A smell of urine when you open your legs could indicate several underlying health issues or lifestyle factors. Let's explore the possibilities.
Possible Causes of Urine-like Odor
Several factors can contribute to a urine-like odor emanating from the genital area, even without visible urine. These include:
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Bacterial Vaginosis: This common vaginal infection causes an unpleasant odor, sometimes described as fishy or similar to urine. (Source: There are quite a few reasons why your pants might smell like urine (ammonia), such as: Bacterial Vaginosis.)
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Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): While UTIs often present with other symptoms like burning during urination, a subtle urine odor can be a sign of a less severe infection. (Source: There are quite a few reasons why your pants might smell like urine (ammonia), such as: Urinary Tract Infection.)
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Menopause: Hormonal changes during menopause can affect vaginal pH, leading to odor. (Source: There are quite a few reasons why your pants might smell like urine (ammonia), such as: Menopause.)
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Dehydration: Concentrated urine due to dehydration can have a stronger smell. (Source: A simple and obvious reason for pee / pants smelling more strongly of ammonia is dehydration. Less liquid means urine is more concentrated and…)
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Dietary Intake: Certain foods high in sulfur compounds can affect the odor of sweat and urine. (Source: Urine odor is usually the result of dietary intake, with most odor the result of sulfur compounds that you encounter in proteins or high sulfur…)
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Kidney Disease: Kidney problems can lead to a buildup of urea, causing sweat and urine to smell like ammonia. (Source: Kidney disease can cause build of urea and make your sweat and urine smell like ammonia.)
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Trimethylaminuria ("fish odor syndrome"): This rare metabolic disorder causes body odor, including urine, sweat, and breath, to smell like fish. (Source: ...smelling like other things – that can affect the: breath; sweat; pee; vaginal fluids.)
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Urinary Incontinence (Leakage): Small amounts of urine might be leaking unnoticed, causing a persistent odor. (Source: Sometimes, urine leaking can cause urine to build up on your underwear or skin. This can lead to a smelly groin.)
What to Do
If you experience a persistent urine-like odor from your genital area, consult a healthcare professional. They can accurately diagnose the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment. Self-treating can be risky, so medical evaluation is crucial.
