Odor After Urinating

Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School

Odor After Urinating

Question:

I have a terrible odor after urinating. I don't take hormones and had a hysterectomy 15 years ago. What is this odor and what do I need to do to correct it?

Answer:

It isn't clear if the odor you notice is from the urine or your genital area.

The odor of urine comes from its chemical composition. Urine is produced by the kidneys as they clear the blood of toxins and regulate the amount of water and other substances in the body.

The main components of urine are water, salts, minerals, and urea. This is the chemical that gives urine its typical ammonia smell. What you eat can affect the urine odor, too. For example, many people notice their urine smells different after eating asparagus.

A strong urine smell can be from not getting enough fluids. The urine produced when you are dehydrated will be very concentrated and have a more intense odor and color. Getting plenty of water helps the kidneys do their job. The urine produced will be more dilute and have a less offensive smell.

A foul odor from the genital region could be a sign of infection in the bladder or vagina. A pelvic exam and a culture of the urine will help your doctor establish the diagnosis and determine appropriate treatment.

Joan Bengtson, M.D., is assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproduction at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Last updated:	July 20, 2009