What does it mean when your urine has a fishy smell?

Fish Odor Syndrome
Also called trimethylaminuria, this genetic condition can give your pee a fishy smell. It happens when your body can't break down trimethylamine. You end up getting rid of the compound through your pee, sweat, breath, and other fluids. It doesn't mean you're unhealthy.

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Should I be worried if my pee smells like fish?

Fishy-smelling urine may be the first indication of a mild or severe health problem. Some people may have no other symptoms or several. In either case, a person should contact a doctor if they cannot identify the cause of a fishy odor. A UTI occurs when too much harmful bacteria grow in the urinary tract.

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What does diabetic urine smell like?

What Does Diabetic Urine Smell Like? One warning sign of diabetes or high blood sugar is urine that smells sweet or fruity. The sweetness comes from sugar in your urine and is a sign your body is trying to get rid of extra sugar in your blood.

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What does UTI pee smell like?

Pee that smells like ammonia

If you detect a hint of ammonia in your urine, it could be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI). The odor suggests that bacteria may be swimming around in your urinary system, most likely in your urethra, kidneys or bladder.

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Can fishy smell be treated?

A strong fishy smell that won't go away is worth seeing a health care provider about. Fishy smells are associated with a type of vaginitis called bacterial vaginosis. Health care providers can prescribe medications to treat it.

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5 Reasons Why Your Urine Smells Like Fish | Explained by Urologist, Dr. Robert Chan, M.D.

41 related questions found

What is a home remedy for fishy smell?

Vinegar: Vinegar or apple cider vinegar is yet another potent remedy to eliminate vaginal odour. Vinegar helps to rid of the toxins that cause the fishy vaginal odour. All you need is 1 cup of vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Add vinegar to your bathtub with water and let it soak in for 20 minutes.

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What can give off a fishy smell?

What causes a fishy vaginal odor?
  • Bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is one of the main culprits behind a fishy vaginal odor. ...
  • Trichomoniasis or other STIs. ...
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease. ...
  • Excessive sweating. ...
  • Unhealthy diet. ...
  • Poor hygiene. ...
  • An old tampon. ...
  • Menstrual cycle.

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What bacteria causes fishy smelling urine?

Trimethylaminuria, also known as fish odour syndrome, is a metabolic disorder first described in 1970. It is characterized by abnormal excretion of trimethylamine in the urine, breath, sweat and vaginal secretions.

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What is the smell of fishy smell?

Ocean fish tend to rely on trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) for this purpose. The problem is that when fish are killed, bacteria and fish enzymes convert TMAO into trimethylamine (TMA), which gives off the characteristic “fishy” odor. This smell can be reduced in two ways.

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Can bacterial vaginosis go away on its own?

At times, BV will go away without treatment. However, treatment can help avoid the increased chance of some serious health risks associated with BV, including: Getting or transmitting HIV; Delivering your baby too early if you have BV while pregnant; and.

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How do you get bacterial vaginosis?

Douching upsets the vagina's healthy balance of bacteria. It can lead to an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria, causing bacterial vaginosis. Natural lack of lactobacilli bacteria. If your vagina doesn't produce enough lactobacilli, you're more likely to develop bacterial vaginosis.

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Does bacterial vaginosis smell?

Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis

This discharge will usually be white or grey, thin or watery and have a strong, unpleasant fishy smell. This can be more noticeable during and after sex, and during periods.

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How do you test for bacterial vaginosis?

To test for bacterial vaginosis at home, you take a sample of your own vaginal fluid by inserting a swab into your vagina. You seal the sample in a container, then mail it to a lab. It may take the lab a few days to a week to process the sample and get results, depending on the kit you choose.

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How do you treat a female private part infection?

Taking an antifungal medication for three to seven days will usually clear a yeast infection. Antifungal medications — which are available as creams, ointments, tablets and suppositories — include miconazole (Monistat 3) and terconazole.

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Does stress cause BV?

Any change in your immune health—like stress—can impact your vaginal pH level, making a yeast infection and/or bacterial vaginosis more common.

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Does cranberry juice help with BV?

There is some evidence suggesting that women taking vitamin supplementation show decreased rates of BV6. Probiotics have also been found to provide relief when used in combination with systemic antibiotic therapy15. Anecdotal evidence suggests that cranberry juice may help remedy symptoms.

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How can I get rid of BV without antibiotics?

How you can get rid of BV without antibiotics?
  1. Boric Acid. Boric acid is most commonly used as an OTC BV medication. It is easily available at your local medical store and is inexpensive too. ...
  2. Prebiotics + Probiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms which are good for your health.

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Is bacterial vaginosis an STD?

Is bacterial vaginosis an STD or STI? Bacterial vaginosis isn't sexually transmitted, but it's linked to sexual activity. Researchers think that sex may change the bacterial environment in your vagina. This makes bacterial overgrowth more likely.

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Am I supposed to smell fishy?

The vagina usually has only a mild odor or sometimes no odor at all. A "fishy" smell or other strong vaginal odor might mean there's a problem. Conditions that cause a strong vaginal odor might also cause other vaginal symptoms such as itching, burning, irritation or discharge.

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What causes urine to smell offensive?

Some foods and medications, such as asparagus or certain vitamins, can cause a noticeable urine odor, even in low concentrations. Sometimes, unusual urine odor indicates a medical condition or disease, such as: Cystitis (bladder inflammation)

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What is a natural remedy for smelly urine?

Make a solution of baking soda, peroxide and any dish detergent. The combination of the three is often powerful enough to drive away strong urine smells. The solutions is eight fluid ounces of peroxide, three tablespoons of baking soda, and a few drops of dish detergent.

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Does smelly urine mean kidney problems?

Kidney disease causes chemicals in urine to become concentrated and to cause a smell resembling ammonia. Kidney dysfunction can also cause high bacteria and protein levels in the urine, which will contribute to a foul ammonia smell.

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