Why does my discharge smell like fish?

The medical condition or condition that can answer the question of “why does my discharge smell fishy” is the so-called bacterial vaginosis. This happens when the bacteria and microorganisms that normally reside in the vagina and that protect it from possible infections, are altered and grow in an excessive way. This is a very common vaginal infection among women between 15 and 44 years of age, let’s see below what are its causes and main symptoms.

Causes of bacterial vaginosis

Although the exact cause of the bacterial overgrowth that leads to this vaginal infection is unknown, specialists have pointed out that there are a number of factors that increase the chances of developing it. Among these, we find:

• Being sexually active and having a new partner or several sexual partners.
• Douching and / or using aggressive or irritating cosmetic products for the vaginal area.
• Use synthetic underwear: the use of underwear made with synthetic fabrics prevents the correct circulation of air in the vaginal area, which helps it to remain moist and, therefore, provides the perfect environment for the proliferation of bacteria and microorganisms present .
• Consumption of antibiotic drugs.
• Wearing the IUD.

It is important to clarify that bacterial vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted disease, although it can increase the risk of contracting an infection of this type.

Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis

One of the most common and obvious symptoms of bacterial vaginosis is a discharge with a fishy smell, but in addition to this there may be other signs such as:

• Thin white or grayish vaginal discharge, its quantity may be scarce or abundant.
• Burning and / or stinging when urinating.
• Vaginal itching
• Vaginal irritation

If you have a foul-smelling or fishy discharge and symptoms like the above, it is essential go to the gynecologist and perform the appropriate tests. If this infection is not treated, you increase the risk of contracting HIV, STDs (such as gonorrhea and chlamydia), and if you are pregnant, there is a greater chance of preterm delivery.

Many women report feeling that their discharge smells fishy right after having sex and it is at this point that they may realize that they could be suffering from bacterial vaginosis.

It is true that after sexual intercourse, the vagina can give off a stronger odor than normal due to the exchange of fluids that occurs during them. However, when the discharge is smelly and smells similar to fish, it is probably due to bacterial vaginosis. When this infection occurs, the bad smell of the discharge usually intensify after sexual intercourse, especially without protection, and by mixing with the man’s sperm. On the other hand, it is common for the flow to give off an even stronger smell during the days when you have menstruation.

Other conditions that could cause a foul-smelling discharge after intercourse they are fungal infections and some STDs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea or trichomoniasis. For more information you can consult the article Why does my flow smell bad after having sex.

Fishy discharge is NOT in itself a pregnancy symptom, and when it is perceived during pregnancy it can also be a sign that you are suffering from a vaginal infection such as bacterial vaginosis and therefore it will be necessary to go to the gynecologist as soon as possible.

During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes various hormonal changes, which also affect vaginal discharge, being able to slightly modify its quantity, consistency and habitual smell. In the first stage of pregnancy, it is normal for a woman to have a thicker and more abundant white discharge and as the gestation progresses, the secretions may become thicker, heavier and gelatinous. Also sometimes it is possible that the flow has a little blood, which could be indicating that the baby will take a short time to arrive. All of this can cause vaginal discharge to have a distinct and slightly stronger smell than usual, but it should not be smelly, since in this case it can be an indication that something is not right and, surely, indicates the suffering of some type of infection.

In the following oneHOWTO article, we explain in more detail what vaginal discharge looks like during pregnancy.

Now that we have answered the question of “why does my discharge smell like fish”, we are going to indicate what treatment should be followed to eliminate it and cure the existing infection, as well as those measures that can help prevent this condition .

For treat bacterial vaginosis, the gynecologist will prescribe a treatment based on antibiotic drugs to stop the overgrowth of bacteria in the vaginal area. These can be administered orally by taking tablets or locally through the insertion of vaginal capsules or the application of some antibiotic creams in the vagina. They are treatments that usually act quickly and effectively, but for this they must be used following medical indications at all times. During this treatment, it is advisable not to consume alcohol, since the combination with these drugs could cause nausea and / or vomiting.

Here are the steps that can help us prevent bacterial vaginosis and reduce your symptoms:

• Wash the vagina every day with a specific intimate soap for this area and water.
• Gently and thoroughly dry the vaginal area after bathing or showering.
• Avoid douching and the use of aggressive vaginal cosmetic products, with perfumes, alcohol, etc.
• When eliminating, always wipe from front to back.
• Wear cotton underwear and avoid synthetic fabrics.
• Limit the number of sexual partners.
• Use a condom in all sexual relations.
• During menstruation, use unscented tampons and pads and do not wear them for too long.

There are some home remedies for fishy discharge that can be helpful in fighting infection naturally. We show which ones are the most effective in the article Home remedies for bacterial vaginosis.

This article is merely informative, at oneHOWTO we do not have the power to prescribe any medical treatment or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Why does my discharge smell fishy – find out the exact cause, we recommend that you enter our Family Health category.