Urine Smells Like Sulfur: 11 Causes And Treatment

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Why does my urine smell like sulfur?

Medically reviewed by Meera Patel, PA-C — Written by Jon Johnson — Updated on June 4, 2024

Specific foods
Medications
Dehydration
UTIs
Liver problems
Diabetes
Cystitis
Prostatitis
Cystinuria
Hypermethioninemia
Gastrointestinal fistulas
When to see a doctor
Summary

Urine may smell like sulfur or rotten eggs as a result of eating specific foods or taking certain medications. Underlying conditions can also cause a sulfuric smell in urine.

There are many different causes of foul-smelling urine.

Getting rid of the sulfur smell in the urine involves treating the underlying cause, and there are times when a visit to the doctor may be necessary.

In this article, we examine 11 possible causes of urine smelling like sulfur and explain how to treat each of them.

1. Specific foods

A collage with asparagus and a person drinking a glass of water 1 — Design by MNT; Photography by alvarez/Getty Images & PixelsEffect/Getty Images

According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), food is one of the factors most likely to change the smell of urine. Eating certain foods, including the following, can cause a sulfuric smell in the urine:

asparagus
fish
onion
garlic

The digestion of these foods often creates sulfur-like compounds that exit the body in the urine. This causes the distinct smell that can appear after eating. The smell is temporary, and the urine should smell normal again once the digestion process is complete.

Drinking extra water may help to dilute the odor, but avoiding these foods is the only way to completely prevent the smell as it is just a natural part of the digestive process.

2. Medications

The NHS advises that some medications or supplements may also be responsible for changing the urine’s odor.

These include sulfa drugs, which treat diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and other conditions, and some supplements, such as vitamin B6.

Drinking more water may help to dilute the sulfur compounds in the body and reduce the smell. People should also avoid taking more than 2 milligrams (mg) of vitamin B6 each day. Recommended intakes vary depending on a person’s age and

If the problem continues or worsens, a person should contact a doctor.

3. Dehydration

Urine consists of water extracted from foods, together with chemicals and toxins that the body filters and releases.

When the body is not sufficiently hydrated, the urine becomes concentrated. This can give it a darker yellow or orange color, and often makes its smell quite potent.

According to the NHS, dehydration may contribute to strong-smelling urine.

If there are any sulfuric compounds in the body, dehydration may make them much more noticeable in the urine.

People should drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to stay hydrated, especially after exercise. They may also consider avoiding diuretic drinks such as coffee, carbonated drinks, or alcohol, which can make a person urinate more.

4. Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

According to the NHS, UTIs may cause changes in the appearance or smell of the urine.

People should always seek medical care for UTIs, which can be serious without treatment. Anyone who suspects they have a UTI should contact their doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis and proper medical treatment.

Healthcare professionals typically treat UTIs with antibiotics.

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5. Liver problems

Liver damage or a condition that causes the liver to stop working efficiently may also make it harder for the body to filter toxins from the urine. This can result in changes in the urine, one of which may be a foul smell.

If there is a problem with the liver, additional symptoms will often appear, including:

changes in urine and stool color
swelling in the legs and feet
bruising easily
jaundice

Anyone experiencing these symptoms should see their doctor for a diagnosis. Treatment will vary depending on the underlying cause, but can include changes in diet and lifestyle and taking certain medications.

6. Diabetes

The NHS states that type 2 diabetes may cause smelly urine.

People with diabetes may notice a few changes in their urine if they develop diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This is when ketones form in the body when blood sugar levels are too high and insulin levels are too low. The body releases ketones in the urine, which may change its smell.

DKA can causes changes in urine along with other symptoms, such as excessive thirst, fatigue, and headaches.

To prevent DKA, people should ensure that they are using their insulin correctly and measuring the right amount each time they take it.

Managing blood sugar levels correctly may help make the symptom disappear. Some doctors may prescribe additional drugs to help manage the condition.

7. Cystitis

Inflammation in the bladder, or cystitis, typically results from a buildup of bacteria. This may be due to a UTI or other factors.

The excess bacteria may change the smell or look of the urine as it sits in the bladder, which can lead to a sulfuric smell.

