*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or view any of our Previous A to Z Features.

You should also know that OutUK has produced a special report about: Coronavirus Covid-19.

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This Week - U : Urine That's Smelly

Smelly pee on its own is not usually a cause for concern. There are often things you can do to help your pee return to normal.

Common causes of smelly pee

Pee is usually clear or pale yellow, with a mild smell.

Things that can often make your pee smell stronger include:

certain types of food and drink, like asparagus or coffee
not drinking enough fluids (dehydration)
some medicines
vitamin B6 supplements

If you have other symptoms such as pain when peeing, peeing more often than usual and pee that looks cloudy, you may have a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Less often, smelly pee can be caused by other conditions such as type 2 diabetes or kidney stones.

Things you can do if you have smelly pee

There are some things you can do to help keep your pee clear and smelling mild.

Do

drink plenty of fluids, particularly water, so that you pee regularly during the day and do not feel thirsty
drink more in hot weather and when exercising

Don't

do not drink a lot of sugary fizzy drinks, coffee or alcohol
do not eat a lot of garlic or asparagus - they contain strong-smelling chemicals that can pass into your pee
do not take more than 10mg of vitamin B6 a day

See a GP if:

You have smelly pee and:

you need to pee suddenly, more often than usual, or during the night
you have pain or a burning sensation when peeing
your pee looks cloudy

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

You have smelly pee and:

there's blood in your pee
you have lower tummy pain
you have pain in your back, under the ribs
you feel tired and unwell
you feel confused or agitated
you have a very high temperature, or you feel hot and shivery
your temperature is very low

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

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We'll have more information and advice next week on another topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this week's subject you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com.