Alexei Volkov
Vaginal discharge is a normal part of having a vagina, and every woman has her own unique smell, which can change in response to sex, menstruation, diet, medication, bacterial activity on the skin, gland secretions, and hormone changes throughout the menstrual cycle. However, if you notice a strong, unpleasant vaginal odor, especially one that continues for several days and smells fishy, this may be a sign of an underlying infection, such as bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis, or another health problem.
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What You'll Learn
Vaginal discharge colour and texture
Vaginal discharge is a natural and normal process, but changes in colour, texture, smell, or amount may indicate an infection or other problems. Normal vaginal discharge should be clear, white, or off-white and its thickness may vary throughout the menstrual cycle. It is common for discharge to range from watery and sticky to gooey, thick, and pasty due to hormonal changes, but factors like infection can also affect its consistency.
Clear, sticky discharge is usually not a cause for concern as it can be influenced by the menstrual cycle and other bodily functions. During the ovulation phase, the mucus tends to be thin and slippery, resembling egg whites. After ovulation, the mucus returns to being cloudy, white, or yellow, and may be sticky or tacky.
Dark yellow, brown, green, or grey discharge may indicate an infection or other issues, such as bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis. Bacterial vaginosis, caused by an imbalance in vaginal flora, typically results in white or grey discharge with a foul, fishy odour. Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite, can lead to greenish-yellow, bubbly, or frothy discharge.
Red or bloody discharge is usually associated with menstruation or irregular bleeding, while brown discharge may indicate implantation bleeding or irregular menstruation. Orange discharge may be a sign of an STD or an underlying health condition. Vaginal yeast infections, characterised by thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge, can cause swelling, itching, and painful intercourse.
While vaginal discharge may have a mild odour, a strong and unpleasant smell, especially one that persists for several days, may signal an infection or underlying condition. A fishy odour is commonly associated with bacterial vaginosis, while trichomoniasis may produce a musty smell. A metallic scent during menstruation is normal due to the presence of iron in blood. A skunk-like or body odour-like scent may indicate stress, and a chemical smell could be a sign of bacterial vaginosis.
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Vaginal pH levels
A healthy vagina has a mild odour that can change in response to sex, menstruation, or pregnancy. However, a strong, unfamiliar, and unpleasant odour that persists for several days may indicate an underlying health problem. Vaginal odour is often linked to pH levels, which indicate how acidic the vagina is. The vaginal pH level typically ranges from 3.8 to 4.5, falling on the acidic side of the pH scale.
The vagina is home to various bacteria, collectively known as the vaginal flora, which maintain the right acidity or pH level. A healthy pH level prevents infections that may cause a foul odour. An imbalance in the vaginal flora can lead to infections and inflammation, resulting in conditions like vaginitis. Vaginitis is characterised by abnormal vaginal discharge, a strong fishy or musty odour, and symptoms such as itching, burning, and irritation.
Several factors can influence vaginal pH levels, including:
- Menstrual cycle: Fluctuations in hormone levels throughout the menstrual cycle can impact vaginal pH.
- Medication: Antibiotics can raise vaginal pH by killing both good and bad bacteria.
- Birth control pills: Oral contraceptives can alter vaginal pH, potentially leading to infections.
- Douching: The practice of cleaning the inside of the vagina with pre-packaged fluid mixtures can increase vaginal pH.
- Lubricants: Some lubricants have a pH higher than 4.5, which can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and lead to infections.
- Lifestyle factors: Unprotected sex, vaginal douching, and variations in the menstrual cycle can impact vaginal pH and increase the risk of infections.
While temporary vaginal odours are common and often resolve on their own, persistent and unpleasant odours may signal an underlying condition that requires medical attention. It is important to monitor vaginal pH levels and maintain a healthy balance to prevent infections and maintain overall vaginal health.
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Vaginal bacterial levels
Vaginal discharge is a normal part of having a vagina, and its colour, texture, and smell can vary depending on the time of the month, lifestyle habits, and other factors. However, if you notice a strong, unpleasant odour that continues for several days, this could be a sign of a bacterial imbalance in your vagina.
The vagina is home to multiple types of bacteria, which make up what's called the vaginal flora or microbiome. These bacteria exist in a delicate balance, with "good" bacteria, such as Lactobacilli, keeping the vagina acidic to protect against an overgrowth of "bad" bacteria. However, sometimes the bad bacteria can overpower the good, leading to an infection called bacterial vaginosis (BV).
