Why does vagina smell like fish Allow it to boil for 10 minutes then turn off the stove. Both male dogs and female Sep 23, 2016 · But for that period, it smells like the Tesco fish counter! I am obsessively clean and use Femfresh to ensure my ph levels aren'the affected, and it never happens unless I eat seafood. Nov 22, 2024 · If you’ve ever noticed a fishy vaginal smell, you’re not alone. This can occur either due to bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis. Its an overgrowth of a certain type of bacteria that just happen to produce a bit of a discharge and a fishy odor. Remember, how your vagina smells has everything to do with its pH Mar 17, 2025 · If your vagina smells like fish, it might be due to a common infection called bacterial vaginosis. Jul 23, 2024 · You’ve likely heard this from your mom, a close friend, or an ob-gyn, but allow us to join that list of confidants: It’s normal to have some kind of vaginal odor, and you shouldn’t feel the Nov 20, 2023 · So let's recap. If your flora is off-kilter in any way, pay attention. Shifts in pH balance - Your “vaginal pH value” plays a valuable role in determining vaginal health. Aug 19, 2024 · Trimethylamine is the chemical compound responsible for the distinct aroma of rotting fish and some abnormal vaginal odors. Kameelah Phillips, an OB-GYN. What To Do if Your Vagina Smells Bad. If the following odors are coming from your vagina, you Hormones - You may notice a change in the smell of your vagina depending on the time of your menstrual cycle. I'll give the cranberry and lemon juice a try. Read on for more understanding about fishy vaginal odor, what causes it, and what to do about it. The offending odor might go away as the cause dissipates. It can also smell sour sometimes. in case I didn't know). Rectovaginal fistula. While TMAU can cause a general fishy body odor, it’s not specifically Nov 30, 2022 · First things first: Yes, vaginas are supposed to smell. VAGINAL ODOR!!! Today Dr. The first thing to remember is your vagina is not meant to smell like flowers and many vaginal odors are signs of a healthy vagina. Apr 11, 2025 · Vaginal smells change as you get older. Females may also experience the smell from their vagina. If your vagina smells a bit sour, then it’s normal, and that’s how you’re supposed to smell down there. The smell is usually noticeable in your sweat, urine, and breath. Just like every other part of our bodies, the vagina has its own unique scent, and it’s usually nothing to worry about. October 27, 2019 - 6:01pm Seafood contains certain elements and salts which is secreted in the body fluids like sweat and vaginal fluid after the absorption. See a doctor to have it fixed. A tangy or sour smell. While some of these causes can be resolved at home, others may need medical treatment. This hallmark odor is particularly prominent after penile-vaginal sex. Apr 25, 2025 · Wondering why your vagina smells like fish, metal, or onions? This guide breaks down common types of vaginal odor and what it could be telling you. More common symptoms include itching and a white, cottage cheese-like discharge Aug 14, 2023 · Regardless of what you’ve seen or heard, no two vaginas look or smell exactly the same. Oct 6, 2017 · Your vagina might smell like fish if you have poor hygiene habits. Hormonal changes affect odor: Menstruation and pregnancy can alter vaginal scent. If you notice a fishy odor from your vagina or vaginal discharge, it may be caused by sweating, a bacterial infection, or even your genetics. Apr 22, 2025 · “A vagina isn’t supposed to smell like flowers, no matter what our culture likes to tell us,” sex educator Searah Deysach, owner of Early to Bed, a pleasure-product company in Chicago that Key Takeaways: Fishy Odor in Vagina Vaginal odor is normal: A slight scent is typical; fishy odors may signal issues. Boil the water and add the bark. This is not an STD. If your vagina smells like bleach, it’s not normally your vagina you are smelling, but the smell of your pee caused by an infection. Most women have a musky or fleshy natural scent, but this varies from person to person. 1. Jennifer Lincoln, board-certified OBGYN, reviews what's normal and what isn't, what can make it worse and what you MUST avoid. Dr. For example, foods with a strong odor, like garlic or fish, can cause odor changes in your vagina. Cervical and vaginal cancers can cause unusual odors. Conditions that cause a strong vaginal odor might also cause other vaginal symptoms such as itching, burning, irritation or discharge. Its noticeable too - my husband quietly mentions it when it happens (in a kind, non judgey way just to alert me. Mar 29, 2016 · If you smell something bread-like, it may be a yeast infection; however, yeast infections often have no odor at all. But a persistent fishy vaginal odor, abnormal vaginal discharge, pain, or burning requires consultation with a healthcare provider. First, notice if you have any other symptoms like itching, burning, or unusual discharge. Jul 25, 2022 · This chemical compound is why rotten fish smells, and it's also responsible for the aroma of abnormal vaginal odors. Vaginitis This most commonly affects dogs who have been spayed , which means they’ve had their uterus and ovaries removed. Tags: vagina, discharge, vaginitis, odor. Is it a normal smell for men? Can smegma under penis skin cause my husband's semen to smell fishy? Have to say, he's not always hygienic but i never noticed fishy smell before. Jul 11, 2022 · Why Does My Vagina Smell Like Fish? A fishy odor is sometimes associated with bacterial