Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection that is caused by a parasite. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Dont neglect cold-related diseases, as they are often responsible for genitourinary diseases. It . It has an ammonia-like smell to it and am really worried. Dehydration can cause your body to produce a strong-smelling substance called ketones, which can make your discharge smell like ammonia. Ammonia is a common by-product of a UTI, and when it escapes from your bladder it can create that characteristic ammonia smell. During this phase, your ovaries will cease producing the progesterone and estrogen hormones. In many cases, the discharge is watery, though there are instances where you could notice an ammonia smelling discharge that could range in colors from white to golden. Blood Clots During Period (Jelly-like, Big) With Pain & White Tissue Is It a Miscarriage? You can also ask your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. Mood swings. You should note that you cannot get the condition from engaging in sexual intercourse, from using a public swimming pool or a public restroom. Is stomach cramps a symptom of vaginitis or UTi when my urin, Has anyone experienced foul smelling wind on Victoza, delayed period and brown vaginal discharge. In men, trichomoniasis rarely causes symptoms. High levels of ammonia can irritate and burn the skin, mouth, throat, lungs, and eyes. There are many potential causes for an ammonia smelling discharge. This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. Everything You Need to Know About Vaginal Infections, thin, watery discharge thats white or gray, thoroughly cleaning your vulva with warm water, paying close attending to folds in your labia, wearing 100 percent cotton underwear, which makes it easier for sweat to evaporate off your body, avoiding tight pants, which make it harder for sweat to evaporate off your body, not douching, as it disrupts the balance of bacteria in your vagina, drinking plenty of water, especially when exercising, wiping from front to back to reduce your risk of getting a bacterial infection, wearing 100 percent cotton underwear and loose-fitting pants, regularly washing your vulva with warm water, wearing panty liners or frequently changing your underwear if youre prone to urine leakage. This has been attributed to infections and the presence of bacteria in the womens vaginal regions. Ammonia Smell. It is known that womans lifestyle, quality of food and general health affect the characteristics of vaginal secretion and its smell. And if there's something wrong with the liver, it could lead to ammonia smell in nose. Pickles and ice cream! After a while it got worse, discharge would just run down my legs and stain my bedsheets. In the case of women who normally experience regular vaginal discharge, they are likely to note an increase in the amounts of the vaginal discharge. Monitor what you eat and treat the underlying conditions. 3 Reasons For Foul Smelling Stool And What Can You Do About It, What Every Woman Should Know About Post-Ovulatory Cervical Mucus. But another reason why foul-smelling discharge is so concerning to the expecting mom is that it could be a sign of a miscarriage. CAS No. A Group Owner is a member that has initiated the creation of a group to connect with other members to share their journey through the same pregnancy & baby stages. Common Causes of the Ammonia Smell in Urine. One common change in discharge smell during early pregnancy is an . Eggs, meat, and other high-protein foods are also known to come with large amounts of nitrogen, which then leads to the excretion of excess urea and ammonia. Certain foods such as asparagus, brussels sprouts, onions, garlic, curry, salmon, and alcohol can cause pee to smell different. There are many possible causes for this, some of which will resolve on their own while others are more serious. It can also cause itching, burning, and redness around the vagina. Urethritis, which is an inflammation of urethra, develops due to the penetration of pathogenic bacteria and viruses into a microflora. After the second lumpectomy/partial mastectomy, it was completely gone. There are certain foods that can affect how bodily discharges smell. It can cause a foul-smelling, yellowish-green discharge. Some of the most common causes of ammonia smelling vaginal discharges include: Menopause. High ammonia levels are life-threatening and require immediate medical treatment. Ammonia is also found in many household and industrial cleaners. If so, youre not alone. Been having a lot of very light yellow discharge that is very wet. Check if your vaginal discharge is normal. However, when the odor of the vaginal discharge in a woman changes and becomes foul smelling, she should visit a doctor. Heres how to use garlic to get rid of the ammonia smell in vaginal discharge. In this article, well outline some of the more frequent reasons for constant unpleasant smells, how you can tell what you have, and what the recommended treatments are. Treatments: To combat unpleasant-smelling sweat, maintain good hygiene with daily baths or showers. In addition to all those apocrine glands, your groin contains lots of bacteria, making it a perfect environment for odors, including those that smell like ammonia. This could be caused by mild urinary incontinence. The leakage causes a foul-smelling discharge. How to prevent vaginal odors after menstruation. Your urine is a combination of water and waste products, including urea. Not all vaginal discharges are known to have strong odors. