You may notice that your urine smells different during the early recovery period after prostate surgery. This is often related to concentrated urine, certain foods, medicines or supplements, or urine collecting in a catheter drainage bag.
A temporary change in odour is not always a sign of infection. Small amounts of blood may also occur during recovery, but bleeding should be assessed separately from urine smell.
A stronger or unusual urine smell does not always mean there is a problem. Smell alone does not diagnose a urinary tract infection. Infection becomes more concerning when the odour is accompanied by new symptoms such as fever, shivering, suprapubic pain, worsening discomfort, new or worsening visible blood beyond what your surgical team advised you to expect, confusion or feeling generally unwell.
For you, the most important thing is to understand which changes are commonly seen during recovery and which need medical attention. A temporary change in urine smell is often part of the healing process, but worsening symptoms should never be ignored. If you are unsure whether a symptom is normal, it is always sensible to seek advice from your medical team.
Why Urine Smell Can Change After Surgery
After prostate surgery, your body goes through several changes that can affect the smell of your urine. You may be drinking less fluid, moving around less, taking new medications, or recovering with a urinary catheter in place. These factors can all influence how your urine looks and smells during the healing period.
One of the most common reasons for stronger-smelling urine is dehydration. If you are not drinking enough fluid, your urine becomes more concentrated, which can make the smell more noticeable. Increasing your fluid intake, if advised by your healthcare team, may help reduce this effect.
If you have a catheter, you may notice urine odour more than usual because the urine collects in tubing and a drainage bag. Unlike normal urination, the urine remains in the system for longer periods, which can make smells easier to detect. For you, this means a temporary change in urine odour does not always indicate a serious problem.
The Catheter Is a Common Reason
If you have recently had prostate surgery, you will usually have a urinary catheter in place while the connection between your bladder and urethra heals. The catheter continuously drains urine into a collection bag, helping protect the surgical repair during the early recovery period. This is a normal part of recovery for many patients.
Urine odour may be more noticeable because urine is collected in a drainage bag close to your body rather than being flushed directly into a toilet. Concentrated urine, residue around the outlet tap or a bag that needs emptying can make the smell easier to detect.
However, having a catheter can increase your risk of developing a urinary tract infection. If you notice strong-smelling urine together with symptoms such as cloudy urine, blood in the urine, fever, discomfort, or feeling unwell, you should contact your healthcare team. For you, it is important to look at the whole picture rather than focusing on the smell alone.
Concentrated Urine Can Smell Stronger
One of the most common reasons your urine may smell stronger after prostate surgery is that it has become more concentrated. This can happen if you are drinking less than usual because you feel tired, nauseous, bloated, or concerned about managing your catheter. Reduced fluid intake means there is less water to dilute the waste products in your urine.
When your urine is more concentrated, it often appears darker and may have a stronger smell. In many cases, this change is temporary and improves once you start drinking enough fluids again. Paying attention to your hydration can be an important part of your recovery.
If your healthcare team has not advised you to limit fluids, drinking water regularly may help reduce the smell and keep your urine lighter in colour. For you, staying well hydrated can support both healing and urinary health. If the smell persists despite good fluid intake or is accompanied by other symptoms, you should seek medical advice.
Why Hydration Matters After Prostate Surgery
Drinking enough fluid, according to your postoperative instructions, can help prevent concentrated urine and support catheter drainage. It may also reduce constipation, which can sometimes contribute to drainage problems.
Hydration is important for more than just your urinary system. Drinking enough fluids can support healthy bowel function, which is particularly helpful after surgery when constipation is common. For you, avoiding constipation may also reduce discomfort and minimise pressure on the bladder and pelvic area during recovery.
Unless you have been given a fluid restriction, aim to drink regularly so that your urine remains a pale colour. Follow your own clinical team’s advice if you have heart failure, kidney disease or another condition that affects fluid intake.
What Does Blood in the Urine Mean?