vaginosis, a vaginal infection involving an imbalance in the bacteria in your vagina. . In this condition, the balance of bacteria in your vagina changes, leading to the production of a substance called trimethylamine that gives off a fishy odor. However, the combination of menstrual blood and sweat, poor hygiene Feb 18, 2025 · Vaginal odor is any odor that comes from the vagina. It is the most common vaginal infection that causes a fishy odor. But one thing they have in common is that everyone has some type of vaginal odor. However, if you do partake in food of the pungent variety, you should notice your bodily fluids return to their normal smell within 24 – 48 hours. Jul 24, 2024 · A fishy smell in the vagina can result from various factors, which may include certain vaginal infections: 1. People with TMAU may develop depression and anxiety. The odor of your vagina varies throughout your menstrual cycle. First things first, vaginas have a natural, normal aroma to them. It’s Not an STD BV is an overgrowth of the natural bacteria of the vagina—it’s not at all sexually transmitted, says Sasan. That's because semen reduces the acidity of the vagina, and the smell-inducing chemical compounds are more noticeable at a higher pH. It’s a metabolic disorder. Some underlying causes of a dog’s fishy odor are dangerous and some aren’t. Ask A Doctor - 24x7 is a leading consumer-centric health company founded to transform how people approach their overall health and wellness. If it does smell like fish, something is wrong. 4 Why Does My Vagina Smell Like Fish? A fishy smell from your vagina can be caused by several factors such as sweating, a vaginal infection, your diet or poor hygiene. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of women’s health to help uncover what might be causing this change in odor. If you’ve noticed a faint, persistent fishy odor emanating from your body, you’re not alone. My penis smells like fish for a day or two after I've eaten seafood, sometimes it is very strong. One of the main reasons why a female dog may smell like fish is due to a condition known as vaginitis. Diet impacts vaginal health: Foods high in sugar may lead to infections and odors. Masterson says that BV—which, again, usually smells fishy—can sometimes smell like Dec 28, 2014 · Probably not: Its more likely that the fish smell is caused by a condition called bacterial vaginosis. While alarming, it’s crucial to understand that various factors can contribute to this smell, ranging from treatable infections to rare metabolic disorders. Dec 9, 2022 · There are a couple different reasons why your vagina might take on a chemical smell of bleach or ammonia: Dr. But the good 4 days ago · What to Do If Vaginas Smell Like Fish? Now you already know the answer to your question, "Why do vaginas smell like fish?" It means you should go see your doctor to diagnose bacterial vaginosis, which is the most common reason why your vagina smells like fish. If you think you have a UTI, you must be seen by your doctor as you may need antibiotics. Jul 27, 2023 · What can cause a fishy vaginal odor? A lingering change in odor — particularly a foul or fishy scent — is most commonly caused by bacterial vaginosis. Before we e The main symptom of Trimethylaminuria is a strong odour that may be described as smelling like rotten fish, eggs, rubbish, or urine. Can eating fish directly cause a fishy vaginal odor? No, eating fish itself doesn’t directly cause a fishy vaginal odor in healthy individuals. There’s good bacteria down there working hard to make sure your vagina stays healthy, and it’s common for vaginal odor to vary during Apr 7, 2021 · Also, strong smelling foods, such as onions and garlic, can cause associated smells in our vaginal discharge and urine. Just to add, I'm a man and I suffer exactly the same problem. So, it is unavoidable if you eat the seafood. Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina that can cause a strong fishy odor. Nov 22, 2024 · Before we answer your question, “Why does my vagina smell like fish,” we want to emphasize again that vaginal odor is completely natural and normal (1). According to the Cleveland Clinic, BV is the most common vaginal infection in women aged 15 to 44, and symptoms can include: Gray, green, or off-white vaginal discharge Nov 4, 2024 · Some vaginal odor is normal and to be expected. When it becomes warm, sit in the basin without clothes and perform a sitz bath, making sure to carefully cleanse the entire vaginal area until the water becomes cold. I've noticed it more from cooked fried fish, which is awkward as I live in the UK and love fish and chips. While the odor of period blood does not have a fishy smell, it may have a unique metallic or iron-like scent, which is normal. Your scent may change as you age or in response to certain Oct 19, 2014 · Now 12 hours after sex, i'm getting that smell from my vagina. Bacterial vaginosis occurs when there is an imbalance in bacteria in the vagina, leading to an overgrowth of certain bacteria, such as Gardnerella Mar 31, 2025 · The vagina might also smell like beer, flour, or bread. Smells can be a sign of infection or illness ‒ so it’s great that you’re checking. Aug 10, 2022 · Here are three reasons for a fishy vaginal odor and what to do about it. Don' Jun 27, 2022 · Here are five reasons why your vagina may smell bad, but not fishy. Bacterial vaginosis is an infection that results in an itching or burning sensation in the vagina along with a thin, pungent discharge that smells like pee. Jan 25, 2023 · Why does my vagina smell like