Why Does My Urine Have a Strong Odor?

There are many factors to consider when urine has an odor. If the odor of urine is persistently strong, it is generally considered abnormal and may indicate pathological factors, such as urinary system diseases that cause abnormal urine. The treatment for urine odor caused by different reasons varies, so it is important to treat it accordingly. What causes strong urine odor? Here are some possible reasons:

1. Urethritis

Urethritis is one of the male urinary infections. Many patients with urethritis may feel a burning sensation in the urethra when urinating, accompanied by frequent urination and urgency. In severe cases, they may even experience difficulty urinating.

2. Cystitis

Sometimes, the symptoms of cystitis in men can be similar to those of urethritis, so it is important for men to be able to distinguish between them and not to treat them blindly. Cystitis in men often manifests as frequent urination, urgency, and even pain or bloody or cloudy urine. Among these symptoms, frequent urination and urgency are the most prominent, with some patients urinating up to 5-6 times per hour with small amounts of urine or even just a few drops. Pain in the lower abdomen may occur at the end of urination, and there may be mild tenderness in the suprapubic region.

3. Insufficient Water Intake

The color of urine can vary depending on how much water a person drinks. When a person drinks a lot of water, their urine will be more dilute because the proportion of urine pigment in the urine is smaller. Conversely, when a person drinks less water, the proportion of urine pigment in the urine is larger, resulting in a yellowish color. However, if this is accompanied by physical discomfort or does not improve significantly after increasing water intake, it is necessary to seek medical attention. It is advisable to consult a doctor at a formal hospital promptly to ensure physical and mental health.

4. Other Causes

Consuming foods like garlic or onions, or taking medications with a strong odor, can cause urine to have a special odor. An ammonia smell suggests that urine has been decomposed in the body, which can be a sign of cystitis or urinary retention. Patients with bladder-colon fistulas may have a fecal odor in their urine.