Can smelly urine indicate pus in the urethra instead of kidney problems?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Smelly urine is often caused by underlying urinary tract issues, most commonly pus in the urethra or kidney-related conditions such as infections, kidney stones, or reduced kidney function. Other possible causes include dehydration, urinary tract infections (UTIs), certain foods, or metabolic changes that alter urine composition and odor.

Because a strong or unusual urine smell can signal anything from a minor issue to a more serious condition, identifying the cause early matters. The fastest way to narrow down what might be going on—and decide whether you need to see a doctor—is to take a free, instant, online symptom check. It only takes a few minutes, is backed by physicians, and gives you personalized insight into possible conditions and recommended next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

What brings you in today?

Can I treat this myself Do I need to see a doctor Where should I go for care I'm concerned about a symptom Concerned about a possible condition My symptoms are getting worse Seeking a second opinion

Not seeing your question? No worries.

Submit your own Question

Explanation

Urine odor can be affected by various health conditions. Reference 1 discusses how people with chronic kidney disease might notice changes in urine smell. This suggests that kidney problems can indeed cause smelly urine. However, the references provided do not specifically discuss pus in the urethra as a cause of smelly urine. Reference 2 talks about a bacterium called Staphylococcus saprophyticus, which can cause urinary tract infections, but it does not directly link to smelly urine or pus in the urethra in the context provided. Reference 3 focuses on how sports drinks affect urine but does not relate to smelly urine or pus. If you're experiencing unusual urine odor or other concerning symptoms, you can get personalized insights by taking a free symptom checker test to better understand what might be causing your symptoms. While smelly urine could be a sign of a urinary tract infection, which might involve pus, the references mainly highlight kidney-related issues as a cause of urine odor.

(References)

Griep MI, Van der Niepen P, Sennesael JJ, Mets TF, Massart DL, & Verbeelen DL. (1997). Odour perception in chronic renal disease. Nephrology, dialysis, transplantation : official publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Association, 9351071.
Hovelius B, & Mårdh PA. (1984). Staphylococcus saprophyticus as a common cause .... Reviews of infectious diseases, 6377440.
Goodman JW, Asplin JR, & Goldfarb DS. (2009). Effect of two sports drinks on urinary lithogenicity. Urological research, 19066876.

Thinking about asking ChatGPT?Ask me instead

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Was this page helpful?

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.