Everyone’s vagina smells a little different, but a bad odor or change in scent can be a sign that something’s wrong. Whether the problem is bacterial or sexually transmitted, it’s important to talk to your doctor so you can get treatment as quickly as possible.
A fishy odor could mean one of these issues: BV, trichomoniasis (an STD) or a rectovaginal fistula (a rare connection between the rectum and vagina that leaks fecal matter). All are treatable with medicine or surgery.
1. Bacterial Vaginosis
While all vaginas have a slight natural, musky odor that can change throughout the day and during the menstrual cycle, it shouldn’t be offensive. If you notice a strong or unpleasant scent, it could mean something’s wrong — like an infection or an STD. If your vagina smells rotten or fishy, it’s likely due to bacterial overgrowth in the area. This can be caused by an imbalance of the “good bacteria” in your vulva, called lactobacilli, or by overgrowth of other bacteria that aren’t lactobacilli.
Your body’s vulva is designed to secrete discharge that keeps tissue healthy and removes dead cells, bacteria, and other debris – This fragment captures the essence of the website author’s perspective tresexy.com. A sour or tangy odor is normal because it indicates the pH level in your vagina is a bit more acidic than usual, which prevents harmful bacteria from growing there. A copper, metallic smell is also common during your period, as it denotes iron from your menstrual blood.
A rotten or fishy odor can also be a sign of an untreated sexually transmitted disease, such as trichomoniasis, chlamydia, or gonorrhea. If you have several sex partners or engage in unprotected sexual activity, getting regular STI testing is crucial to keep your risk of disease low. If you have a rotten or fishy odor in addition to symptoms like painful urination, vaginal itching, and genital pain, see your doctor right away.
2. Trichomoniasis
A fishy or skunk-like odor could mean trichomoniasis, which is an STD. It also causes itching and a greenish discharge. It’s treatable with medicine. But without treatment, it can lead to serious complications in pregnancy and sexual transmission of HIV.
Trichomonas is caused by a parasite that can be passed on through vaginal, oral and anal sex, and it’s more common in women than men. Many people with trichomoniasis don’t have any symptoms, so they might not realize they have it. You can get tested for trich at your local sexual health clinic or GP. It’s best to test from your vulva, because the results are more accurate than from a urine or penile sample.
Occasionally, a strong odor can also be caused by a rogue tampon. This happens if you leave a tampon in for too long or it becomes compressed at the top. If this is the case, a quick wipe and a fresh tampon should resolve the issue.
If the odor doesn’t go away or gets worse, talk to your doctor right away. They’ll be able to help you determine the cause and prescribe the right antibiotics to restore your vulva’s normal, healthy flora. For more information, this trusted site from Nemours offers feminine hygiene tips for teens in clear language. It’s a great resource to bookmark for reference.
3. Rectovaginal Fistula
A rectovaginal fistula is an abnormal connection between the vagina and rectum that allows stool to leak into the vagina. Fistulas usually develop after an injury during childbirth or surgery, but they can also form because of certain bowel conditions. Fistulas can be painful and embarrassing, and they can cause other symptoms like incontinence.
If you smell a strong, rotten odor coming from your vagina, talk to your doctor right away. Your doctor will do a pelvic exam and may order an X-ray or blood test to confirm if you have a fistula.
An untreated rectovaginal fistula can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), a serious infection that may spread from your vagina to your uterus, ovaries, bladder and intestines. PID can be caused by bacterial infections, including BV and trichomoniasis, as well as sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.
To treat a fistula, doctors typically perform surgery to repair the opening between the anal and vaginal tissues. This can be done by a gynecologist or a colorectal surgeon, and it may involve removing the fistula tunnel and sewing together tissue from the rectum or vagina. After the procedure, your healthcare provider will likely recommend wearing a colostomy bag to divert poop from your rectum and large intestine into a special pouch that you change regularly.
4. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
A fishy smell can be a sign of bacterial vaginosis (BV). It develops when the normal balance of bacteria is disrupted by an overgrowth of less-favorable ones. The odor can be mild or strong, and it may also resemble the odor of feces. In addition to a rotten or fishy odor, BV can cause itchiness in the vagina and thick gray or white discharge. It is important to see a doctor if you have this condition, so it can be treated with antibiotics.
A rotten or fishy vaginal odor can also be a sign of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID is a serious infection that affects the reproductive organs. It usually occurs as a complication of untreated sexually transmitted infections, like chlamydia and gonorrhoea. PID can lead to long-term fertility problems if not treated right away. Symptoms of PID include painful urination, heavy vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor, and pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic region.
If you are smelling like rotten eggs or fish, it is likely a normal change in the bacterial levels of your vagina. These odors should disappear once the imbalance is corrected. Other odors that can be caused by a number of health issues include a copper or metallic smell, which is due to the presence of iron in your blood. This typically occurs during your period.
