Dark, smelly urine in men: what it can mean

When the body has less fluid available, urine becomes more concentrated and may look darker with a stronger odour. Heat, sweating, exercise, vomiting, diarrhoea, and low fluid intake can contribute to dehydration. Foods, vitamins, and medicines can also alter colour or smell. Dark urine with yellowing of the eyes or skin, pale stools, nausea, or discomfort under the right ribs can occur with liver inflammation such as hepatitis. Burning, urgency, fever, or pain in the side may point to a urinary problem rather than simple concentration.

If you feel well and have no fluid restriction, drink water regularly and observe whether the urine becomes lighter. Replace fluids after heavy sweating and avoid relying on alcohol for hydration. Note recent foods, supplements, medicines, exercise, and any urinary or digestive symptoms. Do not stop prescribed treatment without advice. If the colour or smell remains changed after hydration, arrange a clinical review for a urine test and other checks.

Seek urgent care for confusion, fainting, inability to keep fluids down, very little urine, severe side or abdominal pain, or high fever. Prompt assessment is also needed for blood in the urine, yellow skin or eyes, or dark urine with pale stools. These signs can occur with significant dehydration, heat exhaustion, liver disease, or another condition requiring treatment.

Could dehydration explain the change, or should I have urine and blood tests? Could any medicine or supplement be responsible? What symptoms would mean I should seek urgent help?