How to smell less fishy: A comprehensive guide

September 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, a persistent, unexplained fishy odor can sometimes be a sign of the metabolic disorder trimethylaminuria (TMAU). Fortunately, for most people, the solution for how to smell less fishy lies in addressing lifestyle, hygiene, and diet.

Quick Summary

Managing a persistent fishy odor often involves a multi-pronged approach, including consistent hygiene, dietary adjustments, wearing breathable fabrics, and addressing any underlying medical conditions like bacterial vaginosis or the rare metabolic disorder TMAU.

Key Points

Identify the cause: A persistent fishy odor can stem from lifestyle factors like hygiene and diet, or medical conditions such as bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, or the genetic disorder TMAU.
Prioritize proper hygiene: Shower daily with antibacterial soap, dry off completely, and use mild, pH-balanced products for intimate areas to control odor-causing bacteria.
Manage your diet: Reduce or avoid foods high in choline (like some fish, eggs, and beans) and those with strong sulfur compounds (onions, garlic) to help minimize odor, especially if you have TMAU.
Wear breathable clothes: Opt for natural fibers like cotton and linen over synthetic fabrics to allow air circulation and prevent moisture buildup that traps bacteria and smell.
Consult a professional: If a fishy odor persists, it's essential to see a doctor to rule out underlying medical conditions and get the proper diagnosis and treatment.

Understanding the causes of a fishy odor

An unpleasant odor, often described as fishy, can stem from various sources. While sweat itself is odorless, the bacteria on your skin that break down proteins in sweat can produce a smell. However, a distinctly fishy smell is often linked to specific triggers, not just standard body odor. It's crucial to identify the source to address it effectively.

Medical conditions causing a fishy smell

In some cases, a fishy odor is a sign of an underlying medical issue that requires professional attention. Seeking a diagnosis from a healthcare provider is the first step to proper treatment.

Trimethylaminuria (TMAU)

This rare genetic metabolic disorder, also known as "fish odor syndrome," occurs when the body can't properly break down trimethylamine (TMA), a compound found in certain foods. As a result, excess TMA is released through sweat, breath, and urine, causing a strong, unpleasant smell. Management typically involves dietary changes, special soaps, and, in some cases, medication.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV)

BV is a common vaginal infection caused by an overgrowth of certain bacteria, which disrupts the natural balance of vaginal flora. One of the hallmark symptoms is a strong, fishy-smelling vaginal discharge, which may be accompanied by itching or burning. This is treatable with prescription antibiotics from a healthcare provider.

Trichomoniasis

This is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a parasite. It can cause a foul-smelling, often fishy, vaginal discharge, along with itching, redness, and discomfort. Trichomoniasis is treated with prescription antibiotics.

Other less common causes

Advanced liver or kidney disease can also sometimes lead to body odor changes, as can certain autoimmune conditions or urinary tract infections.

Immediate steps to reduce odor

While it's important to address the root cause, several daily practices can help manage and reduce a fishy odor.

Enhance your hygiene routine

Shower daily: Regular bathing with an antibacterial soap can help wash away odor-causing bacteria. Pay special attention to areas with a high concentration of sweat glands, such as the armpits, groin, and feet.
Dry thoroughly: Bacteria thrive in moist environments. After showering, dry your body completely with a clean towel, especially in skin folds.
Use pH-balanced products: For intimate hygiene, avoid harsh, scented soaps and douches, which can disrupt the natural pH balance and worsen odor. Opt for mild, unscented, pH-balanced cleansers instead.

Make smart clothing choices

Wear breathable fabrics: Choose natural, breathable fibers like cotton, linen, or wool, which allow your skin to breathe and prevent moisture from getting trapped.
Avoid synthetic materials: Synthetic fabrics like polyester and rayon can trap heat and sweat, creating a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
Change clothes often: If you sweat heavily, change your clothes and socks regularly to keep fresh and dry.

Long-term strategies for odor control

For persistent odor, incorporating long-term changes can make a significant difference.

Modify your diet

Certain foods can influence body odor due to the compounds they release during digestion. Reducing or eliminating these items might help.

