What does it mean when your pee smells like fish?

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.


What might fishy smelling urine indicate?

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

A UTI can cause bacteria from the infection to contaminate the urine, resulting in a distinct fishy smell. UTIs are more common in women than men. Other symptoms include: urine that is cloudy or bloody.

What causes smelly urine in a woman?

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) Dehydration.


Why does it smell like rotten fish when I pee?

Trimethylaminuria is a disorder in which the body is unable to break down trimethylamine, a chemical compound that has a pungent odor. Trimethylamine has been described as smelling like rotten or decaying fish.

Can a UTI make you smell like fish?

Fishy odor from your urine can be caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI). The bacteria from the infection can contaminate the urine and cause a distinct fishy smell. Other symptoms may include urine that is cloudy, burning sensation when urinating, or other mild pain when you pee.


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



Can a kidney infection make you smell like fish?

Common causes of a fishy odour include poor hygiene, gingivitis, bacterial vaginosis and urinary tract infections. Advanced kidney or liver disease may also cause this condition.

Can STD cause fish smell?

Symptoms of trichomonas

Almost half of all people with trichomonas infection will have no symptoms. If you do develop symptoms you may experience: a yellow or green discharge from the vagina or penis, which can sometimes have an unpleasant, 'fishy' smell.

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.


Should I be worried about smelly urine?

See a GP if: you have smelly pee and: you need to pee suddenly, more often than usual, or during the night. you have pain or a burning sensation when peeing.

What does diabetes pee 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.

Does smelly urine indicate an infection?

Urinary tract infection: Foul-smelling urine is a symptom of a urinary tract infection. Other symptoms are cloudy urine, an urgent need to urinate, or a burning sensation while urinating. The foul smell may be the only symptom of a urinary tract infection.


What infections cause smelly urine?

Some conditions that can cause changes in urine odor include:
  • Bladder fistula.
  • Bladder infection.
  • Body is low on fluids (concentrated urine can smell like ammonia)
  • Poorly controlled diabetes (sweet smelling urine)
  • Liver failure.
  • Ketonuria.


How do you treat smelly urine?

Ways to Reduce Urine Odor
  1. Drink Enough Fluids. Many people are worried about drinking fluids because they fear it will increase their chances of leakage. ...
  2. Get an Exam. Get an examination to check for infection in your bladder or urinary tract. ...
  3. Switch it Up. ...
  4. Drink Cranberry Juice. ...
  5. Take Deodorizing Tablets.


Can a UTI go away on its own?

“Yes, a UTI could go away on its own, but some infections are different than others,” he says. “And if left untreated, it may linger longer.” UTIs are classified into two main categories: uncomplicated, also known as cystitis; and complicated, which may be catheter-associated or happen during pregnancy.


What are the 5 warning signs of bladder infection?

Symptoms
  • A strong urge to urinate that doesn't go away.
  • A burning feeling when urinating.
  • Urinating often, and passing small amounts of urine.
  • Urine that looks cloudy.
  • Urine that appears red, bright pink or cola-colored — signs of blood in the urine.
  • Strong-smelling urine.


How do you get rid of a UTI without antibiotics?

Home remedies to get rid of a UTI without antibiotics
  1. Try cranberries. ...
  2. Drink plenty of water. ...
  3. Pee when you need to. ...
  4. Take probiotics. ...
  5. Get more vitamin C. ...
  6. Wear loose clothing. ...
  7. Consider switching birth control. ...
  8. Use a heating pad.


What does kidney stone urine smell like?

The following conditions can sometimes cause smelly urine, but they are uncommon: urinary stones – these may cause an ammonia-like odour (read about bladder stones and kidney stones)


What are signs of chlamydia in a woman?

Symptoms in women
  • pain when urinating.
  • unusual vaginal discharge.
  • pain in the tummy or pelvis.
  • pain during sex.
  • bleeding after sex.
  • bleeding between periods.


Can you smell chlamydia?

The majority of chlamydial infections in women do not cause any symptoms. You can get chlamydia in the cervix (opening to the womb), rectum, or throat. You may not notice any symptoms. But if you do have symptoms, you might notice: • An unusual discharge, with a strong smell, from your vagina.

What type of infection has a fishy smell?

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.


Can you smell kidney failure?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one possible cause of having an ammonia taste in your mouth, sometimes called “ammonia breath.” Some people describe ammonia breath as having a metallic taste, while others have reported that it smells similar to urine.

Does kidney failure make urine smell?

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.

What are signs of cystitis?

Signs and symptoms of cystitis
  • pain, burning or stinging when you pee.
  • needing to pee more often and urgently than normal.
  • urine that's dark, cloudy or strong smelling.
  • pain low down in your tummy.
  • feeling generally unwell, achy, sick and tired.


What causes smelly urine without infection?

Smelly urine can be caused by dehydration, certain foods, coffee, various infections (e.g., yeast infections), kidney stones, diabetes, and vitamins. Learn more about these causes and what you can do about smelly urine.

What does healthy urine smell like?

Definition. Urine usually has a distinct odor, but under normal circumstances, the odor is relatively mild and not too noticeable. Certain conditions, however, may cause your urine to have an unusual or unpleasant odor, which may raise concerns about a problem or abnormality.