What causes feminine odor and discharge

What causes feminine odor and discharge? Though it may be tempting to douche or use a vaginal deodorant to decrease vaginal odor, these products may actually increase irritation and other vaginal symptoms. Sometimes, a combination of sweat, normal vaginal discharge, and urine can combine to create a strong-smelling feminine odor.

Usually, having good feminine hygiene habits and changing your underwear regularly can help to reduce any fishy odor from your vagina. Most of the time, vaginal discharge is perfectly normal. The amount can vary, as can odor and color (which can range from clear to a milky white-ish), depending on the time in your menstrual cycle.

But, a strong vaginal odor — for instance, a fishy smell — might be abnormal and could indicate a problem. Abnormal vaginal odor that happens because of infection or another problem is usually associated with other vaginal signs and symptoms such as itching, burning, irritation or discharge. Strong odors, itching and irritation, and unusual discharge are all signs you may have something other than just unusual vaginal odor. Diet, health, and other factors can affect the natural odor of the vagina, but it should not smell foul.

Infections, such as bacterial vaginosis, can cause a fishy smell, while an overgrowth of. Although it may cause some disturbing symptoms ( discharge and odor ), it is not dangerous and cannot be passed by sex. Bacterial vaginosis is an abnormal vaginal condition with signs and symptoms of vaginal discharge , vaginal odor , and vaginal pain. A change in vaginal discharge (such as an abnormal odor or color or increase in amount), or the presence of vaginal discharge associated with irritation or other uncomfortable symptoms, can signal that an infection is present.

The most common explanation for an unpleasant vaginal odor is an infection called bacterial vaginosis.

Signs that you might have it include a fishy odor , as well as a thin white or gray discharge and a burning sensation while urinating or having intercourse. Find out what are the causes and the treatments available to help treat the infections. Some types of discharge , however, could signal something more serious. Vaginal Discharge With Odor.

Learn about treatments, colors and consistency, and when to. Strong, pungent or foul vaginal odors can be a sign of infection. Consult a doctor if you experience a strong, fishy or unpleasant feminine odor especially if an abnormal discharge , itching or irritation accompanies the odor. For help starting the conversation about your feminine and vaginal health, download our Doctor Discussion Guide.

If asymptomatic, standard treatment is actually to leave it alone as the symptoms tend to disappear spontaneously. Usually the vaginal discharge is clear, cloudy or yellow, slippery, and without odor , unless there is an existing infection. With the presence of infection, doctors may want to prescribe an antibiotic to treat the infection. The first question you may have is what causes a fishy odor ? There are around nine most common causes of vaginal fishy odor , each with their own unique symptoms and treatment options.

In some cases, you may be able to solve the problem yourself with home remedies and in other cases, you may need medical treatment. However, there should not be a foul odor as a normal change of menopause. Montgomery says that unpleasant vaginal odor may be due to a number of causes : 1. A bacterial overgrowth called bacterial vaginosis that causes a vaginal discharge and odor 2. New bacteria from a new sexual partner 3. Concentrated urine due to dehydration 4.

The odor stems from an overgrowth of certain bacteria in the vagina that causes a strong fishy odor. The odor is worse after intercourse because the pH of the semen causes more of the odor to be released. In women, trichomoniasis can cause a foul-smelling vaginal discharge , genital itching and painful urination.

Other factors like concentrated urine, nitrogen-rich diet, excessive sweating, etc. The physiologic vaginal discharge during pregnancy is known as leukorrhea. This is a thin, white discharge that feels wet. While you may feel like your odor slightly changes, it should not smell foul and it should not itch or cause pain. Leukorrhea is caused by an increase in pregnancy hormones and blood flow to your reproductive organs.

You may be asking yourself, “is it normal to have vaginal odor ? If you’re experiencing unfamiliar scents from your vagina, you’re not alone. In fact, this is an ordinary situation for most women. BV is milder in odor and odor may be the only symptom you have.

Trichomoniasis is almost always associated with a change in vaginal discharge that is grey or greenish in nature. If you notice a strong fishy odor immediately after intercourse, chances are you have this. It is a parasite and needs antibiotics to treat it. Feminine odor during menopause is characteristic of declining estrogen levels as ovarian hormone production comes to an end.

If it is not accompanied by irritation, burning, discharge , or other vaginal symptoms, there is generally no need to assume it is caused by other factors. Changes in the balance of the vaginal environment due to infection, hormonal fluctuations, medication or environmental irritants can cause changes in discharge. Causes for Abnormal Discharge 1. Though feminine issues are quite common, it does not make them less embarrassing. Issues with feminine odor can make you feel unclean even if you are not. Following is a discussion of the five most common causes of feminine odour.

A foul smelling vaginal odor affects many women and may occur with or without any discharge. Often associated with overgrown pubic hair and poor hygiene, a smelly odor from the vagina may be indicative of a medical disorder that requires treatment in order to be corrected. When considering pathological causes of foul or offensive vaginal odor , accompanying discharge will likely be present.

However, many women experience offensive vaginal odor with no evident discharge.