Expert: Norman Solberg - 1/13/2009

Question
Hi! I've been on the 28-day pack of Tri-Sprintec (Generic brand for Ortho Tri-cyclen) for 2 months now and have noticed that during the third week of taking the pills my urine has a distinct smell (a rancid odor). Could this be caused by the change in hormones? I am not currently sexually active (so I'm ruling anything related to that out).

Answer
I'm not aware that urine odor is a known effect of the pill, but in going on some blogs it seems there are other women that have noticed the same thing and think it's from the pill.  Another possibility is that it's an early sign of urinary infection.  I would get checked to be sure there is no urinary infection, then maybe go off the pill for a month or two.  If the odor stops off the pill and re-starts when you resume, you'll have your answer.  If it is from the pill, it's likely that switching to a different pill will resolve it.  Good luck.  And write back if you find out it's really from the pill.