Had An Epidural Cervical Steroid Injection. Experiencing Foul Smelling Urine. Related?

Posted on Fri, 3 May 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 3 May 2013 Answered on

Sat, 25 May 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello. I had an epidural cervical steroid injection this afternoon. Other than soreness I feel fine, but I am experiencing foul smelling urine each time I go to the bathroom and only since the injection. Is this related?

Answered by Dr. Polash Sannigrahi (1 hour later)

Hello XXXXXXX

Thanks for your query

The side effects of epidural cervical steroid injection include pain, headache, local inflammation/infection, etc.

However, foul smelling urine is not related to epidural cervical steroid injection.
It can be attributed to:
1. Infection in the Urogenital tract
2. Intake of certain medications which are excreted by urine.
3. Consumption of certain food products can also cause foul smelling urine.

So, it is advisable to drink lots of water & other fluids (please avoid alcohol & carbonated drinks) which will dilute the urine.
However, if the symptoms persist for more than 2-3 days, it will be better to get an Urine examination done to rule out the possibility of any infection.

Wishing a Good Health.
Please let me know if I need to clarify further.
Thanks & take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar