Understanding Urine Odor: Causes & When to See a Doctor

Urine odor, or the scent of urine during excretion, is typically mild. A strong urine odor may indicate a medical problem, but may also result from certain foods, medications or supplements. When accompanied by other symptoms, see a doctor for diagnosis.

Dehydration

• Dehydration causes concentrated urine with an odor resembling ammonia.

Urinary Tract Infection

• Bacterial infection anywhere in the urinary tract can give urine a strong, foul odor.

Uncontrolled Diabetes

• Uncontrolled diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis (a complication in which the body produces toxic acids as a result of too little insulin) can cause particularly sweet-scented urine.

Rectovaginal Fistula

• This irregular connection between the rectum and vagina (often caused by injury, surgery, cancer or inflammatory bowel diseases) can cause a potent urine odor.

Acute Liver Failure

• Sudden-onset liver failure, a medical emergency, can cause strongly scented urine. It is most commonly accompanied by jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) and upper-right abdominal tenderness.

Diagnosis

• To diagnose the cause of abnormal urine odor, urinalysis and urine cultures, two types of lab tests, are used. Various further testing may be needed, depending on the findings.