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What Causes Fishy Smell From Penis?

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Posted on Mon, 7 Sep 2015
Question: My boyfriend was out of town on vacation to his family and his first day back to work he came home and his penis smelled like fish. He has never had this smell before. He does not work outside. I think he is cheating.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramadevi Wani (47 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Could be related to poor hygiene and skin infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to Healthcare Magic.
I am Dr Ramadevi Wani. I will be answering your concerns.

Often the reason for fishy smell is related to poor hygiene and skin infection.
The foreskin needs to be pulled back and head of penis cleaned with soap water twice daily. If this is not done , secretions get collected (smegma) causing such odor. With hygienic measures this smell should disappear in a day or two.

The other causes for such odor are
-urinary tract infection
-passing ketones in urine as in diabetics/ due to starvation

-Infections like bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis which they can contract fro their sexual partners can cause such bad smell.
I hope this helps.
Best wishes,
Dr Rama

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ramadevi Wani (5 minutes later)
He is circumcised. He has great hygiene. He has never had this smell before. He is diabetic and recently had a kidney stone.
You mentioned infections.. Should I get tested? I have no signs I'm aware of.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramadevi Wani (42 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
There is no need for you to get tested.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome back. Poorly controlled diabetes can cause this smell. He may be having urinary tract infection. Get his urine culture sensitivity done.

People with diabetes are prone to infections. Are there any signs of infection ( redness, discharge, itching) on his penis?

If you have no discharge, itching or bad smell in the vagina, there is no need for you to get tested.

If you have further concerns, I will be happy to answer.
Best wishes,
Dr Rama
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ramadevi Wani

OBGYN

Practicing since :1985

Answered : 1459 Questions

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What Causes Fishy Smell From Penis?

Brief Answer: Could be related to poor hygiene and skin infection. Detailed Answer: Hi, Welcome to Healthcare Magic. I am Dr Ramadevi Wani. I will be answering your concerns. Often the reason for fishy smell is related to poor hygiene and skin infection. The foreskin needs to be pulled back and head of penis cleaned with soap water twice daily. If this is not done , secretions get collected (smegma) causing such odor. With hygienic measures this smell should disappear in a day or two. The other causes for such odor are -urinary tract infection -passing ketones in urine as in diabetics/ due to starvation -Infections like bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis which they can contract fro their sexual partners can cause such bad smell. I hope this helps. Best wishes, Dr Rama