Vaginal Odour

It’s one of those topics that’s so taboo, you might be too embarrassed to talk to your doctor or peers about it. But chances are, your gynecologist can help!

So don’t put off mentioning any unusual vaginal odor that’s got you feeling self-conscious or keeping you from enjoying intimate moments.

Your vagina, by nature, has a slight smell. But a strong odor – one that many women describe as “fishy” – could be a sign of infection.

BACTERIA VAGINOSIS

Bacteria Vaginosis often accompanies an active sex life, but it’s not a sexually transmitted disease. Bacteria are a natural part of the vagina, but with BV, something upsets the normal balance. There is an overgrowth of “bad” bacteria, and “good” (protective) bacteria are overwhelmed or can’t keep up.

BV affects nearly 30 percent of women in their child-bearing years. But it can occur in women of any age.

Those who have multiple sex partners (or whose partners have multiple partners) and those who don’t have sex for a while and then resume an active sex life are more at risk

 The odor that accompanies BV is often strongest after sex or during menstruation. But between half and three-quarters of women with BV don’t have any symptoms.

Causes

BV is caused by an imbalance of naturally occurring bacterial flora, the usual bacteria found in a woman's vagina. Why this happens is not clear.

It is different from candidiasis, a yeast infection, or Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis), or trichomoniasis, also known as trich. These are not caused by bacteria

Risk factors

Any woman can develop BV, but some behaviors or activities can increase the risk.

These include:

douching, or using water or a medicated solution to clean the vagina

having a bath with antiseptic liquids

having a new sex partner

having multiple sex partners

using perfumed bubble baths, vaginal deodorants, and some scented soaps

smoking

washing underwear with strong detergents

BV cannot be caught from toilet seats, bedding, swimming pools, or touching objects.

Treatment

BV often clears up without treatment, but women with signs and symptoms should seek treatment to avoid complications.

Treatment may not be needed if there are no symptoms. Sometimes BV can appear and disappear for no apparent reason.

If there is an abnormal vaginal discharge, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. A doctor can diagnose BV and rule out other infections, such as gonorrhea or trich.

Untreated BV can also lead to complications, especially during pregnancy.

Some doctors recommend giving BV treatment to all women who will be undergoing a hysterectomy or termination, before the procedure, regardless of symptoms.

Male partners do not usually need treatment, but they can spread BV between female sex partners.

Prevention tips

There is no certain way to prevent BV, as the exact causes remain unclear. However, some tips can help prevent it.

These include:

practicing safe sex

not douching

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that BV rarely affects women who have never had sex.