spoiled milk or sauerkraut. In this case, fungal infections of the genitourinary system are first suspected - usually candidal urethritis or vaginal pathology. Additionally, there is turbidity in the urine, itching, white discharge that resembles flakes or a suspension and appears in the genital area, a whitish coating on the vaginal mucosa and on the labia. A sourish tint also indicates problems in the functioning of the organs of the digestive system - this could be intestinal dysbiosis, high levels of acidity of gastric juice and other painful conditions. Taking certain medications - usually antimicrobial agents - also provokes the appearance of sourness, since taking such drugs upsets the balance of microflora.
  • In fairly rare cases, the fluid from the bladder itself smells like spoiled fish, but vaginal discharge can get into it after sexually transmitted infections enter the body, hence a similar effect. Thus, the venereal pathology of trichomoniasis causes damage to both the genital organs and the urethra, and the causative agents of the pathology, actively multiplying, secrete a yellowish leucorrhoea, specifically.

These are the most common changes, but there are many other pathologies. For example, phenylketonuria, which refers to a hereditary failure of protein metabolism, “smells” like mold. The rare disease trimethylaminuria is accompanied by the stench of rotten fish, and not only urine smells like that, but the whole body.

An aroma of maple syrup or burnt sugar may occur, which indicates the presence of leucinosis. This hereditary disease is characterized by disturbances in the production of enzymes that break down certain amino acids. As a result, the latter begin to accumulate in the tissues, causing intoxication of the body. Symptoms of the pathology also include vomiting, seizures and problems with coordination of movements.

In case of infection of the urinary system or genital organs with E. coli, the urine smells like rotten eggs, the same phenomenon accompanies the formation of pyelonephritis or rectal cancer. If a similar symptom occurs in girls, the development of infectious processes occurring in the kidneys and bladder can be suspected.

Proven fact. Most diseases of the urinary system are accompanied not only by changes in the aroma of urine, but also by its cloudiness, the appearance of various pathological inclusions - pus, suspension and others.

Other reasons for changes in the properties of urine

Quite often, changes in the properties of urine do not occur as a result of the development of diseases. For example, the liquid may smell like garlic, sulfur, or ampicillin due to the consumption of certain foods or the use of antimicrobials. Regular cabbage, due to the sulfur compounds it contains, can enhance or worsen already unpleasant aromas. Seasonings, especially garlic and curry, cardamom or cumin, can also change the properties of the contents of the bladder.

Changes also appear when a woman is carrying a child. However, the reasons may be factors that existed before pregnancy. During this period, it is very important to carefully monitor any unusual nuances. For example, it is considered most dangerous for pregnant women when the liquid has a sweet aroma, a hint of rotting apple or acetone. Such symptoms may indicate the development of diabetes mellitus in pregnant women, the occurrence of eclampsia or nephropathy.

It has been noticed that during the process of bearing a child, inflammatory processes most often occur in the bladder or kidneys, resulting in the appearance of fluid with a purulent or sour spirit. In the third trimester, it is possible that the ureter may be compressed by the enlarged uterus, which causes stagnation of the contents and increases the ammonia smell. Another reason why a pregnant woman’s own urine may not smell very pleasant is the increased blood supply to the mucous layers of the body, including the nasal membranes. As a result, even the most ordinary urine and natural discharge can seem foul.

Quite often, discomfort is caused by poor hygiene, partial urinary incontinence, cystitis and other reasons.

How to get rid of pathology

Having determined why the urine began to smell atypical, they move on to eliminating the influencing factors or begin treatment to get rid of the disease accompanied by this unpleasant phenomenon. The main proposals for eliminating the pathological phenomenon include:

  • Visit a specialist if you have persistent symptoms that do not disappear even after eliminating all possible influencing factors. The doctor will determine the necessary examination and develop subsequent treatment.
  • At home, you can use decoctions of knotweed, cranberry or lingonberry - they are recommended to be consumed instead of tea.
  • A review of the diet will be required, eliminating foods that provoke an unpleasant phenomenon.
  • It is necessary to adhere to the correct drinking regime, consuming at least two liters of purified liquid during the day.
  • Control over intimate hygiene should be tightened, given the proximity of the anus to the vagina. Ideally, washing is carried out after each bowel movement, which avoids the penetration of pathogenic microflora into the urethra.

Treatment using pharmaceuticals becomes possible only after an accurate determination of the disease causing the phenomenon in question. If the problem is in the kidneys, diuretics are required. Kidney failure may require hospitalization. In case of infection of the genitourinary system, treatment should be comprehensive with the use of antifungal agents and antibiotics. Most often, therapy is carried out against the background of a diet in which it is necessary to limit the consumption of flour, fatty and sweet foods, focusing on fresh fruits and vegetables.

You should remember that self-medication is inadmissible, which will avoid unnecessary complications.

An unpleasant smell of urine is a characteristic sign of some abnormality in the body in general and in the urinary system in particular. This symptom should worry a person.

Normally, urine has a slight special odor that does not have an unpleasant tint. The smell of healthy urine comes from the breakdown of protein and the formation of ammonia.

