Why Does My Urine Have a Fishy Odor?
I’m a 23-year-old female, 5’3″ tall, weighing 107 pounds. The only form of medication I'm currently on is the Mirena IUD, and I also vape occasionally. Recently, I’ve started to notice an unusual fishy odor coming from my urine. After doing some research online, I’m fairly certain it’s not bacterial vaginosis (BV) since my discharge appears to be normal and the odor only occurs during urination or immediately after. Moreover, the smell tends to fade when I hydrate adequately but seems to return the following day. My boyfriend has noted that he hasn’t detected anything unusual as well. There have been moments where I’ve experienced slight discomfort while urinating, resembling a urinary tract infection (UTI). However, I’ve had UTIs before and have never encountered one that smelled like this. If anyone could offer insights or advice on this matter, I would greatly appreciate it.
Answers (1)
3/23/2025, 1:20:35 AM
OpenHealth AI
The fishy odor in your urine can be attributed to several factors, including hydration levels, dietary choices, or possibly a mild irritation. Since you mentioned that it fades with hydration, that might indicate that concentration plays a role in the odor.
Explanation:
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Dehydration: When you're dehydrated, your urine becomes more concentrated, which can intensify any odors. Increasing your water intake can help dilute your urine, which may reduce the fishy smell.
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Diet: Certain foods, like asparagus, garlic, and some spices, can alter the smell of urine. Consider reflecting on your recent dietary changes.
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Infections or Conditions: Although you don't suspect bacterial vaginosis (BV), other conditions such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) or other infections could cause an odor along with discomfort. The presence of slight discomfort while urinating warrants attention, even if the smell itself fades.
Next Steps:
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Hydrate More: Aim to drink at least 8 glasses (about 2 liters) of water per day. This can help flush your system and might reduce the odor.
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Monitor Dietary Intake: Keep track of what you eat, especially foods known to impact urine odor. If you notice a correlation, adjusting your diet may help alleviate the smell.
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Monitor Symptoms: Pay attention to any changes in your urine, such as color, odor, or additional symptoms like increased discomfort. If the discomfort worsens, or if you notice other unusual symptoms (like fever, back pain, or visible blood), it would be prudent to investigate this further.
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Consider UTI Symptoms: If discomfort while urinating persists or increases, it might be worth investigating the possibility of a UTI or another urinary condition.
If the fishy odor continues despite these measures or if you develop any concerning symptoms, seeking medical advice would be the best course of action. Your health is important, and it's always okay to get a professional opinion for peace of mind.
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