I have really bad smelling urine, what could it be?

[selkins21]

For about a year and a half now, my urine has had a really strong unpleasant odor, that is so bad when I finish using the bathroom I need to spray some air freshener and close the door, and sometimes the odor is so strong, these actions above don't even help. It makes me very embarassed to use bathrooms in public because of the smell. My boyfriend makes trys to make jokes out of it, but I don't think it's a joke anymore. It doesn't matter what time of day it is, everytime I pee it smells this bad. I don't notice any stinging or burning, and I usually don't have to go frequently. I eat a somewhat healthy diet, and I get plenty of exercise. I'm not a big drinker either. I'm not on any types of medication, and my boyfriend and I use a condom every time we engage in intercourse. No matter how much sleep I get I'm always fatigued throughout the day. Can someone please give me some answers? I'm having financial problems and have no insurance right now, so I'd rather not go see a doc unless I absolutely have to.

[Ethel]

You are not drinking enough fluids. Increase your fluid intake - non alcoholic - and you should see a big improvement.

Your urine smells because it is too concentrated.

[betterman]

I had same problem, the above answer is bang on, get some water into you!

[toby99]

I agree ... Drink plenty of water, but I would, just to be on safe side, pop a sample of urine to the GP just to check out. Where do you live?

[dolly pond]

i start my day with a peppermint tea, and until i go to bed, i have 2litres of Clean fluids, ie water, sugar free squosh, herbal teas. i drink coffee bt it cant be counted in your 2 litres, normal tea is fine too.

u should be peeing clearly by mid afternoon, and dont glug your drinks, drink them slowly.

and u will have lovely skin too!!!

give it a week and u will feel like a new woman

[WendyS]

You say you have no insurance and can't afford to see a doctor. Are you liviing in the US because access to the National Health Service in the UK is free?
I can only suggest you try drinking more water, and I wonder whether you have had a diabetes test recently as this could possibly be the cause of the problem. If you're in the UK and don't want to go to a doctor, many large pharmacies will offer a free diabetes testing service. Normally the first urine of the morning is more smelly anyway because of the length of time fluids have been in your body overnight but generally after that it should get less smelly. Some vegetables such as asparagus can give your urine a very strong smell.