Urine is an almost sterile liquid. It is popularly used as a remedy for many disorders.

In case of any disease, waste products of bacteria are eliminated through urine. And if there are changes in urine - color, smell, consistency - this is a good reason to visit a therapist and get tested to determine the causes of this disorder.

Types of unpleasant odor

Types of smell:

  • Smell of acetone appears with ketonuria, which may be evidence of diabetes mellitus, starvation, severe infections, dehydration, sometimes during pregnancy;
  • Stool smell indicates the presence of an infection due to E. coli;
  • Foul smell may occur when there is pus in the urine;
  • The smell of sweaty feet– manifestation of hereditary enzymopathies;
  • Musty or mousey odor appears with phenylketonuria;
  • The smell of maple syrup– a sign of maple syrup disease;
  • The smell of cabbage– failure of amino acid absorption;
  • The smell of rotten fish observed with trimethylaminuria;
  • Smell of hops– hop dryer disease;
  • Sweet smell in diabetes mellitus it appears due to an increase in the content of glucose metabolic products in it;
  • "Pharmacy" smell indicates a disorder of the urinary system;
  • Unpleasant smell of urine in the morning may occur during pregnancy;
  • If the urine has unpleasant pungent odor, this may indicate inflammatory processes in the organs of the urinary system.

Causes of unpleasant odor in urine

Unpleasant urine odor in women

In some cases, women notice changes in the smell of urine after sexual intercourse.

This occurs due to changes in the microflora of the genital organs. This description fits as thrush, so gonorrhea, trichomoniasis and others sexually transmitted infections.

Unpleasant urine odor in men

An unpleasant smell of urine can reflect either a temporary physiological condition or be a manifestation of a serious disorder. The strong smell of urine in the stronger sex is caused by:

The accompanying manifestations of the strong smell of urine are mainly the result of the main problem, which may be unsafe for life.

Unpleasant smell of urine in children

Infant stool has almost no odor. As the child grows, the urine acquires the same odor as that of an adult.

The causes of unpleasant urine odor are usually associated with the same disorders as in adults.

  • At hereditary abnormalities, associated with a failure of metabolic processes, an unpleasant odor appears from the first days; often such disorders are detected in the hospital.
  • Your baby's urine may have an unpleasant odor when inflammation of the urinary system.
  • For diseases that combine with fever and dehydration, urine becomes more concentrated, which also causes an unpleasant odor in the baby’s discharge.

In this case, it is necessary to give the baby to drink more liquid.

The presence of an odor does not always indicate any violation.

In infants, the odor of urine may be affected by the mother's diet.

Changing formula and adding complementary foods can also cause changes in the smell of the discharge.

Often the reasons for the unpleasant odor of a baby’s discharge are quite simple, however, this manifestation cannot be neglected.

Even if the child is not worried about anything, you should bring this to the attention of the pediatrician.

Unpleasant urine odor during pregnancy

Pregnant women notice changes in urine early on. For most, these changes involve visiting the restroom more often, including at night. Others observe in combination with this unpleasant smell of urine.

One part of the reason is absolutely normal and has to do with pregnancy hormones, the other - associated with infections.

Increased sense of smell in pregnant women is the result of action pregnancy hormones. The influence of these hormones is manifested in an increase in blood supply to the mucous membranes, including the nose.

As a result, the threshold for the perception of odors drops significantly. This may be why women perceive a standard smell as unusual.

Unfortunately, in pregnant women, frequent emptying of the bladder and unusual smells of stool can be manifestations of an infection of the excretory tract.

How to remove an unpleasant odor?

If the urine has an unpleasant odor, then treatment should be started immediately.

  • Pharmaceutical drugs prescribed by the doctor will help neutralize the unpleasant odor of urine. treatment of the underlying disease, causing deviation.
  • Among folk remedies, we can recommend an infusion and decoction of cranberries, knotweed, and lingonberries. Cranberry is included in most recipes used for kidney problems.
  • You should stop smoking, salty foods, and limit beer consumption.
  • There are more watermelons in autumn. They have a pronounced diuretic effect and cleanse the bladder of germs and harmful substances.
  • If you notice an unpleasant odor in your urine, you should contact a specialist. They will study the state of metabolism, examine the body for the presence of diseases and select adequate treatment.

If you notice the smell of acetone in your urine, you should immediately visit a doctor.

This condition may be a symptom diabetes mellitus. Without emergency and adequate treatment It is even possible to lose consciousness due to a lack of carbohydrates in the brain.

If the smell of stool has changed, this could be a sign of any disorder.

For various disorders, the sight and smell of urine is often essential for diagnosis. The reasons for this can only be determined by a specialist.

A change in the smell of urine can be a manifestation of extremely serious illnesses. Thus, it should be understood that if this indicator is very different from the norm, you must definitely consult a doctor.

If you discover one of the above signs in yourself or your loved ones, you need to visit a doctor so that he can prescribe a full-fledged combination treatment. As for folk remedies, they should be used for prevention, not for treatment, and only after consultation with the doctor.

Video: What urine characteristics can tell you