UTI (urinary tract infection)
- A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common bacterial infection that affects the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
- UTIs can cause urine to smell like skunk because the bacteria that cause the infection produce waste products that contain sulphur compounds. These sulphur compounds are what give skunk spray its characteristic odor.
Dehydration
- When you are dehydrated, your urine becomes more concentrated and can develop a strong odor. This is because the water in your urine helps to dilute the waste products that are produced by your body. When there is less water in your urine, these waste products become more concentrated and can give your urine a stronger odor.
Certain foods
- Eating certain foods, such as asparagus, garlic, and onions, can cause your urine to smell like skunk. This is because these foods contain sulphur compounds that are released into your urine when you digest them.
Metabolic disorders
- Some metabolic disorders, such as diabetes and maple syrup urine disease, can cause your urine to smell like skunk. This is because these disorders affect the way your body processes certain nutrients, and the waste products that are produced by this process can give your urine a strong odor.
If you are concerned about the smell of your urine, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.