You may experience foul-smelling urine without pain due to eating certain foods or taking medications. But a bad smell without pain may also indicate an underlying health condition.

Urine is a liquid waste product excreted by your body after the kidneys filter out your blood and tissues. It isn’t exactly the best-smelling substance in the first place.

However, you might notice that your urine has a sweet, foul, fishy, or musty smell. In most cases, this is a result of something you ate or not drinking enough water.

Sometimes, however, it may be a sign of infection or another health issue.

Keep reading to learn more about why you might have foul-smelling urine without accompanying pain.

Urine that smells bad is usually associated with dietary factors, such as what you eat.

For instance, one of the most commonly reported foods associated with a distinct odor is asparagus. A 2019 study found that the smell may last up to 7.2 hours after eating asparagus.

According to a 2024 review, the following foods contain certain compounds that could change the smell of urine:

  • garlic
  • fish
  • meat
  • cabbage
  • broccoli
  • kale
  • Brussels sprouts
  • cauliflower
  • some spices
  • eggs
  • alcohol
  • cheese
  • coffee
  • beans

If you suspect foods are responsible for the odor, try cutting them out of your diet for a few days to see if the smell goes away. You don’t have to avoid these foods forever. Just know that they may add a certain smell to your pee if you choose to eat them.

Dehydration is another common cause of smelly urine.

Urine is a combination of water and chemicals. If you’re dehydrated, the ratio of water to chemicals is smaller, which can give the chemicals a stronger chance of producing an odor. Water naturally dilutes the smell and chemicals.

Other symptoms of dehydration may include:

Changes in the smell of your urine may be a symptom of a urinary tract infection (UTI).

The smell is caused by bacteria in your urine. The bacteria can grow and spread into other parts of your urinary tract, like your bladder or kidneys.

UTIs are more common in people with vulvas because the urethra is short. That increases the odds of bacteria finding their way into the urinary tract and causing an infection.

Other common symptoms of a UTI include:

  • burning sensation when you pee
  • an increased urge and frequency to pee
  • cloudy urine

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Several sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including chlamydia and trichomoniasis, may causeTrusted Source discharge from the penis or vagina. This atypical discharge may change the smell of your pee as it’s passing out of the urethra.

Other symptoms, like painful urination and soreness, may develop after the foul-smelling pee appears.

Certain medications, vitamins, and supplements may alter the smell of urine. Some drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, infections, and diabetes are known to impact the waste’s smell, too.

B vitamins, like thiamine and choline, may also cause foul-smelling urine. They impact the balance of chemicals in your urine, and these extra chemicals and vitamins can change your urine’s smell.

Diabetes that isn’t managed properly may affect your urine’s smell. For instance, too much sugar in your urine may cause a fruity smell, while a sour smell may be a symptom of diabetic ketoacidosis.

Some diabetes medications, such as sulfonylurea drugs, may also impact the smell of urine. This is because they contain sulfide, a compound linked to smelly urine.

If you have diabetes, speak with a doctor if you experience changes in the smell of your urine. They can recommend lifestyle changes or modify your treatment plan.

The body’s waste control system runs through your liver and kidneys. If these organs are not functioning properly, they may not be able to filter out waste well, leading to changes in the appearance, consistency, and odor of urine.

Some kidney and liver problems that may cause foul-smelling urine include:

However, it’s important to note these will most likely be accompanied by abdominal pain and other symptoms.

Some other causes of soul-smelling urine may include:

Some causes of foul-smelling urine may be more common in people assigned female at birth or who have a vagina.

Bacterial vaginosis

The vagina naturally contains different kinds of bacteria. Your body works to maintain a balance between bacteria to prevent specific types from growing out of control. This balance is sometimes altered, causing bacterial vaginosis.

One symptom of this condition is fishy-smelling discharge. When you urinate, the pee can mix with the discharge, making the pee seem smelly.

Pregnancy

Hormonal changes in pregnancy may also leadTrusted Source to foul-smelling urine. Prenatal vitamins also contain some vitamins that may change the smell of urine.

Additionally, people who are pregnant are prone to developingTrusted Source UTIs, and in pregnant people, strong-smelling pee may be the only symptom of the infection.

Ovulation

Ovulation occurs when an egg is released for fertilization during a menstrual cycle.

According to a 2024 review, an increase in mucus production during ovulation causes urine to have a milky, white, or cloudy appearance.

Ovulation discharge doesn’t usually have a foul smell, so the researchers suggest speaking with a doctor if you experience a change in smell during ovulation.

The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) recommends speaking with a doctor if you experience:

  • an increase in the urge and frequency to pee
  • cloudy urine
  • a burning or painful sensation when you pee
When to get immediate medical attention

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s best to get immediate medical attention:

When you see a doctor or other healthcare professional, they will likely ask you several questions. This may include:

  • any recent health changes you’ve experienced
  • when the odor first appeared
  • what you might have consumed that could impact the smell
  • if you’re experiencing other symptoms

They will also order a urine culture test to check for signs of infections, chemical imbalances, or other issues. They may also order other tests, such as blood tests and imaging tests like CT scan or MRI.

The results from these tests can help a doctor develop an appropriate treatment plan for you.

Treatment for foul-smelling urine will depend on the underlying cause.

In many cases, some home remedies and lifestyle changes could help you manage the smell, such as:

  • avoiding odor-inducing foods, such as Brussels sprouts, beans, garlic, onions, meat, fish, and broccoli
  • staying well hydrated
  • limiting your intake of vitamin B6 to 10 milligrams (mg) daily
  • passing urine when you feel the need to
  • managing chronic conditions, such as diabetes and kidney disease

If these don’t work, consider speaking with a healthcare professional. They could assess your symptoms, provide a diagnosis, and develop a treatment plan for you.

For instance, if warranted, they could prescribe antibiotics for UTIs, some STIs, or bacterial vaginosis.

If you’re living with a chronic health condition like diabetes, a doctor could modify your treatment plan.

What smell is urine when your kidneys are failing?

Problems with your kidneys may cause your urine to have a strong, gassy smell of ammonia or hydrogen sulfide.

What does liver failure urine smell like?

Problems with your liver may cause your urine to have a strong, musty odor.

Why does my urine smell like something rotten?

Rotten, foul-smelling urine may have several causes. For instance, vaginal or penile discharge associated with UTIs, STIs, and conditions like bacterial vaginosis may cause your urine to have a foul odor. Eating foods like asparagus, broccoli, meat, fish, and eggs can also cause a strong smell.

While smelly urine may be unpleasant, it’s likely not a cause for concern. Most changes to pee odor are temporary, even if it happens regularly.

Drinking plenty of water can help dilute odor-causing chemicals. However, a sensitive nose may pick up on them. Urine often has a slight aroma, so changes to it are often typical.

If there is no clear cause for the smell, or if the odor does not disappear in a few days, you should contact a doctor.