Small amounts of blood or debris can occur while your urinary tract and bladder-to-urethra connection are healing. Movement and irritation from the catheter may sometimes make the urine look pink or lightly blood-stained.
Blood in the urine should be considered separately from changes in urine odour. Contact your surgical team if the bleeding becomes bright red, increases rather than settles, repeatedly fills the tubing, produces large clots or reduces catheter drainage.
Large clots can block the catheter and require urgent assessment. Do not attempt to flush or remove the catheter unless your urology team has trained and instructed you to do so.
Blood staining can occur after radical prostatectomy, but large clots or solid debris require advice because they may obstruct catheter drainage.
Medication Can Change Urine Smell
Some of the medications you take after prostate surgery can affect the smell of your urine. Certain medicines, antibiotics, vitamins and supplements can change urine odour or colour. The effect depends on the specific product, and many commonly prescribed postoperative medicines do not cause a noticeable change.
Certain medicines can alter the smell or colour of your urine directly. Others may affect your hydration levels, appetite, or bowel function, which can indirectly make your urine smell stronger. For you, this means that a change in urine odour may sometimes be related to your treatment rather than an infection or complication.
You should not stop taking any prescribed medication simply because your urine smells different. If you are concerned that a medicine may be contributing to the change, speak with your surgical team, GP, or pharmacist. They can advise whether the medication is a likely cause and whether any action is needed.
Diet Can Also Play a Role
What you eat and drink can sometimes affect the smell of your urine after prostate surgery. Foods such as asparagus, coffee, strong spices, and certain vitamins or supplements are known to make urine smell more noticeable. If you have recently changed your diet, this may explain a temporary difference in urine odour.
During recovery, your eating habits may not be the same as usual. You may be eating smaller meals, choosing different foods, or using nutritional drinks and supplements to support healing. These changes can also influence how your urine smells.
If you notice a change in urine odour after a particular food or drink and otherwise feel well, it is often not a cause for concern. However, you should not assume diet is the only explanation if you also have symptoms such as fever, pain, cloudy urine, or feeling generally unwell. For you, these additional symptoms are more important than the smell alone and should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Why the Catheter Bag May Smell
Sometimes the smell you notice after prostate surgery may not be coming from your urine alone. It can also come from the catheter bag, tubing, or the area where the catheter enters your body. Because urine collects in the drainage system, odours can become more noticeable over time.
The catheter bag may develop a stronger smell if urine has been sitting for a long period, if the bag becomes too full, or if the outside surface becomes contaminated. Regular emptying, keeping the system clean, and following good catheter hygiene can help reduce unpleasant smells.
You should follow the catheter-care instructions provided by your hospital. This usually includes cleaning around the catheter entry area as advised and checking for any changes that may suggest a problem. Proper catheter care can help reduce irritation and lower the risk of infection during your recovery.
How Often Should You Empty the Catheter Bag?
Empty the leg bag before it becomes completely full, usually when it is approximately half to three-quarters full or according to your hospital’s instructions.
An overfilled bag can make urine odour more noticeable, especially if urine remains in the bag for longer periods. Keeping the bag below the level of your bladder and making sure the tubing is not twisted or kinked can help urine drain effectively.
Before you leave hospital, your nurse should show you how to empty and manage the catheter bag safely. If you are unsure about any part of the process, ask your healthcare team for guidance. Correct catheter care is an important part of your recovery after prostate surgery.
Why Urine May Smell Worse in the Morning
Urine smell may be stronger in the morning because urine has collected in the night bag for several hours and you have usually consumed less fluid while asleep. Morning odour alone is less concerning if urine is flowing freely and you do not have fever, shivering, pain or other new symptoms.
For you, the smell alone is not always a sign of a problem, especially if you otherwise feel well. However, you should contact your healthcare team if the smell continues to worsen or is accompanied by cloudy urine, pain, fever, or feeling unwell. These symptoms may need further assessment.
