Overview
Smelly pee on its own isn't usually a cause for concern. There are often things you can do to help your pee return to normal.
Common causes of smelly pee
Pee is usually clear or pale yellow, with a mild smell.
Common things that can make your pee smell stonger include:
- certain types of food and drink, like asparagus or coffee
- not drinking enough fluids (dehydration)
- some medicines
- vitamin B6 supplements
If you have other symptoms such as pain when peeing, peeing more often than usual and pee that looks cloudy, you may have a urinary tract infection (UTI).
Less often, smelly pee can be caused by other conditions such as type 2 diabetes or kidney stones.
Things you can do if you have smelly pee
Try these things to help keep your pee clear and smelling mild.
Do
- Drink plenty of fluids, particularly water, so that you pee regularly during the day and do not feel thirsty
- drink more in hot weather and when excercising
Don't
- do not drink a lot of sugary fizzy drinks, coffee or alcohol
- do not eat garlic or asparagus - they contain strong smelling chemicals that can pass into your pee
- do not take more than 10mg of vitamin B6 a day
See your GP if you have smelly pee and:
- you need to pee suddenly, or more often than usual, or during the night
- you have pain or burning sensation when peeing
- your pee looks cloudy
Call NHS 111 Wales or ask for an urgent GP appointment if:
you have smelly pee and:
- there's blood in your pee
- you have lower tummy pain
- you have pain in your back, under the ribs
- you feel tired and unwell
- you're feeling confused or agitated
- you have a very high temperature, or you feel hot and shivery
- your temperature is very low
You can call 111 or get help from NHS 111 Wales online