ADP - Unusual urine odour – what does it indicate?

Urine should have a subtle, almost unnoticeable smell, but abnormalities can occur, resulting in a stronger odour. Should this be a cause for concern? Find out about it in this article.


But the truth was that I hadn’t been going about my normal life for quite some time due to my incontinence. I have multiple sclerosis, which means I have limited bladder control due to nerve damage, and when I have to go, it comes on all of a sudden and without warning. Imagine leaving the house when you risk emptying your bladder at any minute and with very short notice. That’s what I was dealing with.

My First Day Wearing Adult Incontinence Pants 01

Last week I experienced a first. I wore adult incontinence pants. And you know what? I liked them!

It wasn’t an easy decision – mainly because I was a little reluctant to admit that I was now that person, the one who wore adult nappies. In my mind, they were only for the elderly. [Adult incontinence pants](/en-gb/discreet/incontinence-products/incontinence-pants) for a woman like me? No, thank you.

ADP - My First Day Wearing Adult Incontinence Pants

My First Day Wearing Adult Incontinence Pants

ADP -  Managing Urge Incontinence

Managing Urge Incontinence

ADP - What does the colour of urine mean and what does it indicate?

What does the colour of urine indicate?

ADP - Feminine intimate hygiene tips

Feminine intimate hygiene tips

If you have a sensitive bladder, there’s no need to avoid drinking in order to reduce the urge to visit the loo. Keep hydrated! Drinking a lot of water can increase the frequency and urgency of urination. But not consuming enough makes your urine more concentrated, both of which boost your chances of bladder irritation. That, in turn, can heighten your risk of incontinence. Also, drinking water can help reduce odours.

Drink Just Enough

ADP - 7 Natural Remedies for an Overactive Bladder

Advice from our Experts

Up until a week ago, if I really needed to go out, I would put an incontinence pad on, but it often leaked, which meant that I sometimes leaked onto my clothing or found little liquid stains on the chair when I got up. So, little by little, I started turning down social invitations, asking my husband to run most errands, and choosing to stay in more often. I was missing out on a lot of my life.

The tipping point for me was when my daughter invited me to my granddaughter’s birthday party at a roller rink. While I wasn’t sure I could get through the event without my bladder leaking, my granddaughter is growing up quickly, and I just couldn’t keep missing out on important events like this one.

I talked it over with my husband. He suggested I try a different kind of protection [adult incontinence pants](/en-gb/discreet/incontinence-products/incontinence-pants) for women. I was reluctant. I assumed they would be uncomfortable and so bulky that everyone would know I was wearing them.

Thankfully, I found Always Discreet underwear in my local supermarket and I was very impressed. Not only were they comfortable, but they were not at all like the big, bulky adult nappies I had pictured in my head. They were thin, feminine adult incontinence pants for women like myself.

Secretly armed with my Always Discreet adult incontinence pants on under my clothes, I went to that birthday party and had a blast! We took lots of pictures, laughed, and, boy, did I sing my heart out when that cake was brought out!

Now I wear them every day. As a result, I have started going out much more. Being there for my granddaughter on her birthday was the start of it. My husband and I have seen many films at the cinema, I’ve met some old friends for coffee, and next week I will be taking a long car journey to visit my sister. It feels great to have my life back. Adult incontinence pants have made my incontinence manageable without sacrificing comfort, discretion, or my dignity. Now my incontinence is just another detail of my life, but it doesn’t control me. Sure, a little bit of wee happens. But now I’m prepared!

My First Day Wearing Adult Incontinence Pants 02

Do you think your urine smells unusual? Find out what is causing the unusual odour of your urine.

Unusual urine odour – what does it indicate?

ADP - Urinary incontinence and sport

Urine with a strong or unpleasant smell, could indicate a bladder infection. Even if you do not have any other symptoms, it is worth having a quick urine check with your doctor before the infection gets worse.

Read more about frequent urination.

You should see a doctor if an unusual urine odour persists for several days and is associated with other symptoms such as abdominal pain or blood in the urine. If you are unsure whether the urine is actually bloody or if the blood is coming from the vagina, incontinence liners can help provide clarity.


What should you do if you have strong smelling urine?

In general, urine has a characteristic, slightly acidic odour that is more intense when using the toilet for the first time in the morning — this is due to the higher concentration of urine after a night's sleep.

If you notice that the odour of your urine has changed, don't panic. It often isn’t a symptom of an illness. Instead, it could be connected with your diet. It is advisable to see a specialist if your urine has an unusual smell accompanied by symptoms such as incontinence, as this may indicate bladder inflammation.

Find out more about home remedies for overactive bladder.