Foods high in choline

If you have TMAU, foods rich in choline can be a major trigger. These include seafood, eggs, legumes, peanuts, soy products, and certain vegetables like broccoli and cabbage. A dietitian can help create a balanced diet that avoids these triggers while ensuring you get proper nutrition.

Foods with sulfur compounds

Garlic, onions, and some spices like curry and cumin contain sulfur compounds that can be excreted through the sweat and lungs after digestion. Reducing your intake can help minimize odor.

Harness the power of probiotics

Probiotics can support a healthy gut microbiome, which is linked to better skin health and odor management through the gut-skin axis. By promoting beneficial bacteria in your gut and on your skin, probiotics can help crowd out the odor-causing culprits.

Consume probiotic-rich foods: Incorporate yogurt, kefir, kombucha, and sauerkraut into your diet.
Consider supplements: A high-quality probiotic supplement with clinically studied strains may also be beneficial, but it's not a substitute for addressing the root cause.

Comparison of common odor management strategies


Strategy	Benefits	Considerations	Target Audience
Daily Hygiene	Removes odor-causing bacteria, accessible, and simple.	Requires consistency, may not address underlying issues.	Everyone, especially for basic odor prevention.
Dietary Changes	Addresses root cause for TMAU or food-related odor.	Can be restrictive; requires professional guidance for TMAU.	Individuals with TMAU or food sensitivities.
Probiotic Use	Balances gut and skin microbiomes, gentle on skin.	Effects take time to notice, not a standalone solution.	Can support overall wellness for anyone.
Antibiotics (Oral/Topical)	Effectively treats bacterial infections like BV or trich.	Prescription required; short-term use; potential for recurrence.	Individuals with diagnosed infections.
Specialty Soaps	pH-balanced soaps are gentle and effective for intimate areas.	May not work for severe, systemic issues.	Individuals with sensitive skin or localized odor issues.
Breathable Fabrics	Simple, effective, and improves comfort.	Addresses symptoms, not the underlying cause.	Anyone, especially those with high sweat levels.

The importance of managing stress

Stress can trigger the apocrine glands to produce more sweat, which can worsen body odor. Incorporating stress-management techniques can be a helpful part of an overall odor-control strategy. Practices like yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, and getting enough sleep can help keep stress—and its smelly side effects—in check.

Conclusion: a holistic approach to smelling fresh

For most people, managing a fishy odor is a matter of consistent hygiene, careful dietary choices, and wearing breathable fabrics. However, if the smell persists despite these efforts, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider. Conditions like TMAU, bacterial vaginosis, or trichomoniasis require a professional diagnosis and a specific treatment plan. By understanding the potential causes and adopting a holistic approach that includes diet, hygiene, and stress management, you can effectively address the issue and regain your confidence. For more detailed medical information, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides extensive resources on bacterial infections and STIs, such as their information on trichomoniasis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, certain foods, particularly those high in choline, can influence your body odor. For individuals with the rare metabolic disorder TMAU, the body cannot properly break down a compound in these foods, leading to a fishy smell that is excreted through sweat and other bodily fluids.

Not necessarily. While STIs like trichomoniasis can cause a fishy odor, so can a very common infection called bacterial vaginosis (BV). BV is an imbalance of vaginal bacteria and is not an STI, though sexual activity can be a risk factor.

Probiotics can support a healthy microbiome in your gut and on your skin. By promoting a balance of beneficial bacteria, they can help crowd out the microbes that produce odor-causing compounds. This is a long-term strategy that complements good hygiene.

For general body odor, an antibacterial soap can be effective. For intimate areas, avoid harsh antibacterial or scented soaps and instead use a mild, unscented, pH-balanced cleanser to avoid disrupting the natural bacterial balance.

TMAU is a genetic condition typically present since childhood, often without other physical symptoms. Other causes, like BV or trichomoniasis, usually have other symptoms such as unusual discharge, itching, or pain. The only way to know for sure is to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Yes, wearing breathable fabrics like cotton or linen can help significantly. These materials allow air to circulate and prevent moisture buildup, which can trap odor-causing bacteria. Synthetic fabrics, in contrast, can worsen the problem.

Yes, stress can be a contributing factor. It can trigger the apocrine glands, which produce a specific type of sweat that is broken down by bacteria, intensifying body odor. Managing stress can therefore be a helpful part of odor control.