This NHS content is written for people in England. Services, contact routes and treatment arrangements may differ in other countries.
Common causes of smelly pee
Pee is usually clear or pale yellow, with a mild smell.
Things that can often make your pee smell stronger include:
- certain types of food and drink, like asparagus or coffee
- not drinking enough fluids (dehydration)
- some medicines
- vitamin B6 supplements
If you have other symptoms such as pain when peeing, peeing more often than usual and pee that looks cloudy, you may have a urinary tract infection (UTI).
Less often, smelly pee can be caused by other conditions such as type 2 diabetes or kidney stones.
Things you can do if you have smelly pee
There are some things you can do to help keep your pee clear and smelling mild.
Do
drink plenty of fluids, particularly water, so that you pee regularly during the day and do not feel thirsty
drink more in hot weather and when exercising
Don't
do not drink a lot of sugary fizzy drinks, coffee or alcohol
do not eat a lot of garlic or asparagus – they contain strong-smelling chemicals that can pass into your pee
do not take more than 10mg of vitamin B6 a day
See a GP if:
You have smelly pee and:
- you need to pee suddenly, more often than usual, or during the night
- you have pain or a burning sensation when peeing
- your pee looks cloudy
Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
You have smelly pee and:
- there's blood in your pee
- you have lower tummy pain
- you have pain in your back, under the ribs
- you feel tired and unwell
- you feel confused or agitated
- you have a very high temperature, or you feel hot, cold or shivery
- your temperature is very low
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online .
Smelly urine
Smelly urine
Common causes of smelly pee include certain types of food, like asparagus or coffee, not drinking enough fluids and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
To keep your pee clear and smelling mild, drink plenty of fluids, particularly water. Drink more in hot weather and when exercising.
Content supplied by the NHS website, refreshed 19 August 2026. View the original NHS article ↗
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