The odour of urine can be influenced by various factors, including:

- How much water you have drunk during the day,
- The type of food and drinks consumed,
- Certain medications intake.

Other factors include pregnancy and related hormonal changes. The vaginal flora changes during pregnancy, which can cause strong smelling urine, as well as vaginal odour. However, if the urine starts to smell unpleasantly, you should see a gynaecologist.


What affects urine odour?

By practising at least three times a day, these exercises can help you strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and give you more control over your sensitive bladder when you need it.

Pelvic floor Excercises

Dr. Jessica Muir

Feminine Intimate Hygiene Tips

There are a range of natural remedies to improve your quality of life. Visit our website for tips & tricks on how to take care of your overactive bladder.

7 Natural Remedies for an Overactive Bladder

 Advice & Support - Back to Advice & Support Page

ADP - Blood in the urine (hematuria) – symptoms and causes

Blood in the urine (hematuria) – symptoms and causes

ADP - A balanced diet, exercise and rest during menopause

A balanced diet, exercise and rest during menopause

Abdominal workouts like sit ups, crunches or plank kicks place a lot of pressure on your pelvic floor. Opt for alternative exercises for your sensitive bladder where breathing or the position supports your pelvic floor. Advisable for better bladder health are pelvic floor exercises and targeted Pilates and yoga exercises. They help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which control the hold and release of urine. Reduce leaks and improve your overall health by practising at least three times a day.

Not Too Many Crunches

ADP - When You Have to Go and Go and Go: Symptoms of a Bladder Infection

Symptoms of a Bladder Infection

Unusual Urine Odour

ADP - 4 myths about bladder weakness in women

4 myths about bladder weakness in women

Why does urine have an odour?

Health & Wellbeing Advice

OG-7-Natural-Remedies-for-an-Overactive-Bladder

Blood in the Urine (Hematuria)

You can test your pelvic floor muscles with a simple stop-start test. When visiting the loo, begin to urinate and cut off the flow by contracting the muscles. If you experience better control than before, you know the pelvic floor exercises for your sensitive bladder are working.

Regardless of what type of adult incontinence or bladder leakage you may have, stay dry and confident with specific incontinence liners, pads and underwear.

How do I know it’s working?

Dr. Anne Henderson

Last week I experienced a first. I wore adult incontinence pants. And you know what? I liked them! Click here to find out why!

Dr. Anne Henderson - Discreet

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ADP - Talking to a doctor about weak bladder

Talking to a doctor about weak bladder

When You Have to Go and Go and Go: Symptoms of a Bladder Infection

 Advice & Support - AS02 - Managing Urinary Incontinence

Managing Urinary Incontinence

 Advice & Support - AS02 - Health & Wellbeing Advice

Dealing with Urinary Incontinence

Dr. Judith Bildau

Dr Rhiannon Bray

Dr. Judith Bildau - Discreet

Dr. Jessica Muir - Discreet

 Advice & Support - AS03 - Health & Wellbeing Advice

Caffeine, alcohol and fizzy drinks are your new worst enemies. So these drinks promote the production of urine and can irritate the delicate bladder lining.to help your sensitive bladder, limit those coffees, teas and carbonated beverages (or at least past 3pm). These drinks promote the production of urine.

Bye, Bye Barista

Talk to a Doctor: Weak Bladder

Your sensitive bladder is trainable: talk to your doctor about a plan for visiting the bathroom each day. Remember, allow your bladder to empty completely each time.

Set a Schedule

ADP - Incontinence pants by Always Discreet

Incontinence pants by Always Discreet

Urine Colour: What Does It Mean?

If you notice an unusual odour when urinating, it may be related to the food consumed containing substances that change the smell of urine. This is often the case with asparagus.

You may also experience strong smelling urine after excessive alcohol or coffee consumption.

Certain medications can affect the colour and odour of urine. Changes in odour can also be a result of taking vitamins, particularly B vitamins.

Sometimes, urine can smell like ammonia. Why is that? This is often due to insufficient fluid intake, which leads to an excess of ammonia in the urine. In such cases, you should just drink more water.


Urine smells differently — what does that mean?

Incontinence and Sport

ADP - How to do pelvic floor exercises

How to do pelvic floor exercises


Lifting heavy objects is really bad for the pelvic floor… and your back. It’s best to ask for help from those around you.

No Heavy Lifting

Dr. Jessica Muir 

Smiling middle-aged woman standing near the window

Dr Anne Henderson image

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Always Discreet long pads, sensitive bladder, 5 drops, 10 count, without wings, complete protection. Plastic pack front panel in purple, Always logo dark purple.

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