And, surprisingly, the first things you might want to reach for to counteract the offending odor is more likely to make the problem worse. You’ll be able to identify obvious symptoms of a problem. In fact, fresh fish shouldn’t smell like much at all. After all, vaginas do so many wonderful things for us. Your vagina, by nature, has a slight smell. Rotting fish, dead organism, decay — these are all red flag odors. This is usually … In fact, BV is distinctly a vaginal infection, so men can’t get it, she adds. But thanks to the sweat glands down there, at least we do know why vaginas and body odor can smell so similar. Many people report smelling a coppery, metallic vaginal odor. Menopause also has an effect on vaginal pH. Semen has a relatively high pH, so it’s super normal to notice a different kind of smell after you’ve had penile vaginal sex. But a self-exam isn’t a…, Bacterial vaginosis happens when there is an imbalance of bacteria normally in the vagina. Sometimes, this odor is reason to see a doctor. He's uncircumcised and I cant take the odor. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. If it smells curiously similar to that sour IPA you had last weekend, don’t freak out. Burning during urinationMany women with bacterial vaginosis have no signs or symptoms. I douse myself on lavender or rePHfresh gel ($30 a packet ) to cover my smell… I got a whiff of that. Here’s how you can tell the difference: Discharge: The hallmark sign of BV is discharge with a “fishy” smell. Many things can cause abnormal vaginal discharge, including some sexually transmitted infections (STIs). When to See a Doctor, Pain Down There? 5 Reasons Your Vagina Hurts, 6 Health Benefits of Drinking Pickle Juice, Not in the First Wave to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine? But a strong odor – one that many women describe as “fishy” – could be a sign of infection. Perform a pelvic exam. It’s not a sexually transmitted disease. Bacteria are a natural part of the vagina, but with BV, something upsets the normal balance. About half of women who have bacterial vaginosis do not notice any symptoms. Bacterial vaginosis signs and symptoms may include: 1. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Bacterial vaginosis is a common infection in females. Bad Smells Can Come From Sexual Partners . You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter. It’s a common vaginal infection that seldom causes physical discomfort. Bacterial Vaginosis vs. Yeast Infection: Which Is It? In the meantime, you should keep the area clean but skip the perfumed soaps and douches, which can upset the pH balance of the vagina. I am told it helps to balance the pH levels. “You can pass BV on to your partner, but as of today the CDC does not recommend partner treatment,” she says. However, because antibiotics can cause stomach upset and other side effects, your doctor may recommend against treatment unless symptoms are bothersome. But if you do have symptoms, the main ones to look for include a thin, white or gray vaginal discharge, itching in or around the vagina, and a strong fishy smell, says Dr. Svets. Last medically reviewed on October 4, 2018, Bacterial vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections are both common forms of vaginitis. The symptoms of BV are very similar to those of a yeast … There is an overgrowth of “bad” bacteria, and “good” (protective) bacteria are overwhelmed or can’t keep up. An antibiotic known as metronidazole is … Skunky like BO or a smoked herbal, earthy scent, Everything You Need to Know About Vaginal Discharge. Ask the Expert: Can Bacterial Vaginosis Clear Up on Its Own, How to Tell If Your Vaginal Area Is Healthy with a Self-Exam. See your doctor so you can … She advises against using feminine hygiene products such as douches and scented creams or deodorants. You may have acquired … Bacterial Vaginosis... And yes you can smell it. 2. The telltale sign that it's BV and not something else is that the discharge turns gray or grayish white, and omits a fishy odor. When we say sweet we don’t mean freshly baked cookies sweet. During a pelvic exam, your doctor visually examines your vagina for signs of infection, and inserts two fingers into your vagina while pressing on your abdomen with the other hand to check your pelvic organs for signs that may indi… If I choose to ignore any sign that my BV has returned, me and #mycalvins are doomed. Why? There is an exception: BV may increase the risk of preterm delivery. Try a probiotic. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Don’t worry though, this change is only temporary. Remember, the way your vagina smells has everything to do with its pH. Your vagina, by nature, has a slight smell. It also contains a few other types of bacteria, called anaerobes. Here’s what you need to know about bacterial vaginosis. 5 Common Problems ‘Down There’ — and Whether They Are Contagious, Feminine Odor Problems? It’s very common for vaginas to produce a tangy or sour aroma. “Your doctor may diagnose BV after noticing a slight odor or discharge during a routine wellness visit,” Dr. Goje says. Too many anaerobes can … You’ll find a wall full of products promising to mask the natural way your vagina smells. Its hallmark is a foul-smelling vaginal discharge that’s off-white or grayish. I did my some womens health for my FNP. The culprit is likely bacterial vaginosis (BV). It’s caused by an imbalance of natural pH in your vagina. Decomposing fish is the more apt comparison. The odor that accompanies BV is often strongest after sex or during menstruation. Change is normal. If the smell is putrid, like a dead organism, it may not be your vagina but something in your vagina. Chemical like a newly cleaned bathroom, 5. Trimethylamine, which is the chemical compound responsible for both the distinct aroma of rotting fish and some abnormal vaginal odors. Plus, considering the groin contains a collection of sweat glands, is it really a wonder that your vagina isn’t odorless? Because BV symptoms can look like those from other infections, it’s important to find out the cause. Every month after my period ends, I inspect the discharge in my underwear. That said, there are a few odors that can be indicative of an infection or other health problem. Im having The SAME EXACT PROBLEM, my boyfriends penis smells like fish. But between half and three-quarters of women with BV don’t have any symptoms. Now if I am at the store like walmart or kmart , and i can smell it.. and I am not in the fish department when i smell … But the emotional discomfort you may feel is plenty painful. In rare cases, a fishy smell is indication of a more serious condition. Vaginal itching 4. Learn more about vaccine availability. Even with medication, BV is often recurrent. She helped us get down to specifics with all the medical accuracy but less of the medical jargon. BV is usually not serious. I used to have supervisor who had BV. BV affects nearly 30% of women in their child-bearing years. For women in a monogamous relationship (who may not use condoms regularly), she recommends using condoms for three or four months to break the cycle of sharing the bacteria. --- Definitely use disposable pantyliners during the metronidazole antibiotic treatment. These can fight unhealthy bacteria … Here is your medically accurate guide to vaginal odors. The metallic scent shouldn’t linger too long after your period is over. Fortunately, Minkin says it’s perfectly safe to remove a forgotten tampon on your own. It’s one of those topics that’s so taboo, you might be too embarrassed to talk to your doctor about it. It could be a sign of bacterial vaginosis. Cleveland Clinic © 1995-2021. Dr. Goje notes that others may catch the infection from you. Bacterial vaginosis is a mild infection in the vagina caused by a type of bacteria (germ). Symptoms include: No, it’s not just you. To diagnose bacterial vaginosis, your doctor may: 1. She even kept air freshener underneath her desk. But when this fluid contacts the abundance of vaginal bacteria on your vulva, it can produce a pungent aroma. And there are lots of things that affect your pH. Around a third of women who take antibiotic treatment for bacterial vaginosis (BV) find that the problem recurs within the next two to three months. 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