When Smelly Urine May Be Normal
A mild or temporary change in your urine smell can be common after prostate surgery. This is particularly true during the early recovery period when you may still have a catheter, be taking new medications, and be adjusting to changes in your normal routine.
The smell may be less concerning if you do not have other symptoms such as fever, increasing pain, catheter blockage, severe burning, or feeling generally unwell. In some cases, the odour improves when you drink more fluids and your urine becomes less concentrated. However, you should always follow the specific advice provided by your own surgical team.
Recovery after surgery can involve changes that feel unusual or worrying. If you are unsure whether a change in urine smell is expected, it is sensible to contact your nurse specialist or surgical team for advice. Getting reassurance early can help you feel more confident during your recovery.
When Smelly Urine May Suggest Infection
Strong-smelling urine after prostate surgery can sometimes be a sign of infection, especially when it appears alongside other symptoms. These may include fever, chills, lower abdominal pain, burning when passing urine, worsening urgency, cloudy urine, blood-stained urine, or feeling generally unwell.
A urinary catheter can increase the risk of a urinary tract infection because it provides a pathway for bacteria to enter the urinary system. If an infection is suspected, your healthcare team may need to assess your catheter and decide whether any changes to your care are required.
After prostate surgery, it is not always easy to tell the difference between normal healing changes and a developing infection. For you, the key is to pay attention to new, worsening, or multiple symptoms occurring together. If you are concerned, contact your surgical team or healthcare provider for advice rather than waiting for symptoms to improve on their own.
What Different Urine Changes May Mean
| What You Notice | Possible Explanation | What You Should Do |
| Stronger smell but clear urine and no new symptoms | Concentrated urine, food, supplements or odour from the drainage bag | Follow your fluid advice, empty the bag and monitor |
| Dark yellow urine | Concentrated urine or reduced fluid intake | Drink according to your clinical plan unless you have a fluid restriction |
| Cloudy urine or sediment | Concentration, mucus, debris, blood or possible infection | Check drainage and contact your team if it persists or increases |
| Smell with fever, shivering or new suprapubic pain | Possible catheter-associated UTI requiring clinical assessment | Seek same-day medical assessment |
| Smell with new confusion or marked weakness | Possible infection or another acute illness | Seek urgent medical assessment |
| Pink or lightly blood-stained urine | Can occur during postoperative healing or from catheter irritation | Monitor and follow your discharge advice |
| Bright red bleeding or large clots | More significant bleeding with a risk of catheter blockage | Contact your urology team urgently |
| Little or no urine entering the bag | Kink, full bag, constipation, debris or catheter blockage | Perform basic checks and seek urgent advice if flow does not restart |
| Leakage with bladder pain and poor drainage | Possible catheter blockage | Contact your clinical team promptly |
What Is a Catheter-Associated UTI?
A catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is a urinary infection that is linked to having a urinary catheter in place. A catheter can provide a route for bacteria to enter the urinary system, which can increase the risk of infection during your recovery after prostate surgery.
NICE defines catheter-associated UTI as a symptomatic infection of the bladder or kidneys in someone who has a urinary catheter. When assessing symptoms shortly after catheter removal, healthcare professionals also consider the recent catheter and the timing of symptom onset.
For you, it is important to understand that finding bacteria in urine does not always mean you need antibiotics. Some people with catheters can have bacteria present without an active infection. Your symptoms, examination, and your healthcare team’s assessment are important when deciding whether treatment is needed.
Bacteria in Urine Does Not Always Mean Infection
When you have a urinary catheter, bacteria may sometimes be found in your urine even when you do not have an active infection. This is known as asymptomatic bacteriuria, which means bacteria are present without causing symptoms.
The longer a catheter remains in place, the more likely bacteria may be detected in the urine. However, the presence of bacteria alone does not always mean that you need antibiotics. Your healthcare team will consider your symptoms, examination findings, and test results before deciding whether treatment is necessary.
You should not try to diagnose an infection yourself or take leftover antibiotics without medical advice. If you develop symptoms such as fever, pain, cloudy urine, worsening discomfort, or feeling unwell, contact your healthcare provider so they can assess the situation properly.
