See a doctor when your urine looks or smells strange

Smelly urine isn’t always a cause for concern. In many cases, it may be due to something in your diet. For example, asparagus is a common cause.

“Asparagus contains an acid that causes a strong sulfur-like odor in your urine,” said Dr. Emily von Bargen, a urogynecologist. Cheeky Bonsai“Foods containing fish, onions, garlic, Brussels sprouts, coffee and curry can also cause a noticeable change in odor.” He adds that if the bad smell is coming from food, it usually goes away within a day or two.

In addition, there are some daily habits and factors that can affect the smell and appearance of urine that aren’t a sign of an underlying problem. “Think about the more common factors that can give your urine a new smell: hydration status, diet, supplements and vitamins, and hygiene products,” Klose said. Also, holding your urine for too long can create a strange odor.

Overall, if the smell or color doesn’t return to normal quickly, Orbuch recommends contacting your doctor for a formal evaluation. This will likely include diagnostic tests to determine the root cause of the smell and/or color change.

This article was originally published here HuffPost.