2. Vaginal Infections, Including Trichomoniasis
Another possible reason for an unpleasant vaginal smell is an infection.
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a tiny parasite. Some women experience a strong or unusual odor, increased vaginal discharge, itching, irritation, or discomfort when urinating. The discharge may be yellowish-green or frothy, although symptoms vary considerably.
Other sexually transmitted infections may also cause changes in vaginal discharge or discomfort, and some produce no noticeable symptoms at all.
Yeast infections are another condition women often associate with vaginal odor. However, a typical yeast infection is more likely to cause intense itching, redness, soreness, and thick, white discharge than a strong fishy smell.
These conditions require different treatments, so it is not always possible to identify the cause by smell alone.
What should a woman do?
If the odor is new, persistent, or accompanied by itching, burning, unusual discharge, pain during sex, or discomfort when urinating, arrange a medical assessment. A clinician may recommend an examination or laboratory tests to identify the cause.