Evidence Note: Why Smell Alone Does Not Diagnose a Catheter-Associated UTI
NICE defines catheter-associated UTI as a symptomatic infection of the bladder or kidneys in a person with a urinary catheter. Bacteria become more likely to appear in urine the longer the catheter remains, and after one month nearly everyone with a catheter has bacteriuria. Antibiotics are not routinely required when bacteria are present without symptoms.
The updated 2025 UKHSA and NHS England diagnostic tool focuses on new clinical features such as fever, suprapubic pain, visible haematuria, delirium, functional decline and symptoms of kidney infection or sepsis. It also advises against using urine dipsticks to diagnose CAUTI in catheterised adults.
For you, this means that a strong smell, cloudy appearance or positive urine result should not be interpreted in isolation. Your overall symptoms, catheter function and clinical assessment determine whether treatment is needed.
UK Guidance Note
NICE recommends obtaining a urine sample before antibiotics are started when catheter-associated UTI is suspected. The sample should be taken from the catheter sampling port using an aseptic technique, or from the new catheter if it has been changed. Treatment should not be delayed when someone is seriously unwell.
If a symptomatic CAUTI is diagnosed and the catheter has been in place for more than seven days, the clinical team should consider removing it or changing it as soon as possible. Antibiotics are not routinely recommended for asymptomatic bacteriuria or as general prevention for people with a catheter.
NICE infection-control guidance also recommends maintaining a closed drainage system, avoiding unnecessary disconnection and emptying the bag often enough to maintain urine flow and prevent reflux.
Why You Should Not Start Antibiotics Without Advice
It can be tempting to ask for antibiotics as soon as you notice a strong or unpleasant urine smell after prostate surgery. However, antibiotics are not always the right treatment, particularly if you do not have other symptoms that suggest an infection.
Taking antibiotics when they are not needed can cause side effects and contributes to the wider problem of antibiotic resistance. In some cases, bacteria may be present in the urine without causing an infection that requires treatment. This is why your healthcare professional will assess your symptoms and test results before recommending antibiotics.
If you develop symptoms such as fever, chills, increasing pain, cloudy urine, or feeling generally unwell, you should seek medical advice promptly. The safest approach is to have your symptoms properly assessed rather than ignoring them or trying to treat yourself.
Burning After Catheter Removal
You may notice some burning or stinging when passing urine after your catheter is removed. This can happen because the urethra has had a tube inside it for a period of time, which can cause temporary irritation. For many patients, this discomfort improves within a short time as the tissues settle.
Mild stinging can occur briefly after catheter removal because the urethra may be irritated. It should improve rather than become progressively worse.
If the burning becomes worse instead of improving, or if you also have fever, cloudy urine, difficulty passing urine, or increasing discomfort, you should seek medical advice. It is important not to assume that every symptom is just a normal effect of having had a catheter.
Cloudy Urine and Smell Together
You may notice that your urine looks cloudy and smells stronger after prostate surgery. This can happen if your urine is concentrated, especially if you have not been drinking enough fluids. However, cloudy urine combined with a strong smell can also be a sign of a urinary tract infection, so the wider picture matters.
If the cloudiness improves after you increase your fluid intake and you otherwise feel well, it may be less concerning. However, you should seek medical advice if cloudy, strong-smelling urine continues or is accompanied by symptoms such as pain, fever, shivering, confusion, or feeling generally unwell.
If you have a catheter, you should follow your catheter-care instructions and monitor any changes carefully. Persistent changes in urine colour, thickness, or smell that do not improve should be discussed with your healthcare team so they can assess whether further checks are needed.
What If the Catheter Stops Draining?
A catheter that stops draining is more urgent than a change in urine smell alone. If urine is not flowing into the bag, your bladder can become uncomfortable or painfully full, and pressure may build within the urinary system while the surgical area is still healing.
