Penis Smells Like Fish

Having penis odor is usually normal, and most times, you can keep the smell in control by following good hygiene. However, when you notice that a change in the odor and your penis smells like fish, there could be an underlying health concern.

There are some health conditions like STDs that make the penis smell like fish. We will discuss them briefly one by one so that you can get an idea of what problem you’re facing if your penis smells like fish.

Urinary tract infections: Commonly caused by kidney stones, diabetes, sex, urinary retention, or an enlarged prostate, UTIs can cause your penis to smell fishy. Antibiotics are effective in treating UTIs, so you don’t have to worry a lot if you discover that a UTI is why your penis smells like fish.

Smegma: Smegma is a condition most common among uncircumcised males. It occurs when there is an excess buildup of dead skin cells and moisture on the penis. Always keeping your penis clean and dry may be sufficient to get rid of smegma. However, if you have other symptoms like swelling, redness, and irritation on the penis, you should get treatment.

Balanitis: Another condition why your penis smells like fish is balanitis. It happens when you have inflammation on the penile head due to poor hygiene, infection, unprotected sex, and psoriasis. Using antibiotics and antifungal creams can help with balanitis.

Chlamydia: It is an STD that can be a reason why the penis smells like fish. You can get Chlamydia through vaginal, anal, and oral sex with a person infected with it. While Chlamydia is usually asymptomatic, it can cause your penis to smell bad. You might experience an abnormal penile discharge and stinging sensation while urinating. Leaving Chlamydia untreated can bring about serious long-term health problems.

Gonorrhea: Gonorrhea is also an STI caused by vaginal, anal, and oral sex with someone infected with gonorrhea. If you are experiencing a smelly penis, pain while peeing, getting a white, green, or yellow penile discharge, and feeling itchy around the penis, you might have acquired gonorrhea. 

When you have STDs like Chlamydia and gonorrhea, there is no other way to alleviate the problems other than going to your doctor and getting treatment.

Non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU): Inflammation of the urethra causes a condition called NGU. It can occur due to unprotected sex where STDs like Chlamydia get into the body through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. If your penis smells like fish and experience symptoms like burning while urinating, cloudy penile discharge, and soreness on the penile head, you may have NGU.

If you are thinking, “Why does my penis smell like fish?” one of the above conditions could be the reason.

Most of the STDs and other health issues that cause a smelly penis have similar symptoms. Therefore it can be hard to determine on your own the exact cause. 

It would be best if you visit an STD clinic where you can get STD tests and find out the real cause. You can also talk to a doctor about it and ask how you can reduce the odor.