Fishy vagin*l Odor: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and More (2024)

A mild, fishy vagin*l odor may occasionally occur without any underlying issue. 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.

This article reviews possible causes of a fishy vagin*l odor, ways to get rid of the odor at home, treatment options, prevention, and when to contact a healthcare provider.

What Can Cause a Fishy vagin*l Odor?

An unfamiliar or unpleasant vagin*l odor could be from poor hygiene, imbalanced vagin*l pH (acid-base) levels, infections, and even a rare genetic disorder. The following explores possible causes of a vagin*l odor.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is one of the most common culprits behind a fishy vagin*l odor. The odor is often the strongest after sexual intercourse or menstruation (period bleeding). BV can also cause itching and lead to an increase in thin vagin*l 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 vagin*. 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.

Trichom*oniasis

Trichom*oniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the parasite Trichom*onas vagin*lis. It commonly leads to a distinct, strong, fishy vagin*l odor. Other symptoms may include:

• Frothy or watery yellow-green vagin*l discharge
• vagin*l itching
• Burning with urination (peeing)
• Lower abdominal pain

Dehydration

Dehydration, not getting enough fluids, can indirectly cause a change in vagin*l scent because the body does not produce enough vagin*l discharge. This reduces the self-cleaning abilities of the vagin*. Dehydration can also cause a concentration your urine (pee), leading to a more pungent ammonia-like smell, which might be mistaken for vagin*l 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 vagin*.

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 vagin*l pH can also alter the scent.

Sexual Activity

Sexual intercourse introduces body fluid like sem*n which has a unique scent and can change the pH balance of the vagin*. Also, sexual lubricants, sex toy cleaners, and barriers like condoms can change pH balance, leading to a change in odor.

Trimethylaminuria

Trimethylaminuria is a rare genetic condition that can cause a fishy or ammonia-type body odor, including in the vagin*l area. This condition makes it difficult for the liver to break down the chemical trimethylamine. The body then accumulates and releases trimethylamine through sweat, breath, and bodily fluids.

Can You Get Rid of a Fishy vagin*l Smell at Home?

Sometimes, just taking a shower or bath and changing your underwear and pants can help get rid of a fishy vagin*l 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 vagin* 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

Treatment options for a fishy vagin*l odor depends on the underlying cause. For example, the first line of treatment for BV or trichom*oniasis is typically Flagyl (metronidazole), an antibiotic. A healthcare provider may also prescribe another antibiotic, Cleocin (clindamycin), for BV. Or, they may suggest Tindamax (tinidazole), an antiparasitic, for trichom*oniasis.

How to Prevent Unwanted vagin*l Odor

The following are tips to help prevent unwanted vagin*l odor:

• Prioritize regular hygiene: Wash the genital area daily, after sexual intercourse, and after sweating. Use warm water only in sensitive areas to maintain the natural pH balance.
• Menstruation hygiene: Change menstrual pads, tampons, or period underwear regularly.
• Choose breathable cotton underwear: Wear breathable underwear for proper air circulation, reducing moisture, and preventing bacterial overgrowth.
• Drink plenty of water: Hydration helps dilute urine and minimize concentrated odors.
• Practice safe sex: Use protection, such as condoms, to prevent the introduction of sem*n and reduce the risk of STIs.
• Probiotics: Eating fermented foods and yogurt or taking probiotic supplements can help support a healthy vagin*l flora.
• Avoid douching: Douching disrupts vagin*l flora and pH balance.

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

If you are worried about vagin*l 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 vagin*l odor are:

• If the odor persists or becomes stronger over time
• If the odor occurs with other symptoms like itching, burning, or pain
• Unusual vagin*l discharge
• Pain or bleeding with sexual intercourse
• Postmenopausal changes in vagin*l odor
• Bleeding between periods
• If you have risk factors for STIs, such as unprotected sex with new or multiple partners

Summary

Fishy vagin*l 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 vagin*l odor, abnormal vagin*l discharge, pain, or burning requires consultation with a healthcare provider.