You may notice symptoms such as lower abdominal pain, bladder spasms, urine leaking around the catheter, or little to no urine collecting in the bag despite drinking fluids. A blockage can sometimes happen because of blood clots, mucus, or other debris within the catheter tubing.
If your catheter stops draining, you should contact your surgical team, catheter nurse, emergency urology contact, NHS 111, or the service listed in your discharge instructions. Do not try to remove, flush, or adjust the catheter yourself unless you have been specifically trained and advised to do so by your healthcare team.
What If Urine Leaks Around the Catheter?
Some urine leakage around the catheter can happen after prostate surgery, especially if you are having bladder spasms or the catheter is irritated. However, leakage together with symptoms such as pain, a feeling of a very full bladder, reduced urine flow into the bag or heavy bleeding may suggest that the catheter is not draining properly. If this happens, you should seek medical advice promptly.
You can check that the catheter tubing is not twisted or kinked and that the drainage bag is positioned below the level of your bladder. If urine flow does not improve or you remain concerned, contact your healthcare team rather than waiting for the problem to resolve on its own.
Bladder Spasms Can Affect How Things Feel
Bladder spasms are sudden, involuntary contractions of the bladder muscle. After prostate surgery, you may experience them as cramping, a strong urge to pass urine, leakage around the catheter, or discomfort at the tip of the penis. These sensations can be uncomfortable, especially while you are still getting used to having a catheter.
Bladder spasms do not directly cause smelly urine. However, they can happen alongside catheter irritation and may make you more aware of changes in your urinary symptoms during recovery. Many men find these symptoms surprising, but they can be part of the healing process.
If your bladder spasms are frequent, painful, or affecting your comfort, you should let your surgical team know. They may check that the catheter is positioned correctly and advise whether any treatment or adjustments are needed to help manage the symptoms.
Why Hygiene Around the Catheter Matters
Good catheter hygiene is an important part of your recovery after prostate surgery. Keeping the area clean can help reduce the risk of bacteria building up around the catheter and entering the urinary tract.
- Gentle daily cleaning: Wash around the catheter entry area with mild, unperfumed soap and water unless your nurse advises otherwise.
- Avoid unnecessary pressure: Be careful not to pull, tug or put strain on the catheter while cleaning the area.
- Clean hands first: Wash your hands before and after touching the catheter, tubing or drainage bag.
- Reduce infection risk: Simple hygiene practices can help prevent bacteria from spreading and support safer recovery.
- Follow your care instructions: Your surgical team may provide specific advice depending on your individual situation.
Keeping the catheter area clean does not mean using harsh products or cleaning excessively. Gentle care and good hand hygiene are usually the most effective ways to protect yourself while the catheter is in place.
Should You Clean the Catheter Bag?
Your hospital team should explain how to manage your catheter bag before you go home. Many patients use a smaller leg bag during the day and connect to a larger night drainage bag while sleeping. Understanding how to handle the system correctly can make your recovery easier and reduce unnecessary problems.
You should avoid disconnecting the catheter system unless you have been advised to do so. Unnecessary disconnection can increase the chance of bacteria entering the system. Your healthcare team will explain when and how bags should be changed or connected safely.
If the catheter bag develops a strong smell, leaks, appears dirty, or you are unsure about how to care for it, contact your catheter nurse or surgical team for advice. Avoid using cleaning products or making changes to the system unless you have been specifically instructed to do so.
How Should You Manage the Catheter Bags?
Your hospital should explain whether your night bag is disposable or reusable and how often each bag should be changed. Local systems differ, so follow the instructions supplied with your equipment.
Try to keep the drainage system closed. Do not disconnect the catheter from the leg bag simply to clean it, and do not reconnect a used bag unless your clinical team has specifically told you that the system is designed for reuse.
Wash your hands before and after emptying or handling the bag. Keep the bag below bladder level, prevent the tubing from twisting and empty it before it becomes heavy or overfilled.