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. the ammonia or fish smelling discharge, or vaginal discharge that is, Start looking for a viable treatment option, In some cases, you may wait it out to see whether the odor will disappear on its own, Bath on a regular basis, and ensure that your trim your pubic hairs regularly. An ammonia-like smell in your vagina might be alarming at first, but its usually nothing serious. Seems smart to ask your doctor. In the case of bacterial vaginosis, the woman needs to make sure that it gets treated, as it may lead to the emergence of various pregnancy-related complications that may include: Sweating occurs mostly in the armpits, but it is a natural phenomenon to sweat in your private areas. This can happen after period and in early pregnancy and can be very embarrassing. Please specify a reason for deleting this reply from the community. Changes in consciousness. Acidic Menopause Smells. Treatment is normally cauterization. I shower and put clean underwear on and in a couple of hours my underwear smell of ammonia. Urine can have a brown color and contain mucus. This hormone is responsible for the increase in the production of the secretions from the sweat and sebaceous glands. Brownish, Smelly Discharge After Bladder Infection? The infection can also cause discomfort during sex, vaginal itching, pain when passing urine and occasionally stomach pains. Patients with liver disease often experience the following symptoms: If your symptoms persist or you are worried about them, arrange to speak with a doctor. Ammonia smelling discharge occurs mainly due to bacterial imbalance in the vaginal region, leading to bacterial vaginosis. Doctors arent exactly sure why this happens. I cant tell its happening but it clearly is. Increase Fluid Intake, this helps keep the body hydrated and also helps to prevent the concentration of urine. Many people mistake the odor to be coming from the vaginal discharge, but in actual fact, you will find that it is brought about by the foul odor in the urineas it contains lots of urea and ammonia, which then ends up trickling to your undergarments. Ammonia Smelling Discharge Early Pregnancy: When you are pregnant, your body goes through many changes. Cystitis is another inflammatory process of bladder. An odor similar to bleach or ammonia . I was thinking urine too but dont feel like Im peeing.. In this article, you can find out what the discharge with a smell of ammonia mean and how to get rid of it. (2014). It is easy for people to think you smell urine when the problem is entirely something else. These can include foods like asparagus and broccoli. Antibiotic Medication. Failure to eliminate this bad bacterium means that it may start to move up your bladder, and it could lead to the development of vaginal infections, as well as tiny microbes, which may lead to further complications. Why does my discharge smell like ammonia. Once this sweat starts combining with the bleach in your underwear, it will lead to the formation of the ammonia smell. 2. If you eat a new food that causes your urine to smell different, you might notice the smell lingering due to dried urine around your vagina or in your underwear. One change that may occur early on in your pregnancy is an increase in the amount of discharge you produce. Anhydrous ammonia is hygroscopic. Avoid engaging in sexual intercourse with various partners, Do not engage in unprotected sexual intercourse, Do not use perfumed soaps or vaginal deodorants. Smelling ammonia usually happens towards the end of a long or challenging workout and is a strong indicator that you have been burning protein as fuel. You will need to drink this solution on a daily basis, Alternatively, take 150g of baking powder and place it in your bath water. It provides barrier function: retention of foreign microorganisms. Kegel's exercises and caffeine elimination are simple measures that can often control mild urinary Why does my vaginal discharge smell like miknee or ammonia? However, if youre concerned, and the phantosmia has gone on for a while, see a medical professional. Treatment at home is possible. If lifestyle modifications are not enough, you may need drugs or surgery. The bacterial imbalance then leads to the occurrence of bacterial vaginosis. It can be caused by harmful microorganisms and overcooling. Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. Nasal congestion may be relieved with sprays containing oxymetazoline, which constricts nasal blood vessels. Food cravings in pregnancy: hypotheses, preliminary evidence, and directions for future research. Lasts for three to four days. This is also the case with phantosmia caused by sinusitis. Here are 9 causes of smelly urine. This scent of discharge is diluted with a smell of rotten fish, and mucus acquires grayish shade. Vaginal Dryness. Women who take regular baths, and who make use of high-quality soaps and non-scented products are not often bothered by this condition. Urinary and Kidney Team. Many women report noticing an ammonia-like smell early in their pregnancy. Trichomoniasis. In this fluid, there are old cells that used to line the vagina. The smell goes away once you or a healthcare provider removes the . Normal vaginal discharge is clear or milky, with its thickness and structure varying with the menstrual cycle. Any odors during your period can also fluctuate. The use of bleach when washing or rinsing the panties may lead to the emergence of the foul ammonia smell. there is no discharge, tested for std's. You can use local suppositories, douche with the above-mentioned solutions, bath with medicinal herbs and warmings. It makes you feel like you're going a bit nutty. 3. Urine odor: Is smelly urine a symptom of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)? They are extremely easy to use, and most of them can be found in many homes. Create an account or log in to participate. If you observe white or yellowish lumps in the mucus, bad smell, unbearable itching and burning, this is a fungal disease called Candidiasis, popularly known as thrush. If you feel a message or content violates these standards and would like to request its removal please submit the following information and our moderating team will respond shortly. If youre concerned about the smell of your discharge, its important to see your doctor. (2017). DOI: Majeroni BA. Ammonia is marked by its foul, overwhelming odor, which can quickly overcome those who inhale the fumes. We avoid using tertiary references. m. MommyMichelle1234. Cameron LE. I have brown discharge and need imediate answers. If the liver works normally, this substance is excreted via the urine. Sweating. There is a simple test that can be done a Dr. Frank Kuitems and another doctor agree. 1. 7 Urine That Smells Like Ammonia. The good bacteria in the vaginal region should always outnumber bad bacteria. A vaginal discharge can be caused by a variety of things like STDs, and yeast or bacterial infections. sometimes it smells fishy and other times it smells like urine or ammonia. 6 Causes of Foul-Smelling Stool. Mayo Clinic Staff. Here are some common body signals you should pay attention to: 1. Cant remember what I was taking pre pregnancy, but it made my urine smell like a perm . It is, however, important to remember that poor hygiene is not always the cause of the foul ammonia odor. Every vagina has its own odor. The cleanup process involves the secretion of a bloody discharge called lochia. For me it was not an infection or leak the doctor said it could have been urine.. still dont know what it was for sure but everything was fine. Hopefully your doctor gets back to you soon! Pyelonephritis is an inflammation of kidneys and their pelvises, which makes such smell and is accompanied by frequent urination, back pain, shiver, weakness, perspiration and dizziness. It is easily compressed and forms a clear, colorless liquid under pressure. Sometimes pee leaks out sneakily without the sensation of peeing. Increased nasal sensitivity. Additional factors that have been known to cause this discomfort include: Traditionally, the vagina is known to house a number of good bacteria, whose main role is to ensure that there is an acidic pH in the vagina. Here are two of the most common causes: Bacterial vaginosis is a condition that occurs when the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted. Chronic Pelvic Pain: Can Recurrent UTIs Cause PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease)? Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. In the majority of cases, ammonia smelling discharge happens due to bacterial vaginosis, which is an infection of the female reproductive system. There's also a chance that the smell is actually coming from your urine, especially if you're dehydrated. However, you should only use these treatments for a maximum of 14 days, or they can be counterproductive, actually increasing congestion. Note that once you confirm, this action cannot be undone. Its unclear why this happens, but its likely related to changes in diet or infection. Eat in a balanced manner, exclude strict diets and bad habits. Some medical preparations or multivitamin complexes change the composition and smell of discharge. Many women with bacterial vaginosis report noticing a fishy smell coming from their vagina, but others smell a more chemical odor, similar to ammonia. To learn more, please visit our. What pathologies make the discharge smell like ammonia? Hopefully it helps the leaking , This is so funny I thought women only leaked urine after theyve had babies I was not prepared for this, They are having me be seen tomorrow so at least I can get some reassurance, Hey :) I'm just wondering what the outcome was? Written by Shria Kumar, MD. This odor should, however,not a be foul smelling one. It is quite anyoying smelling something that no one else can smell. UTI Risk Groups: Who Should See A Doctor Even With The Slightest Suspicion Of A UTI? Note to reader: This fact sheet is intended to provide general awareness and education on a specific chemical agent. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. Learn what to look for, and when. This discharge can be different in color, consistency, and smell. Dehydration - When you fail to take in sufficient amounts of water, chemicals in urine tend to be very concentrated . Treatments: The treatment you receive for liver disease will depend on the underlying cause. I noticed it the most around 16-20 weeks and got really self conscious. Anesthetics can numb the nerve cells in the nose. Your email address will not be published. Treating this symptom is going to depend on what is causing it. can it cause it to smell pungent or ammonia like? Doctors have been referring to it as a matter of cleanliness, and not necessarily biology. Bacterial vaginosis is a common cause of an ammonia smelling discharge. For many women, this foul vaginal discharge tends to be very disconcerting. Strong malodor: A strong smell can be detected at a distance of 6-10 feet only when the dressing is removed, or the wound is partially exposed. Its symptoms also include burning and itching. Why Does My Vagina Smell Like Onions and How Is It Treated? It's unclear why this happens, but it's likely related to changes in diet or infection. Apart from the home remedies discussed above, you will find that there are women who turn to antifungals and antibiotics in the event that their smelly discharges have been caused by serious vaginal infections. The sinuses cavities behind your nose and mouth, usually filled with air, become infected with bacteria, fungi, or viruses, and blocked with fluid. In some cases, you will find that the infection is accompanied by a foul odor. It is important to see a doctor to determine the cause so that the appropriate treatment can be given. If youre pregnant and notice any symptoms of bacterial vaginosis, contact your doctor immediately. Ammonia smelling discharge is more likely to happenin women who have entered the period of menopause. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Regardless of whether you are going through menopause, if you experience vaginal discharge that smells like ammonia, and especially if you also have other symptoms that may range from pain to a change in your menstrual cycle, you are advised to seek medical attention. A sexually transmitted infection that's sometimes called trichomoniasis can cause an ammonia-like odor in vaginal discharge. Like you, I dont feel like I'm leaking but maybe thats what it is , hey sorry just seeing this! If, after these measures, you still experience an ammonia smell in nose, see a doctor to assess whether you have kidney or liver disease. Your sweat is released through two types of sweat glands, called eccrine and apocrine glands. But, if the underwear has not been rinsed properly it can still carry the smell of the bleach. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, after delivery, during menopause and puberty affects the smell of secretion. You can also buy nasal drops and sprays from your local drugstore. Sorry to say, but if its smells like ammonia, its pee. totally common to have less control over your bladder in pregnancy. get those pelvic floor exercises in!! This is mostly due to bacterial digestion of apocrine sweat. One possibility is that you may have a urinary tract infection (UTI). (2013). (2014). Watery discharge. To use garlic, you can use it in your dishes, or choose to consume raw garlic each day. Consult the urologist and endocrinologist, as these specialists usually understand the meaning of such symptoms. How to eliminate a smell of ammonia from the discharge? This infection is caused by parasite and can be treated with antibiotics. Dr. Kaaki says the number one reason for bad-smelling urine is dehydration. Treatment for Ammonia Smelling Discharge. Brown or greenish discharge. But, for