Smelly Urine

Do I ever need to see my GP?

It's not necessary to see your GP about smelly urine unless you're concerned for example, if you have other symptoms too.

See your GPif:

You have symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) , such as pain or a burning sensation when urinating and a need to urinate often. This is the most likely cause of unexplained foul-smelling urine. A UTI will often get better on its own, especially if you increase your fluid intake. It is less likely to get better without treatment in men than in women.
You have diabetes and feel you're not managing it properly urine can smell abnormally sweet in uncontrolled diabetes.

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018

Articles for smelly urine

Introduction

NHS Choices information on smelly urine, with links to other useful resources

Do I ever need to see my GP?

It's not necessary to see your GP about smelly urine unless you're concerned for example, if you have other symptoms too. See your GPif: You have symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) , s

Could it indicate any other medical condition?

The following conditions can sometimes cause smelly urine, but they are uncommon: urinary stones these may cause an ammonia-like odour (read about bladder stones and kidney stones ) a bladder f

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