NICE recommends maintaining a sterile closed urinary drainage system and avoiding breaks in the connection except for a valid clinical reason.
Does Smelly Urine Mean the Surgery Has Failed?
A change in urine smell after prostate surgery does not mean that your operation has failed. In most cases, the smell is linked to factors such as concentrated urine, catheter use, hydration, medications, healing, or a possible urinary tract infection.
The success of your prostate cancer surgery is not judged by urine smell. Your surgical team will assess your recovery through factors such as your final pathology results, healing progress, and PSA monitoring after the operation. A different urine odour on its own does not show whether the cancer has been successfully treated.
However, your urinary symptoms are still important during recovery. If you develop signs such as fever, worsening pain, catheter blockage, cloudy urine, or feeling unwell, you should contact your healthcare team. Early assessment can help identify and treat problems before they become more serious.
What About Pelvic Pain and Smelly Urine?
Some pelvic discomfort is expected after prostate surgery as your body heals. However, if you notice worsening lower abdominal or pelvic pain together with strong-smelling urine, it may suggest a problem such as bladder irritation, infection, catheter blockage, or another complication that needs assessment.
You should not ignore pain that is severe, getting worse, or accompanied by symptoms such as fever, chills, feeling faint, confusion, or feeling generally unwell. These symptoms may indicate that you need medical advice sooner rather than later.
Your discharge information should explain who you should contact if you have concerns during recovery. If you cannot reach your surgical team and your symptoms feel urgent, seek advice through NHS 111 or emergency services depending on how severe your symptoms are.
Fever With Smelly Urine Needs Attention
A fever after prostate surgery should always be taken seriously, especially if it happens alongside cloudy or strong-smelling urine. While changes in urine smell can sometimes be harmless, a fever may suggest an infection that needs medical assessment.
A catheter-related infection can affect the bladder and, in some cases, may spread to the kidneys or become more serious if it is not treated. This is why you should pay attention to symptoms that appear together rather than focusing on urine smell alone.
You should seek urgent medical advice if you develop fever, chills, shivering, confusion, severe weakness, back pain, vomiting, or worsening urinary symptoms. If you feel unwell, do not wait for the smell to improve by itself before seeking help.
When Other Health Conditions Affect the Advice
Tell your healthcare team if you have diabetes, kidney disease, reduced immunity or another condition that may increase the risk of infection or complications. NICE advises considering earlier specialist assessment for people with underlying conditions such as diabetes or immunosuppression when catheter-associated UTI is suspected.
Your fluid advice may also need to be adjusted if you have heart or kidney problems. Do not increase your intake substantially without checking your personal discharge instructions.
The clinical team should assess your urine symptoms in the context of your surgery, catheter, existing conditions, medicines and general health rather than attributing the smell to one cause without examination.
What Your Team May Do If Infection Is Suspected
If your healthcare team suspects a urinary tract infection after prostate surgery, they will usually assess your symptoms and overall condition first. They may ask about changes such as urine smell, pain, fever, catheter problems, or how you have been feeling. They may also examine you and arrange a urine test if needed.
If you still have a catheter, the urine sample needs to be collected correctly to help provide accurate results. Your team may also check whether the catheter is functioning properly and consider whether it needs changing, particularly if it has been in place for a longer period.
Treatment depends on your individual situation, including your symptoms, urine results, allergies, kidney function, and local antibiotic guidance. For you, the important point is that treatment should be based on proper assessment rather than urine smell alone. Follow the advice given by your own healthcare professional.
What You Can Do Safely at Home
There are several simple steps you can take at home to support your recovery and reduce catheter-related problems. Drinking fluids as advised by your healthcare team, keeping the catheter tubing free from twists or kinks, emptying the bag before it becomes too full, and washing your hands before handling the system can all help.
You should keep the catheter bag below the level of your bladder to support proper drainage. Securing the catheter tubing correctly can also reduce pulling, irritation, and discomfort during movement. These small measures can make managing your catheter easier while your body heals.