the smelly discharge lasting for more than a week or two, it is recommended you seek immediate medical help to determine what is causing the problem. Other symptoms of postmenopausal atrophic vaginitis include: Some symptoms can be easily managed by using a natural, water-based lubricant. After intercourse, make sure to urinate, as this will allow the elimination of the bad bacteria present in and around the vaginal region. The two kidneys are situated immediately above the waist at the rear abdominal region on either side of the spine. The smell varied between rotten and ammonia, cat pee like. However, when the balance between the bad and good bacteria is impaired, bacterial vaginosiscan occur. Less commonly, strong smelling urine can also be caused by infection, high blood sugar, or liver damage. 2005-2023Everyday Health, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. "You always have a certain amount of ammonia in your urine. Home / Women's Health / 6 Causes of Ammonia Smelling Discharge- and How to Prevent It. Causes. I havent experienced this, but sometimes urine smells like ammonia to me? Vaginal discharge requires an examination to determine the cause and treatment. HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. If you think you may have trichomoniasis, its important to see a doctor so that you can be treated. I bet they will get back to you tomorrow! In addition to hormone replacement therapy, which can help with the other signs of menopause, regular washing can help keep the ammonia scent away. The treatment for non infectious cervicitis is not antibiotics!! When the tissue lining the sinuses becomes swollen and inflamed, this is called sinusitis. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. . Furthermore, when women who are going throughmenopause do not drink plenty of water, there is a high concentration of ammonia in the urine, and so the foul smell can alsooriginatefrom the urine and not from the vaginal discharge in such cases. Some causes of vaginal discharge can be treated with home remedies. Damage to the kidneys can cause accumulation of fluid and waste products, which results in nausea, vomiting, swollen ankles, insomnia, and breathlessness. Certain changes can occur and lead to issues like ammonia smelling discharges. Ammonia-smelling discharge during pregnancy can be caused by either bacterial vaginosis or concentrated urine. Most women describe it as a musky or slightly sour smell, which are both normal. Another possibility is that youre not drinking enough water. It bleached my underwear. Like urine color, the smell of your urine can be a clue about your body's condition. It may be an isolated symptom, but it can also occur with any of the following: Vaginal Itching. Have you ever noticed that your vaginal discharge sometimes smells like ammonia? This causes thinning of your vaginal wall as well as inflammation. If the excretion is accompanied by a burning sensation in the vaginal area, then it may have been caused by chlamydia infection. Failure to consume enough water then causes the formation of highly concentrated urine, leading to the pungent odor. In some cases, the unusual smell could be the result of bacterial vaginosis. Non-sugary and non-flavored yogurt helps in restoring the pH levels of your vagina while getting rid of the foul smelling discharge that is obviously bothering you. I think its normal because it happened last time to me too! are also seen to spearhead a foul ammonia smell. Other factors like concentrated urine, nitrogen-rich diet, excessive sweating, etc. Very high levels of ammonia can damage . Symptoms of this disease include smell of ammonia, cutting pain during urination, and discharge from the urethra. Bacterial vaginosis can be treated with antibiotics. Additional factors that have been known to cause this discomfort include: Taking a diet that is rich in nitrogen. Its symptoms also include burning and itching. Thus, the balance between the bad and good bacteria is maintained. The usual scent of vaginal dischargeis different in every woman. Therefore, the causes of ammoniac smell can be as follows: The reasons of discharge that smells of ammonia in women also have a pathological character. Additional symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include: Some cases of bacterial vaginosis go away on their own, but others require antibiotics. During menopause, cystitis is amore frequent guest due to the age-related alterations. If the inflammation continues for 4-8 weeks, this is known as, Sinusitis lasting more than 8 weeks is termed, If the patient has several sinusitis episodes a year, this is, Pain and swelling in the abdominal region. When a woman experience ammonia smelling discharge, it is rarely due to poor personal hygiene. It is important to get diagnosed, determine the cause and receive a correct treatment in time.