What are the Causes, Symptoms & Treatment for Vaginal Odor?
Vaginal odor is usually because of inflammation of the vaginal area. Inflammation can occur because of poor hygiene but is often the result of an infection in or around the vagina.
What is Vaginal Odor?
A common infection that can cause vaginal odor is an overgrowth of normal vaginal bacteria that causes bacterial vaginosis.
- The vagina has a unique fragrance.
- Some women may feel self-conscious about the smell of their vagina, but it is normal for a healthy vagina to have a slight odor.
- However, this smell can change when there are infections or other health problems.
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Get A Second OpinionWhat are the Symptoms of Vaginal Odor?
Vaginal odor can be a common concern, and recognizing the symptoms can help in identifying underlying issues:
- Unusual Smell: A change in vaginal scent, ranging from fishy to foul, is a primary symptom.
- Discolored Discharge:
- Gray or White: Often linked to bacterial vaginosis.
- Yellow or Green: May indicate a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
- Itching and Irritation: Persistent itching, burning, or irritation can accompany the odor, suggesting an infection.
- Redness and Swelling: Inflammation in the vaginal area can be a sign of an underlying condition.
- Painful Urination: Discomfort during urination can indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI) or STI.
- Pain During Intercourse: Pain during sex may be due to infections or other gynecological issues.
How an Abnormal Vaginal Odor Treated?
- The abnormal vaginal odor goes away without treatment at least a third of the time.
- If it doesn't resolve on its own, please consult your healthcare provider.
- They will prescribe antibiotics in the form of pills or creams.
What are the Types of Vaginal Odor?
Normal & Healthy Vaginal Odors
- Spicy, Fermented, or Sour: Good bacteria in the vagina produce lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and other substances to maintain a healthy environment by warding off harmful bacteria. They keep the vaginal pH slightly acidic, typically:
- Between 3.8 and 4.5 for non-menopausal women
- Between 4.5 and 6 for those in menopause
- Also, they prevent the overgrowth of fungi and harmful bacteria.
- A metallic vaginal odor could be due to menstrual blood or light bleeding after sex that travels through your vaginal canal. Blood contains iron, which explains the metal smell.
- It could also be due to contact with semen, which can affect the pH balance of the vagina.
- Bittersweet or Molasses: Suppose your vaginal odor is giving off a slightly spicy gingerbread smell. In that case, your normal bacteria may change a bit, affecting your pH balance and, therefore, your aroma.
- Bleach, like a clean kitchen sink. A chemically vaginal odor could be attributed to some urine on the underwear or around the vulva. But remember that it could also be a sign of a bacterial infection.
Unhealthy Vaginal Odors
If your vaginal odor is foul, such as the smell of dead fish, it may be a sign of a more serious condition.
- Bacterial vaginosis (BV): BV is a bacterial infection that occurs when healthy lactobacilli become out of balance and overgrow. It is treated with an antibiotic. Symptoms include:
- A thin vaginal discharge that has a strong fishy smell
- A little itching or burning when urinating
- Trichomoniasis: Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection, which is another possible explanation for a strong fishy vaginal odor. It can be treated with antibiotics. Women with trichomoniasis may notice:
- Genital itching
- Burning
- Redness or pain
- Urinary discomfort
- A clear, white, yellowish, or greenish vaginal discharge.
Rotten Vaginal Odor
The cause of a putrid vaginal odor may be a misplaced tampon. In addition to a very smelly vaginal discharge that is yellow, green, pink, grey, or brown, you may experience additional symptoms. These include:
- Fever
- Vaginal itching
- Painful urination
- Pain around the pelvis or abdomen
- Redness around the genital area
- Vaginal swelling
What are the Causes of Vaginal Odor?
Abnormal vaginal odor is usually caused by one of the following:
- Bacterial vaginosis (most women with symptoms have an abnormal vaginal odor)
- Trichomoniasis (50% of symptomatic women have an abnormal vaginal odor)
- In rare cases, the abnormal vaginal odor may be the result of a yeast infection or cervical or vaginal cancer.
The following table describes the most common signs and symptoms for each causative factor, which will help distinguish between possible causes.
| Causative Factor | Signs and Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Trichomoniasis |
|
| Trichomoniasis |
|
| Yeast Infection |
|
| Vaginal Cancer |
|
| Cervical Cancer |
|
How Vaginal Odor is Diagnosed?
- Don't diagnose yourself. Since different conditions can manifest in the same way, the cause of abnormal vaginal odor cannot be known from the smell. Self-diagnosis and self-treatment are likely to be ineffective and harmful.
- We recommend consulting the doctor if you are facing any of the unhealthy vaginal odors.
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Book an AppointmentWhen to Visit a Doctor?
- Avoid home care and consult your doctor if abnormal symptoms trigger this odor.
- For instance, you may need an appointment if your vaginal odor is worse than usual and seems to get worse.
- Also, the smell of "fish" is a reason to make an appointment. A foul smell is a symptom of a vaginal infection.
- These odors could be signs of a problem that is not improving. You may need your doctor to prescribe medications or treatments.
- You don't want to delay treatment. An untreated infection may compromise your efficiency to get pregnant later in life.
- The other causes can be:
- Fever
- Bleeding not associated with your period
- Burning
- Vaginal inflammation
- Genital rash or redness
- Some vaginal secretions are normal. If you find an increase in discharge, you can have an infection if the fluids are no longer white or translucent.
- Occasional itching is also normal, but if you develop frequent or painfully irritating itching, you may experience signs of a larger problem.
What are Home Remedies for Vaginal Odor?
- Consider Probiotics: Probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria for you, can help maintain the pH balance of your vagina. Probiotic-rich foods include unpasteurized yogurt, kombucha, and sauerkraut.
- Eat a Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet with many fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. A balanced diet contributes to a healthy body, and that includes your vagina.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking lots of water is good for more than just your skin. It can also help the overall health of your vagina by promoting healthy sweating and fluid release.
- Avoid Douching and Scrubs: You may think they will help wash out bad bacteria but also kill good ones. Let your body calculate the bacteria ratios and skip these unnatural washes.
- Before and After Sex: Sex adds bacteria and foreign substances, such as condom lubricants and spermicides. Wash before and after sex to help maintain natural levels of bacteria.
- Trim Tight Clothing: Clothing that is too tight does not let your vagina and groin breathe. Getting enough oxygen is vital for good vaginal health.
- Wear Cotton Panties: Cotton panties remove excess moisture from sweat or discharge. Synthetic fabrics could be better at this.
- Fewer Tampons: Try to stay aware of tampon use, especially during the end of your period. You can even set a reminder on your phone to take out that last tampon if you forget it.
- Use Condoms: Unprotected sex increases the risk of several conditions that can cause vaginal odors.
Citations
Karger - https://www.karger.com/Article/PDF/122326
Clinical Manifestations - https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/376091
Prioritising primary care patients with unexpected weight loss for cancer investigation: diagnostic accuracy study - https://www.bmj.com/content/370/bmj.m2651
JAMA Internal Medicine - https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/613872