You should not flush the catheter, take antibiotics without advice, remove the catheter, or change catheter equipment unless you have been specifically trained and instructed to do so. If you notice something unusual or feel that the catheter is not working properly, contact your healthcare team for guidance.
When to Contact Your Surgical Team
Contact your surgical team or urgent urology service promptly if the catheter stops draining, you develop severe bladder or lower abdominal pain, urine repeatedly leaks around a poorly draining catheter, or you pass bright red blood or large clots.
Call 999 if you develop severe breathing difficulty, sudden chest pain, collapse, become difficult to wake or appear seriously unwell. Seek urgent same-day assessment for fever, shaking chills, new confusion, marked weakness, back pain or vomiting.
What Is the Main Message About Smelly Urine After Prostate Surgery?
A change in urine smell after prostate surgery is often temporary and can happen for several reasons. Common causes include having a catheter, concentrated urine, changes in hydration, small amounts of blood, medications, or changes in your diet during recovery. In many cases, the smell improves as you return to your usual fluid intake, manage your catheter correctly, and continue healing.
The most important thing is to look at your symptoms as a whole. A different urine smell on its own is not always a cause for concern, but it becomes more important if you also have fever, pain, cloudy urine, increasing bleeding, catheter blockage, or feel generally unwell.
Your recovery involves more than just the operation itself. Looking after your catheter, staying hydrated as advised, caring for your wounds, and recognising warning signs early can all help you recover safely and comfortably. If you are unsure about any change during recovery, it is always best to ask your healthcare team for advice.
Myth vs Fact
| Myth | Fact |
| Strong-smelling urine always means infection. | Odour can be related to concentrated urine, food, medicines or the drainage bag. Symptoms are needed to assess CAUTI. |
| Cloudy urine proves that antibiotics are needed. | Cloudiness can come from sediment, mucus, blood or debris and does not diagnose infection by itself. |
| Bacteria in catheter urine always need treatment. | Bacteriuria without symptoms does not routinely require antibiotics. |
| A urine dipstick can confirm CAUTI. | Dipsticks are not generally recommended for diagnosing CAUTI in catheterised adults. |
| Drinking as much water as possible is always safe. | Fluid requirements vary, and people with heart or kidney conditions may need restrictions. |
| Blood in the urine explains any unpleasant smell. | Blood should be assessed as a separate postoperative change, particularly if bleeding increases or clots form. |
| Leakage around the catheter means it has fallen out. | Leakage can result from bladder spasms, constipation or blockage. |
| A blocked catheter can wait until the next appointment. | Little or no drainage with pain or bladder fullness requires urgent advice. |
| You should disconnect the bag to clean it thoroughly. | Maintaining a closed drainage system helps reduce infection risk. |
| Leftover antibiotics are safe to use for smelly urine. | Antibiotics should only be used after appropriate clinical assessment and prescribing. |
Key Takeaways
- Urine odour may change temporarily during recovery.
- Concentrated urine, food, medicines and the drainage bag can affect smell.
- Odour or cloudy urine alone does not diagnose CAUTI.
- Fever, shivering, suprapubic pain, confusion or feeling unwell require assessment.
- A blocked or poorly draining catheter needs urgent advice.
- Maintain a closed system and keep the bag below bladder level.
- Follow individual fluid instructions.
- Do not flush, remove or change the catheter without urology advice.
- Bright red bleeding or large clots require prompt review.
FAQs:
1. Is it normal for urine to smell after prostate surgery?
A temporary change can occur during early recovery, particularly while you have a catheter or if your urine is concentrated. Smell alone is not usually enough to diagnose a problem, but fever, new pain, shivering, confusion or feeling unwell should be assessed.
2. Can a catheter cause urine to smell stronger?
A catheter drainage bag can make urine odour easier to notice because urine is collected close to your body. Concentrated urine, residue near the outlet tap or a bag that needs emptying may also contribute. A persistent foul smell with other symptoms requires medical advice.
