Generally, vaginal discharge has a unique smell that seems not too obvious that every woman should have been familiar with the normal odor of discharge. However, if you notice an unpleasant smell, such as a foul or fishy smell, please be aware that it’s not just ruining your confidence, but also signifying a health issue or ailment.
“Discharge with a smell serves as a warning sign for every woman to pay attention to and consider seeing a doctor if worried.”
What You Need to Know About Smelly Discharge
Smelly discharge is generally caused by an infection in the vagina, which often comes with itching, changes in discharge color or pain during urination, accompanied by an unpleasant smell.
The smell can cause weary. In some cases, the smell can be strong and becomes sickening to others.
Discharge with a smell can occur before or after the period or sometimes after sex, which can affect relationship with the partner.
Smelly and clear discharge is generally caused by a bacterial infection in the vagina or a sexually transmitted infection.
Caused by a sexually transmitted infection.
Can also be caused by a bacterial infection due to poor hygiene.
Foul smell can be caused by a foreign object in the vagina, such as condom or tampon, which must be removed by a doctor.
The unpleasant smell might come from cervical tumors or pelvic inflammatory.
Inflammation from bacterial vaginosis (BV) can also cause fishy smells, as well as gray or cloudy white discharge due to poor hygiene, stress, and inadequate rest.
Trichomonas Vaginalis can be another cause of fishy smell, which is usually linked to sexual activity. Other symptoms include burning, itching and a bubbling light-green discharge.
The cause can be a bacterial infection
Vaginal inflammation
Greenish-yellow discharge can be caused by a sexually transmitted infection
Chunky discharge with smells and itching might indicate a yeast infection.
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Wash your intimate area with warm water. Avoid using any feminine cleansing because they can affect the vaginal pH balance and can also increase harmful bacteria.
Do NOT use douches to clean the vagina, as they can lead to infections and thrust bacteria deeper into the uterus, fallopian tubes or even ovaries.
Eat foods with probiotics (food with beneficial live bacteria that help restore your gut), such as drinking yogurt, Greek yogurt, kimchi, natto, dark chocolate, kombucha, etc.
Always use a condom when having sex. Contact with semen can cause vaginal irritation and eventually cause the odor. Do NOT douche after sex and remember to urinate afterward. 
Prefer cotton underwear to other fibers and avoid overly tight clothes.
At Intouchmedicare, we can help with smelly discharge with these 3 easy steps:
See a doctor to discuss your problems The doctor will consider if you need a pelvic check-up or if a sample of the discharge should be tested further.
Undergo a pelvic check-up or additional tests as recommended by the doctor.
If any abnormal conditions are found, including infections, sores or lumps, the doctor will prescribe medication and treat the ailment accordingly.
If you encounter smelly discharge, it's advisable to receive diagnosis from a doctor, as there could be certain abnormalities that feature similar symptoms. Assessment and diagnosis made by an experienced physician would assure you the right medication.
“Particularly the discharge causing by sexually transmitted infection that requires both the patient and the partner to undergo a proper treatment for complete recovery.”
Intersting Article
Reference
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wittaya Tithapan, "Fungal Infections: The Cause of Itchy Vaginal Discharge in Women," Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital.
Dr. Chanchulee Srisukho, "Women's Health: In-depth Knowledge of Diseases Every Woman Should Know.
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Compiled by Onuma Peanphon, MD.
Last Update : 18/09/2024
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