The smell of fresh urine is usually rather neutral if you drink enough (usually about one and a half to two litres a day) and empty the bladder at regular intervals. But sometimes even fresh urine can have a strong smell, and there can be several reasons for this.
The different urine smells
Why does my pee smell? Possible causes
Strong urine smell: when to see a doctor
Tips on how to avoid smelly urine
Healthy skin is more resistant to infection. So, it’s essential to keep the genital area clean and healthy to maintain or improve the skin’s ability to protect itself against infection. To avoid unpleasant odours, you should not only think of how to avoid a urinary tract infection but also include a good skincare regime, e.g. using skincare products specifically designed for intimate care that keep the skin in good condition.
How to reduce the risk of a urinary tract infection
- Be extra attentive if there is any previous history of a urinary tract infection, or if a person has been assessed to be at risk.
- Drink enough fluids to stay properly hydrated
- Try to avoid prolonged skin exposure to urine (i.e. wet products containing a lot of urine)
- Use products with materials that keep the skin dry (e.g. by wicking away the urine into the product core to keep it away from the skin).
- Employ toileting routines that facilitate a complete bladder and bowel emptying, since residual urine could be a risk of urinary tract infection.
- Wipe from front to back after a bowel movement, to avoid transferring bowel bacteria to the urinary tract.
- Remove products soiled with faeces immediately – from front to back.
- Avoid harsh soap sensitive areas around the genitals, as it can cause imbalance and irritation. Always choose skincare and cleansing products with a low pH (pH 4.0-6.0). This is especially important for aged and sensitive skin.
- Use TENA wash cream or wet wash gloves to clean fragile skin, and TENA barrier cream for extra skin protection.
- Dry the skin gently after cleaning and before putting on a new incontinence product, since bacteria grow better in moist areas. Expose to air if possible.
How to reduce the risk of a urinary tract infection
Asking 'why does my pee smell?' can provide important information
https://www.livestrong.com/article/526250-foods-that-cause-smelly-urine/
https://www.livestrong.com/article/471818-the-effect-of-vitamin-supplements-on-urine/
https://www.pacificmenshealth.org/blog/6-reasons-your-pee-stinks