The 7 reasons your pee smells funny – and when to see your doctor immediately

GOING to the bathroom isn't something you'll spend lots of time thinking about - it's just part of the day-to-day.

But paying a bit of attention can be useful, as it can provide the first clues that something needs a check up.

Something that you won't be able to avoid spotting is if your pee smells funny.

It often won't mean anything is wrong, but it could be a red flag that you should monitor.

Dr Richard Viney told The Sun: "Urine naturally has an odour which is why many animals will use their urine as a means of marking territory.

"There are a variety of reasons why there may be a change in the odour to urine.

"Firstly, the more concentrated the urine the stronger it’s smell will be.

"The presence of certain bacteria in the urine will create a characteristic offensive smell which will alert an individual to potential trouble."

Noticing your urine smells different could be due to:

KIDNEY STONES

Stronger smelling pee could be a sign you have kidney stones.

Although generally the feeling of being sick and having a painful abdomen would alert you to something being wrong.

But if you have noticed all three of these symptoms, it is worth speaking to your doctor.

FOOD AND DRINK

Eating certain foods, like asparagus, can change how your urine smells.

Coffee can also produce a stronger smelling pee too.

This is nothing to worry about, and is only worth getting checked out if you have noticed a new smell for a few days and you can't pinpoint why.

UTI

While also being absolutely no fun, having a UTI can make your urine smell bad.

Smelling a hint of ammonia in your pee is generally a good bet you have a urinary tract infection.

This is because bacteria is in your urinary system - it's worth making an appointment with your GP to talk it out and get some antibiotics.

DIABETES

Sweeter smelling pee can be a sign of type 2 diabetes.

Urine can smell sweet because type 2 diabetes is a condition that revolves around uncontrolled blood sugar.

If this is combined with also feeling very tired and thirsty and feeling like you need to urinate more than usual you should see a doctor.

DRUGS

If you recently been put onto new medication this could be what is causing the change in smell.

It's worth looking through the possible side-effects that came with the drugs.

You only need to speak to your doctor if this continues beyond the prescription length, and you think it might be connected to something else.

DEHYDRATION

If you haven't had enough water your pee will smell stronger.

It will also look very dark, as it becomes more concentrated.

This is nothing to worry about if it just happens the once, and is corrected by drinking a glass of water.

But if you notice it still seems very dehydrated despite drinking more water, check in with your doctor.

LIVER FAILURE

Strong smelling pee along with tummy pain should always be a red flag.

If you have also noticed your eyes and skin look yellower you need to get to a doctor quickly.

It could mean you are suffering liver failure and need urgent treatment.

When should you see your GP?

The NHS says you should see a GP if your wee smells 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

But call 111 or ask for an urgent GP appointment if you have smelly urine 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 and shivery
• your temperature is very low

These symptoms could indicate a UTI or something more serious, like a kidney infection.