Cystitis requires prompt medical treatment. Antibiotics may help to get rid of bacterial infections, and drinking extra water and other liquids, such as cranberry juice or herbal tea, may help to dilute the smell.

8. Prostatitis

Inflammation of the prostate, or prostatitis, may also lead to urine that smells like sulfur. A UTI or another infection can cause this inflammation.

Prostatitis may cause other symptoms, such as difficulty urinating or an urgent need to urinate as the prostate pushes against the bladder. Many people also feel pain between their anus and scrotum and some may feel internal pain in their abdomen.

The treatment for prostatitis depends on what is causing the condition. Antibacterial medications may be necessary in the case of infection.

Some doctors may prescribe alpha-blockers to help relax the muscles in the area. Anti-inflammatory medications may also relieve pain and swelling, while heat therapy may help to ease some symptoms.

In rare cases, surgery may be necessary.

9. Cystinuria

Cystinuria is an inherited condition that affects the urinary tract. It causes an excess of the amino acid cysteine to build up, which can lead to the formation of kidney stones. In addition, it may change the smell of the urine, as cysteine is high in sulfur.

The condition often reacts well to medications and changes in diet and lifestyle, but sometimes surgery is necessary.

10. Hypermethioninemia

Hypermethioninemia occurs when there is an excess of the amino acid methionine in the blood.

This can happen if someone eats a lot of foods that contain methionine, or if the body does not break the amino acid down properly.

Many people with hypermethioninemia have no symptoms, but others may find that they have trouble standing or walking or that they experience nerve problems.

The breath, sweat, or urine of someone with hypermethioninemia may also have a sulfuric smell.

Treatment includes introducing diet or lifestyle changes to balance methionine levels.

11. Gastrointestinal fistulas

Gastrointestinal fistulas are abnormal openings in the digestive tract that lead to other areas in the body, such as the bladder. They can cause gastric juices and other fluids to leak from the intestines into the bladder.

Leaking gastric juices may cause internal infections and can lead to recurrent UTIs that, in turn, could cause urine to smell like sulfur.

Gastrointestinal fistulas occur most commonly after abdominal surgery or in people with chronic digestive problems.

Treatment for a fistula depends on how large it is and how much gastric fluid is seeping through the opening.

Some fistulas may close on their own over time, while others may require surgery and regular monitoring to prevent severe conditions, such as sepsis.

When to see a doctor

Urine smelling of sulfur is usually a temporary symptom that goes away after a few trips to the bathroom.

However, the NHS notes that people should visit a doctor if the smell does not go away, or if they also have any of the following symptoms:

cloudy urine
bloody urine
pain or difficulty urinating
pain in the back, pelvis, or abdomen
confusion or agitation
fever
chills
fatigue

These signs indicate an infection or another internal issue that needs prompt medical treatment to prevent complications.

Summary

There are many different causes of urine that smells like sulfur, such as eating certain foods, taking certain medications, and some underlying health conditions.

A person should speak with a healthcare professional, if urine that smell like sulfur does not go away, or if it occurs alongside certain symptoms, like fever, abdominal pain, or fatigue. A doctor can work out the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.

Urinary Tract Infection
Nutrition / Diet
Urology / Nephrology
Cat 1

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Ashkenazi I, et al. (2017). Treatment options in gastrointestinal cutaneous fistulas.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5553539/
Diabetic ketoacidosis. (2024).https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/about/diabetic-ketoacidosis.html
Hypermethioninemia. (2021).https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/hypermethioninemia
Leslie SW, et al. (2023). Cystinuria.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470527/
Li R, et al. (2023). Cystitis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482435/
Liver diseases. (2017).https://medlineplus.gov/liverdiseases.html
Smelly urine. (2023).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/smelly-urine/
Urinary tract infection. (2024).https://www.cdc.gov/uti/about/index.html
Urine and urination. (2021).https://medlineplus.gov/urineandurination.html
Vitamin B6. (2023).https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB6-Consumer/
What are prostatitis and related chronic pelvic pain conditions? (2021).https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/p/prostatitis-(infection-of-the-prostate)

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Medically reviewed by Meera Patel, PA-C — Written by Jon Johnson — Updated on June 4, 2024

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