BV is a common vaginal infection that occurs when some normal bacteria in the vagina overgrow, causing a bacterial imbalance. Symptoms of BV include a fishy-smelling off-white, grey, or greenish vaginal discharge. It can also cause vaginal itching or irritation and a burning feeling when urinating. While BV is easily treatable with antibiotics, it is important to visit a healthcare provider to determine if what you have is BV or another vaginal infection, as other conditions can present similar symptoms.
In addition to BV, other possible causes of an unusual vaginal odour include trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite, and yeast infections, which are caused by an overgrowth of a specific type of fungus. Changes in vaginal discharge, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like itching, burning, or irritation, can indicate an infection or other issue. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is best to contact your healthcare provider for further examination and advice.
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Vaginal yeast infections
While a plastic smell is not one of the typical vaginal odours described, there are a variety of factors that can cause changes in vaginal scent. Vaginal discharge can indicate a lot about your health. While it's usually typical, even if it's a different colour, sometimes it can signal an underlying condition.
Vaginal odours are different for every person and can change for various reasons. For example, having sex, your menstrual cycle, or a change in vaginal pH can all cause a difference in scent. A strong, unpleasant vaginal odour with a discharge may be a sign of a health problem like vaginitis. An imbalance in vaginal bacterial levels can lead to infection and inflammation, resulting in vaginitis. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) and trichomoniasis are common causes of unpleasant vaginal odours and are usually accompanied by other symptoms like abnormal vaginal discharge.
If you are concerned about an unusual vaginal odour, you should speak to your doctor.
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Vaginal infections
Vaginal discharge is a normal part of having a vagina, and every woman has her own unique smell—this is perfectly natural and normal. Vaginal discharge or leucorrhea is a fluid discharge that is expelled from a woman’s vagina. The texture and thickness of vaginal discharge may change throughout the menstrual cycle. Normal vaginal discharge is usually a clear or opaque mucus-like liquid, depending on the time of the month and the menstrual cycle. During the time before and after the period, it may be slightly thicker than normal.
However, a strong, unpleasant vaginal odor with a discharge may be a sign of a health problem like vaginitis. Vaginal infections happen when there is an imbalance in the vagina's bacterial levels, causing infection and inflammation. The most common types of vaginitis that cause unpleasant vaginal odors are bacterial vaginosis (BV) and trichomoniasis.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) occurs when there is an imbalance of the bacteria usually present in the vagina. Symptoms of BV include thin vaginal discharge that has a strong fishy odor and slight itching or burning. It is treated with antibiotics.
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a parasite. Trichomoniasis does not always cause symptoms, but when it does, it can cause a fishy odor, similar to BV, or a musty smell. Another common symptom of Trich is a greenish-yellow discharge. It is also treated with antibiotics.
Yeast infections or vaginal candidiasis are another type of vaginal infection. They are caused by a specific fungus (candida) growing out of control in the vagina. Vaginal yeast infections are usually odorless, but usually exhibit in larger amounts, are thick, are white, have a cottage cheese appearance, and are accompanied by symptoms of itching. They are treated with antifungal medications.
Other causes of vaginal odor include hormonal changes, diet, dehydration, and stress. Foods with a strong odor, like garlic, fish, or citrus fruits, can cause odor changes in the vagina. A vagina can also smell slightly metallic if you are menstruating, as period blood contains iron. A vagina that smells like ammonia may be a sign of dehydration or urine residue on the genitals. A skunk-like scent or a smell similar to body odor may be a sign that you are stressed and your sweat glands are working overtime.
If you are experiencing abnormal vaginal discharge or a strong vaginal odor, it is best to contact your healthcare provider.
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Frequently asked questions
While it is common to notice a slight scent from vaginal secretions, sometimes odour changes can be a sign of infection. Vaginal discharge that smells like chemicals or ammonia could indicate bacterial vaginosis or a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an infection caused by an imbalance in the bacteria usually present in the vagina. Symptoms of BV include thin vaginal discharge with a strong fishy odour and slight itching or burning.
Trichomoniasis is a common STI that may be another explanation for a strong fishy vaginal odour. Women with trichomoniasis may notice genital itching, burning, redness, soreness, urinary discomfort, and a clear, white, yellowish, or greenish vaginal discharge.
