Some types of discharge are normal. Others may indicate an underlying condition that requires treatment. A bit of white discharge, especially at the beginning or end of your menstrual cycle, is normal.
This type of discharge may be a sign of a yeast infection. A clear and watery discharge is perfectly normal. It can occur at any time of the month. It may be especially heavy after exercise.
When discharge is clear but stretchy and mucous-like, rather than watery, it indicates that you are likely ovulating. This is a normal type of discharge. Brown or bloody discharge is usually normal, especially when it occurs during or right after your menstrual cycle. A late discharge at the end of your period can look brown instead of red. You may also experience a small amount of bloody discharge between periods. This is called spotting. Spotting during an early phase of pregnancy can be a sign of miscarriage , so it should be discussed with your OB-GYN.
In rare cases, brown or bloody discharge can be a sign of endometrial or cervical cancer. It could be other problems such as fibroids or other abnormal growths. Your gynecologist will check for cervical abnormalities during these procedures. This type of discharge may be a sign of the infection trichomoniasis.
Normal vaginal discharge is a healthy bodily function. Exercise, use of birth control pills , and emotional stress may also result in discharge. Bacterial vaginosis is a quite common bacterial infection. It causes increased vaginal discharge that has a strong, foul, and sometimes fishy odor, although it produces no symptoms in some cases. That said, Morton reminds us that the odours are not meant to be unpleasant and if the vaginal discharge has a fishy or pungent smell there is nearly always something wrong.
So, what happens to throw off your smell and turn it into something disagreeable? For starters, the vagina is self-cleaning and has its own helpful bacteria and yeast, explains Dr Tami Prince, gynaecologist at Women's Health and Wellness Center of Georgia. The most common explanation for an unpleasant vaginal odour is an infection called bacterial vaginosis BV , which produces a fishy smell.
Prince says the normally acidic vagina becomes overgrown with bacteria, making it become more alkaline. Your GP can examine your vagina for signs of discharge, perform a laboratory test on a sample of vaginal fluid, or check the pH level of your vagina to see if BV is present. Antibiotics both topical and oral are the preferred method for treating BV. Aside from an unpleasant smell, it's also particularly important to get your tampon removed quickly if you have pelvic pain or a high fever.
In rare instances, toxic shock syndrome TSS can result from bacteria entering the bloodstream, which can be life-threatening. Morton says an infection such as trichomonas, which is a sexually transmitted infection STI , can cause your vagina to have an odour. This infection usually produces a fishy smell. Your GP can examine you and get a laboratory test to diagnose trichomonas. The truth is, our bodies effuse odors based on what we eat, what we wear, the state of our health, medication, bacterial activity on the skin, and gland secretions.
Understanding the types of smells that are normal and those that are concerning are important health considerations women should know. Keep reading to learn more about vaginal odor and the details on what to do if you are concerned. Your vagina resides in a warm, dark place loaded with lymph nodes and glands. It has its own delicately balanced ecosystem, complete with its own unique, odor-producing bacterial flora. If you notice any of these vaginal odors, you may want to contact your gynecologist.
You might even be able to schedule a virtual care visit with your provider! Click here to learn more. The first thing to remember is that many vaginal odors are signs of a healthy vagina. This includes complete obstetrical care, gynecology, gynecologic and obstetric surgery, fertility services, preventive health care, and more.
Learn more about our services and contact us online to request an appointment. Request Appointment. Certain lifestyle modifications can help keep the vaginal area clean and reduce your risk of odor:. But if the odor is a symptom of an underlying condition that needs to be treated, complications could arise not from the odor itself, but from whatever is causing the odor.
Odor is often the result of an infection that requires antibiotics. A number of conditions can change the bacterial balance in the vaginal area, leading to unusual odor. These include:. Planned Parenthood. Mayo Clinic. A go-to resource for medical advice, the Mayo Clinic offers comprehensive info on vaginal odor, from symptoms and causes to diagnosis and treatment.
Additional reporting by Julie Marks and Brianna Majsiak. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Health Tools. Vaginal Odor. Reviewed: April 23, Medically Reviewed. Vaginal odor is any unpleasant odor that comes from the vagina. It's normal for your vagina to have its own unique smell, but a very strong odor may signal a problem.
The smell of your vagina may vary during your menstrual cycle , pregnancy , or menopause. You may also experience stronger smells after sexual intercourse or exercise. An intense odor, however, could be due to an infection that needs treatment.
Temporary vaginal odor is common and often goes away on its own. Vaginal odor is considered normal if you don't have other symptoms.
Some causes of vaginal odor may include: Bacterial vaginosis BV This infection is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. Symptoms may include a strong, fishy odor and a thin, gray discharge. Trichomoniasis A sexually transmitted infection STI , trichomoniasis can cause vaginal odor. Other STIs, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia , typically aren't accompanied by a strong smell but may be the culprit, per the Mayo Clinic. A forgotten or stuck tampon A very strong vaginal odor can occur if you forget to take a tampon out or if one is stuck inside you.
According to the British National Health Service, it is not possible for a tampon to get lost inside you. It can however be compressed at the top of your vagina. The effect it has is much different from washing yourself in the bath or shower, which is perfectly healthy. Doctors don't recommend douching because it can increase your risk for many health problems including STIs, and even interfere with conception. Douching removes healthy bacteria that the vagina needs to keep balanced and can actually make the problem worse in the long run.
In addition, douching can promote overgrowth of harmful bacteria, which can lead to yeast infections or BV.
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