• Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial Vaginosis, also known as BV, is a type of vaginitis. It occurs when the natural bacteria in the vagina overgrows and gets out of balance. It is a result of an imbalance between the “bad” and “good” bacteria in the vagina. According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal condition in women aged 15-44 and more prevalent in sexually active women. Most women with bacterial vaginosis have no symptoms, but those that do, describe the smell as fishy. Typically this “fishy” smell is accompanied by vaginal discharge, pain, irritation, itching, and burning, especially during urination. Sometimes, the “fishy” odor is stronger after sex. Douching, multiple sex partners, new sex partners, and not using condoms during sex can increase the risk of getting BV. Having BV can also increase the risk of having other potentially serious STDs. Sometimes, BV will go away without treatment, but treating with antibiotics reduces the chances of any further complications. If you smell something “fishy” down there, consult your healthcare provider for treatment.

• Yeast infection

Yeast infection is a type of vaginitis that is common in women and causes vaginal odor. A yeast infection will typically smell yeasty or sugary and is often accompanied by a thick white discharge that can resemble cottage cheese. Sometimes the discharge can be watery with no smell. Yeast infections can also cause itching, burning, and redness of the vagina and vulva. Yeast infections can be treated with over-the-counter medications as well as prescription medication. It is important to check with your healthcare provider, especially if it is the first time you have symptoms, to make sure you get the right treatment.

• Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis usually doesn’t appear with symptoms, but if you do have symptoms, they can include burning during urination, itching, soreness, and redness of the vagina and vulva. Trichomoniasis can also produce a foul-smelling gray-green discharge which smells even more “fishy” than BV. It is important to see your doctor for treatment if you suspect you have trichomoniasis. This infection is usually treated with a single-dose antibiotic. If you are diagnosed with trichomoniasis, you and your sex partner should be treated to reduce the chance of reinfection or spreading the infection to others.

• Period

A menstrual period consists of shedding blood, an unfertilized egg, and the tissues lining the uterine. No wonder your vagina might have fluctuation odors as your period progresses. The time of your period, presence of bacteria, and acidity also affect the smell of your vagina during your period. A vagina can smell metallic at the beginning and end of your menstrual cycle. Generally, the smell of your vagina during your period is not noticeable to anyone but you. If you have a stronger than normal odor, it could be a sign of infection, especially if it is accompanied by unusual pelvic discomfort or vaginal discharge. Good hygiene, including frequently changing your pads and tampons, will help control unwanted odors and reduce the risk of infections.

• Foods

Foods like onions, garlic, coffee, asparagus, smoked food, spices, broccoli, fried foods, cheeses, and sugar can change how the vagina smells. Some foods create a favorable environment for bacteria and yeast to thrive and smell. Others cause an imbalance of the natural bacteria and yeast in the vagina, also leading to abnormal vaginal odor. We don’t recommend cutting these foods out of your diet, but rather consuming them in moderation. The good news is that there are foods that do the opposite. Foods like pineapple, cinnamon, plain yogurt, watermelon, peppermint, cranberries, and celery are not only healthy but can also keep things smelling good and pleasant down there.

• Cervical, Vulvar, and Vaginal Cancers

Cervical cancer is typically asymptomatic at the early stages. As the cancer advances, the cervix lacks oxygen, get infected, and begins to die. The infection leads to loss of dead cells and tissue through the vagina. This vaginal discharge is often bloody, pink, or brownish and can be described as smelling like rotten meat.

Vulval cancer is very uncommon; however, it develops on the female external genitals. It might appear as a lump on the vulva with persistent burning, itching, and tenderness. It might also look like a wart and come with abnormal bleeding. Vulval cancer often does not cause vaginal odor at the beginning but in advanced stage cancer, a vaginal discharge with a foul smell might be more common.

Vaginal cancer is typically a condition where malignant cells form in the vagina. One of the most common signs and symptoms of vaginal cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding or blood-stained discharge with an unusual smell. Other symptoms include pain during intercourse, blood in the urine, frequent urination, vaginal lump, pain the pelvic area, and rectal pain.

• Rectovaginal Fistula

Although very rare, rectovaginal fistula can be a source of vaginal odor. Rectovaginal fistula is an abnormal connection between the vagina, rectum, and lower portion of the large intestine. This causes bowel contents to leak through the fistula, allowing gas, pus, and stool to pass through the vagina. Rectovaginal fistula often causes foul-smelling vaginal discharge as well as recurrent vaginal and urinary tract infections. It can cause pain during intercourse as well as irritation/pain in the vulva, vagina, and anus. Rectovaginal fistula can result from injury during childbirth, inflammatory bowel diseases, Chron’s disease, radiation treatment to the pelvic area, and pelvic-area surgical complications.