Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesAt-Home TreatmentTreatment OptionsPreventionSeeking Medical Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
At-Home Treatment
Treatment Options
Prevention
Seeking Medical Care
If you notice an abnormal vaginal smell, in many cases, simply changing into a fresh pair of underwear and pants after a bath or shower can restore your usual scent. But if the odor persists or occurs with other symptoms like itching, unusual discharge, or pain, you should follow up with a healthcare provider.
Ana-O / Getty Images
An unfamiliar orunpleasant vaginal odorcould be from poor hygiene, imbalanced vaginal pH (acid-base) levels, infections, and even a rare genetic disorder. The following explores possible causes of an abnormal vaginal odor.
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
Bacterial vaginosis(BV) is one of the most common culprits behind a fishy vaginal odor.TheBV odoris often the strongest after sexual intercourse ormenstruation(period bleeding). BV can also cause itching and lead to an increase in thin vaginal discharge that may be gray, greenish, or yellow.
BV occurs when there’s an imbalance in the normal flora (good and bad bacteria) of the vagina. An overgrowth of harmful bacteria changes the pH balance. This imbalance can be the result of douching, having multiple sexual partners, recent antibiotic use, or using scented feminine hygiene products.
Trichomoniasis
Dehydration
Dehydration, not getting enough fluids, can indirectly cause a change in vaginal scent because the body does not produce enough vaginal discharge. This reduces the self-cleaning abilities of the vagina. Dehydration can also cause your urine (pee) to be more concentrated, leading to a more pungent ammonia-like smell, which might be mistaken for vaginal odor.
Sweat
While sweat itself doesn’t usually have an odor, when it comes into contact with bacteria on the skin, it can cause an unpleasant scent. Intense physical activity, hot weather, and hormonal changes can increase sweating, including in the genital area.
Hygiene
Inadequate hygiene, such as infrequent washing or not changing underwear, can cause a buildup of dirt, sweat, dead skin, or bacterial overgrowth.While it’s not typically a fishy smell, it can cause an unpleasant odor. Also, changes in personal care products like soap, detergent, underwear, and feminine hygiene products can cause a pH imbalance in the vagina.
While the odor of period blood does not have a fishy smell, it may have a unique metallic or iron-like scent, which is normal. However, the combination of menstrual blood and sweat, poor hygiene, or changes in vaginal pH can also alter the scent.
Sexual Activity
Sexual intercourse introduces body fluid like semen which has a unique scent and can change the pH balance of the vagina. Also, sexual lubricants, sex toy cleaners, and barriers like condoms can change pH balance, leading to a change in odor.
Trimethylaminuria
Trimethylaminuriais a rare genetic condition that can cause a fishy or ammonia-type body odor, including in the vaginal area. This condition makes it difficult for the liver to break down the chemicaltrimethylamine. The body then accumulates and releases trimethylamine through sweat, breath, and bodily fluids.
Do Yeast Infections Smell?Yeast infectionsmay cause a mild odor but are not usually offensive or fishy. The primary symptoms of a yeast infection are vaginal or vulvar (area outside the vagina), itching, burning, redness, and a thick, white discharge.
Do Yeast Infections Smell?
Yeast infectionsmay cause a mild odor but are not usually offensive or fishy. The primary symptoms of a yeast infection are vaginal or vulvar (area outside the vagina), itching, burning, redness, and a thick, white discharge.
Can You Get Rid of a Fishy Vaginal Smell at Home?
Sometimes, just taking a shower or bath and changing your underwear and pants can helpget rid of a fishy vaginal smell. If you don’t have time to take a bath or shower, use a warm washcloth and wipe down the area until you do. It’s important to include the folds between your legs and belly, as they can trap odor.
You don’t need to clean the inside of your vagina with soap. Just use warm water in delicate areas and use a mild, unscented soap on the external areas. Douching or using harsh soaps can disrupt the natural, normal flora and pH balance, potentially making the issue worse.
Treatment options for a fishy vaginal odor depends on the underlying cause. If a bacterial infection is the culprit for your symptoms, your healthcare provider may prescribe one of the following antibiotics:
How to Prevent Unwanted Vaginal Odor
The following are tips to help prevent unwanted vaginal odor:
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
If you are worried about vaginal odor and it doesn’t go away with regular hygiene practices, like showering and changing clothes, consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and guidance.
Additional reasons to call a provider regarding vaginal odor are:
Summary
Fishy vaginal odor can be due to infection, dehydration, sweat, hygiene practices, and a rare genetic condition like trimethylaminuria. Occasional changes in odor that resolve with hygiene are normal.
Good hygiene, wearing breathable fabrics, drinking plenty of water, practicing safer sex, and incorporating probiotics can help manage mild cases. But a persistent fishy vaginal odor, abnormal vaginal discharge, pain, or burning requires consultation with a healthcare provider.
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Mogilnicka I, Bogucki P, Ufnal M.Microbiota and malodor—etiology and management.International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2020;21(8). doi:10.3390/ijms21082886
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.STD facts - bacterial vaginosis.
Khedkar R, Pajai S.Bacterial vaginosis: a comprehensive narrative on the etiology, clinical features, and management approach.Cureus. 2022;14(11). doi:10.7759/cureus.31314
Divakaruni AK, Mahabir B, Orrett FA, Rao AS, Srikanth A, Chattu VK, Rao AVC.Prevalence, clinical features, and diagnosis of Trichomonas vaginalis among female STI clinic attendees in Trinidad.Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care. 2018;7(5):1054-1057. doi:10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_102_18
Bagnall P, Rizzolo D.Bacterial vaginosis: a practical review.J Am Acad Phys Assist.2017;30(12):15-21. doi:10.1097/01.JAA.0000526770.60197.fa
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Vaginitis.
Sobel JD. Patient education:Bacterial vaginosis (Beyond the Basics).UpToDate.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually transmitted infection treatment guidelines, 2021; Trichomoniasis.
Cancer Research UK.Controlling symptoms of advanced cervical cancer.
Cancer Research UK.Symptoms of vaginal cancer.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
