Why does my pee smell musky

Since the infections are usually caused by bacteria, an antibiotic from your doctor can wipe them out—and the resulting odor, although you may have a different smell in the meantime from the medication. Some vitamins, medications and supplements have ingredients that can change pee smell, and sometimes the appearance as well. Medications like antibiotics can also cause your pee to smell, because those that contain penicillin are derived from mold.

That can give your urine a yeasty or fungus-like funk, but it should dissipate once you run through your antibiotic course. There are some sexually transmitted infections that are known to cause malodorous urine, Dr. These include trichomoniasis, chlamydia and gonorrhea.

The change occurs because the organisms responsible for the diseases trigger more production of ammonia, which the body tries to clear through the urinary system. If it comes with other symptoms like cloudy or bloody urine, pain or burning when you pee, or fever or chills, you may want to make an appointment.

These can signal doctor-worthy issues, like an infection or even urinary stones. Being diagnosed with high blood pressure is one clear sign that you may be overdoing it on the salt. Nothing to be concerned about—as long as you make the effort to hydrate post latte. Yep, those pesky but normal! Depending on how much of these foods—garlic and onions are two common culprits—you ate, you might notice changes in the smell of your urine.

People who can break down the smell-inducing compounds in asparagus are called asparagus anosmic. According to research published in the British Medical Journal , roughly 40 percent of people notice changes in how their pee smells after eating this veggie. In fact, B vitamins are notorious for turning urine a neon yellow-green color. Certain STIs—particularly chlamydia and trichomoniasis —can lead to painful urination and smelly discharge in both men and women, according to the CDC.

Many women might mistake the abnormal vaginal discharge associated with these sexually-transmitted infections with smelly urine, says Dr. Often caused at least partially by dehydration, kidney stones form when chemicals in your urine crystalize together. While small stones may pass without you even noticing, larger stones can lead to pain and a slew of other symptoms, including cloudy, foul-smelling, and even bloody urine, according to the National Kidney Foundation.

Those metabolites are back! Certain diabetes medications—and a drug called Methenamine, which is used to address chronic UTIs—can have this effect. Fistulas, openings that form between two organs, often affect the bladder. According to the Urology Care Foundation , fistulas of the bladder often connect the organ to either the bowel or vagina—contributing to a number of issues, including changes in urine odor.

However, gynecological and colon cancers , along with recent surgeries, can also cause fistulas. Since bladder fistulas can allow bacteria from other organs into the bladder, they often manifest as urinary tract infections, urine that looks or smells like stool, and urine that contains gas. One of the most common is maple syrup urine disease, in which a deficiency in enzymes needed to break down certain amino acids causes sweet-smelling urine, explains Dr. Foul-smelling urine is different than urine that smells stronger.

The color may change from yellow to orange or cloudy or red. These changes may signal a urinary tract infection UTI or a sexually transmitted infection STI , which require medical attention.

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Editorial standards. Who we serve Chevron Icon. Brokers and Consultants. Solutions Chevron Icon. Care Navigation. Sections Icon. Why your urine smells. By Body Part. Urinary System. Buoy Chat Icon. See treatment options. Verified By Experts Icon. Verified by experts 6 min read. No Ads. Urine could smell foul, strong, or sweet.

The most common causes of bad smelling urine are dehydration, dietary changes, a side-effect of medication, or a urinary tract infection. Less common causes are other infections, high blood sugar, or liver damage. Claudia Gambrah-Lyles, MD. Resident at Children Hospital of Philadelphia. Last updated October 10, Heart Icon. Speech Bubble Icon. Share Icon. Facebook Icon. LinkedIn Icon.

Pinterest Icon. Pocket Icon. Share Link Icon. Copied to clipboard. Table of Contents. Common urine odor symptoms Urine is meant to have a mild odor. What does bad smelling urine mean? Why your urine smells Many conditions can have bad or foul-smelling urine as a symptom. Dehydration Dehydration can be due to more than not drinking enough water. Poor hydration: Not drinking enough water causes dark, concentrated urine with a bad odor.