In normal circumstances — with normal concentration and no bacteria present — urine has no smell.

What should you do if your urine smells unpleasant?

  1. Take a shower and change your underwear.

  2. Analyse how much fluid you have been drinking and excreting — and try increasing your fluid intake, preferably plain drinking water.

  3. Think about what foods you have eaten (garlic, spices) and what medications you have taken (especially B vitamins or multivitamins).

  4. Reduce your coffee or alcohol intake (if you have been consuming them) — they cause dehydration, which leads to more concentrated urine and, consequently, a stronger odour.

  5. Consider whether you have any of the following: frequent urination (more than 8 times a day), pain, burning, or discomfort during urination, a raised temperature, or other symptoms pointing to a pathological process in the body.

  6. If you are a woman — check whether you have any gynaecological conditions, such as bacterial vaginosis.

If these measures have not helped

If the above measures have not helped, consult a urologist in order to:

  • Perform a general urine analysis. You can also do this at home using the Yellow Butterfly rapid test.
  • Perform a urine culture for flora and antibiotic sensitivity.
  • After this, the urologist will decide whether treatment is necessary.

If you have other symptoms in addition to the unpleasant smell, treatment will be prescribed — and it will not necessarily involve antibiotics.

If you have no other symptoms, be prepared for the possibility that you will simply be given lifestyle recommendations — what is known as behavioural therapy.

If in doubt — visit a urologist!