fish? Your vagina should definitely never ever smell like fish, says Dr. A bleach-like vaginal odour might smell like ammonia or cleaning products. Intense burning, itching, or feelings of dryness usually accompany yeast infections. Unless you're experiencing an out of the norm scent that doesn't go away, or could be described as rotten, fishy, or bread-like Sep 24, 2022 · Causes of fish odor in vagina Bacterial vaginosis (BV) Bacterial vaginosis is a fairly common vaginal infection caused by an overgrowth in certain types of normal vaginal bacteria. Your vagina is a complex ecosystem that works hard to keep a delicate balance through changes like your period, sex, and ovulation. ‘Generally, if you’re feeling well and your vaginal odour or discharge isn’t unusual for you, there’s no reason to worry. Everyone’s vagina smells different, and there’s no reason to compare this sort of thing in the first place, but a change in smell after intercourse is something you need to worry about if it smells awful. Bacterial vaginosis is the main culprit for a fishy-smelling vagina, says Dr. "Cervical cancer can sometimes cause a foul-smelling pink Mar 11, 2025 · If you notice a foul odor that smells like fish (or worse), this could mean your dog has a vaginal infection. ’ Dec 3, 2015 · 2. What can cause a vagina to smell like bleach May 23, 2023 · Here’s what you need to know to answer the question “why does my dog smell like fish?” Key takeaways: Wondering “why does my dog smell like fish?” can be concerning. Most of the time, your vag's odour is no biggie. Apr 29, 2025 · 1. Eliminating these foods from your diet can help to prevent body odor. If you have a rectal tear during childbirth, feces might come out of the vagina. Sep 30, 2011 · Fishy smells are associated with a type of vaginitis called bacterial vaginosis. Your body naturally contains a wide Apr 9, 2025 · Good hygiene, wearing breathable fabrics, drinking plenty of water, practicing safer sex, and incorporating probiotics can help manage mild cases. Studies have shown that human vaginal odors change slightly in both pleasantness and intensity during the menstrual cycle. The most common is cause is vaginitis, an infection or inflammation of the vagina. Amanda Oakley on DermNetNZ says that vaginal malodor can be the result of poor hygiene. Vaginas aren’t meant to smell like roses or unicorns. There are reports that suggest the symptoms of the disorder may become worse during puberty. Mar 6, 2019 · It's a common vaginal infection caused by “an imbalance of the usual bacterial environment in the vagina, and when this gets out of balance, the PH changes, and this typical fishy odor and a Mar 1, 2022 · Fishy odor: A strong putrid or dead fish-like smell from your vagina can be a sign of a medical condition. A "fishy" smell or other strong vaginal odor might mean there's a problem. Most of the time, it’s Apr 28, 2025 · Why Do I Slightly Smell Like Fish? Unpacking the Causes and Solutions. Bacterial vaginosis. In fact, BV is distinctly a vaginal infection, so men can’t Apr 5, 2024 · Trimethylaminuria (TMAU, fish odor syndrome) is an uncommon condition that makes people smell like rotten fish. A fishy vaginal odor is most commonly associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV), an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina. Our bodies are wonderfully unique, and sometimes they send us signals that can be puzzling. However, an unpleasant odor that doesn’t go away may be a sign of an underlying condition that requires medical attention. The vagina usually has only a mild odor or sometimes no odor at all. There are several reasons a dog might radiate a fishy smell. Marilyn Jerome, an OB-GYN at Foxhall Feb 29, 2020 · What’s the most common cause of fishy vaginal odor? If you have a distinctly fishy smell emanating from your vagina, it’s highly likely that the cause is bacterial vaginosis (BV), Dr. This may cause a generally foul smell or smell like rotten meat. Regular check-ups are Nov 4, 2021 · So, what does vaginal odour normally smell like? Dr Rosén says that it usually ranges from a slightly tangy or sour smell to a more metallic smell around or after your period. Jan 22, 2023 · Several factors can increase a person’s risk of developing a fishy vaginal odour, such as: Unprotected sex: Having unprotected sex can increase the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which can cause abnormal discharge and a fishy odour. Bacterial vaginosis is common: An imbalance in bacteria can cause fishy smells. Does female ejaculate smell like leukorrhea? Why does my vagina smell fishy after my boyfriend ejaculates Jul 13, 2018 · Why does my vagina smell like fish? “First of all there is a certain amount of bacteria in the vagina—healthy bacteria—and things like sweating in the genital area and having lots of curves and hard-to-wash areas where bacteria can get trapped, that’s one of the reasons there’s sometimes an odour. But some smells are not normal and can be a sign of an infection or another medical condition. This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including bacterial or yeast infections, allergies, hormonal imbalances, or even foreign objects in the vagina. Nov 20, 2023 · If you’ve noticed a fishy vagina smell, it may mean that something’s, well, fishy. Poor vaginal hygiene can lead to a buildup of bacteria in the vagina that can start to develop a fishy smell. Strain the infusion and pour it into a basin. Health care providers can prescribe medications to treat it. kqho ldtl rwa gxyae ierwzl ergrh ksswpav jwdwt ihscr llhf