Smelly pee on its own is not 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.
Things that can often make your pee smell stronger 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
There are some things you can do 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 exercising
Don’t
-
do not drink a lot of sugary fizzy drinks, coffee or alcohol
-
do not eat a lot of 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
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
You have smelly pee and:
- you need to pee suddenly, more often than usual, or during the night
- you have pain or a burning sensation when peeing
- your pee looks cloudy
Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 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 feel 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 111 online.
Page last reviewed: 16 October 2023
Next review due: 16 October 2026