A fishy smell is not always caused by poor hygiene, though lack of regular washing can contribute to it. More frequently, it is a sign of underlying health conditions, such as bacterial infections, metabolic disorders (trimethylaminuria), or gynecological issues. It often stems from imbalances that require medical treatment rather than just improved cleaning.

Can poor hygiene cause a fishy smell?

Poor Hygiene & Sweating

Considering that a woman's genital area contains a large collection of sweat glands, it is no surprise that the vaginal area can be prone to sweating, which can emanate as a fishy smell in some women if left unwashed.

What causes a fishy smell in a woman?

The most common causes of unpleasant vaginal odor are: Bacterial vaginosis (BV): An infection that's caused by an imbalance in your vagina's flora. BV is responsible for the fishy smell most commonly associated with unpleasant vaginal odors. The fishy smell may be especially strong after sex.

What does it mean if you keep smelling a fishy smell?

Primary trimethylaminuria (fish odour syndrome) is a metabolic disorder that can be exacerbated by menstruation, specific medications or the intake of choline-rich foods. More common causes of a fishy odour include poor hygiene, gingivitis, vaginosis, urinary tract infections, and advanced liver and kidney disease.

Why would someone have a fishy odor?

Trimethylaminuria is a genetic disease; symptoms are often present from birth. Fish odor syndrome is characterized by an offensive body odor and the smell of rotting fish due to the excessive excretion of trimethylaminuria (TMA) in the urine, sweat, and breath of affected individuals.

Ask an Expert: What Causes Vaginal Odor?

How do you get rid of vaginal odor?

To get rid of vaginal odor, practice good hygiene with mild soap and water, wear breathable cotton underwear, stay hydrated, and eat a balanced diet, but see a doctor if the smell is strong, fishy, or accompanied by itching or unusual discharge, as it could signal an infection like bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis that needs antibiotics. Avoid scented products, douching, and tight clothing that trap moisture, and remember that some odor is normal.
 

Can bacterial vaginosis go away on its own?

Yes, mild bacterial vaginosis (BV) can sometimes clear up on its own, especially if there are no symptoms, but it often returns or can lead to complications like increased risk for STIs or pregnancy issues, so seeking treatment for symptomatic BV is recommended by health organizations like the CDC. While it's self-limiting for some, medical treatment with prescription antibiotics is often needed if symptoms like fishy odor or unusual discharge are present, to prevent worsening health problems.
 

Why do I smell bad even with good hygiene?

Sometimes, despite regular showers and deodorant, body odor sticks around. This could be due to diet (like eating spicy foods, garlic, or onions), stress sweat that mixes with bacteria, hormonal changes during puberty or menopause, or even medical conditions like diabetes or hyperhidrosis.

What tests confirm trimethylaminuria?

A urine test is used to diagnose trimethylaminuria. The person's urine is tested to look for higher levels of trimethylamine. Testing can be done by giving choline by mouth followed by urine collection a certain number of times over a 24 hour period.

How did I get bacterial vaginosis?

You got Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) because the natural balance of "good" bacteria in your vagina was disrupted, often by things like sex (especially new or multiple partners), douching, or using heavily scented soaps, which allows "bad" bacteria to overgrow, causing symptoms like unusual discharge or odor. BV isn't strictly an STI but is more common in sexually active people, as sexual activity can alter vaginal pH.

Why do I smell fishy even when I shower?

Trimethylaminuria (trī-meth'il-am-i-nyūr'ē-ă) is a metabolic disorder that makes your sweat, breath, saliva and pee smell like rotten fish. Metabolic disorders affect how your body processes nutrients and enzymes. Healthcare providers may refer to this condition as TMAU or fish odor syndrome. There's no cure for TMAU.

Can poor hygiene cause fishy odor?

Fishy vaginal odor can be a symptom of a vaginal infection such as bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection. It can also be caused by poor hygiene, certain foods or drinks, and certain medications.

Why am I giving off a fishy smell?

Trimethylamine has been described as smelling like rotten or decaying fish. As this compound builds up in the body, it causes affected people to give off a strong fishy odor in their sweat, urine, and breath. The intensity of the odor may vary over time.

Is it normal for a girl to smell fishy down there?

If you're experiencing a strong vaginal odor that smells like a dead fish, it may be a sign of bacterial vaginosis (BV) or trichomoniasis. Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection and is another possible explanation for a strong fishy vaginal odor.

How to fix stinky cooch?

Taking a bath in water laced with apple cider vinegar can also fight off bacteria and toxins that lead vaginal odor and restore the pH balance of the vaginal secretionsi. Baking soda - One of the causes of vaginal odor is pH imbalance. You can balance the pH level in your body by using baking sodaii.

How to get rid of fishy smell from pH balance?

Here are some of the best home remedies for addressing fishy odor.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is known for its antibacterial and antiseptic properties, which can help neutralize the bacteria causing a fishy vaginal odor. ...
2. Yogurt. ...
3. Tea Tree Oil. ...
4. Garlic. ...
5. Fenugreek Seeds. ...
6. Probiotics.

Why do I still smell after washing down there?

Lingering vaginal odor after washing often points to an imbalance like Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) or yeast infection, hormonal shifts, or issues with hygiene/products, but can also signal STIs or UTIs; pay attention to fishy, strong, or unpleasant smells, especially with unusual discharge, as it warrants a doctor visit for proper treatment like antibiotics or antifungals, while wearing breathable cotton underwear and avoiding harsh soaps helps manage normal odor.

What pills are good for smelly discharge?

For smelly vaginal discharge, a doctor often prescribes oral antibiotics like Metronidazole (Flagyl), Tinidazole (Tindamax), or sometimes Clindamycin, to treat infections like Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) or other bacterial causes, while antifungal pills like Fluconazole treat yeast infections, but you must see a healthcare provider for diagnosis and the right prescription. They might also use vaginal gels, creams, or suppositories, as the best pill depends on the specific infection (BV, yeast, trichomoniasis, etc.).

What is the condition that makes you smell like fish?

Trimethylaminuria (TMAU), also known as fish odor syndrome or fish malodor syndrome, is a rare metabolic disorder that causes a defect in the normal production of an enzyme named flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3).

How long does a fishy smell usually linger?

Lingering fish smells should diminish within 12-24 hours as long as the source of the smell has been removed from the house.

---