3. Does dehydration make urine smell worse?
Dehydration can make urine more concentrated, darker and stronger-smelling. Drink according to your postoperative advice, but do not increase fluids substantially without guidance if you have heart failure, kidney disease or another fluid restriction.
4. When should smelly urine be a concern after prostate surgery?
Seek advice when the smell occurs with fever, shivering, new suprapubic or back pain, confusion, worsening weakness, new or worsening visible blood beyond what your postoperative team advised you to expect.
5. Can a urinary tract infection cause smelly urine?
A urinary infection can occur alongside unpleasant-smelling urine, but odour alone does not confirm infection. Healthcare professionals look for new clinical symptoms and may arrange a correctly collected urine culture before deciding whether antibiotics are needed.
6. Can blood in the urine affect the smell?
Blood can change the appearance of urine, but it should not automatically be used to explain odour. Light blood staining may occur during recovery. Bright red bleeding, large clots, reduced catheter drainage or increasing bleeding should be reported promptly.
7. How long can urine smell different after prostate surgery?
There is no fixed duration because the cause varies. Odour related to concentrated urine or food may settle quickly, while odour noticed with a catheter may continue intermittently until the drainage system is removed. Persistent or worsening changes should be discussed with your team.
8. Can certain foods or medications change urine smell?
Asparagus, some foods, vitamin supplements and certain medicines can temporarily alter urine odour. Do not stop prescribed treatment without speaking to your pharmacist or clinical team.
9. Does smelly urine mean the prostate surgery was unsuccessful?
No, urine smell alone does not indicate whether prostate surgery has been successful. Changes in urine odour are usually linked to healing, hydration, catheter use, diet, medication, or infection. The success of surgery is assessed through follow-up appointments, pathology results, and PSA monitoring.
10. What can help reduce urine odour after prostate surgery?
Follow your fluid instructions, keep the bag below bladder level, empty it before it becomes full and wash your hands before and after handling it. Do not disconnect or clean the drainage system in a way that differs from your hospital’s instructions. Contact your team if the bag or tubing is damaged or if urine is not draining normally.
Final Thoughts: Understanding Urine Smell After Prostate Surgery
Urine can smell different during early recovery because it is concentrated, collected in a catheter drainage bag or affected by food, medicines or supplements. Odour alone does not show that you have an infection or that your prostate surgery has been unsuccessful.
Pay attention to how you feel and whether the catheter is functioning normally. Fever, shivering, new suprapubic or back pain, confusion, worsening weakness, bright red bleeding, large clots or little to no catheter drainage require prompt medical advice.
Follow your hospital’s instructions about fluids, hygiene and drainage bags. Do not disconnect, flush or remove the catheter unless your clinical team has specifically told you how to do so.
If you have concerns about urine changes or catheter function after surgery, Prostate Clinic London can review your symptoms and advise whether clinical assessment, a urine test or urgent urology input may be appropriate.
References:
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2018) Urinary tract infection (catheter-associated): antimicrobial prescribing. NICE guideline NG113. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng113
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2012, last updated 2017) Healthcare-associated infections: prevention and control in primary and community care. Clinical guideline CG139. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg139
- British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) (2024) Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Available at: https://www.baus.org.uk/patients/information_leaflets/180/roboticassisted_laparoscopic_removal_of_prostate_for_cancer_rarp
- UK Health Security Agency and NHS England (2025) Diagnosis of urinary tract infections: quick reference tools for primary care. Updated 7 July 2025. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/urinary-tract-infection-diagnosis/diagnosis-of-urinary-tract-infections-quick-reference-tools-for-primary-care
- NHS (no date) Living with a urinary catheter. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/urinary-catheters/living-with/
- NHS (no date) Urinary tract infections. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-tract-infections-utis/
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (2023) Robotic radical prostatectomy: frequently asked questions. Approved 2 May 2023. Available at: https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/patient-information/robotic-radical-prostatectomy-frequently-asked-questions/