Your vagina is an amazing ecosystem that works hard to keep a delicate pH balance throughout your menstrual cycle. But sometimes the vaginal microflora can get thrown a little off balance, especially after your period or when you are pregnant or going through menopause.
How do I get rid of the smell of fishy discharge?
A fishy smell discharge is a common sign of bacterial vaginosis, or an infection that causes imbalance in your vaginal flora, and should be treated by your doctor as soon as possible. BV can also lead to other vaginal infections and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like trichomoniasis, so it’s important to get it checked out by your health care provider.
You should also check your vaginal odor after a period or any time you are experiencing itching, burning or unusual watery discharge that may be accompanied by a fishy smell. If it lingers or gets worse, it’s best to see your health care provider right away for a pelvic exam and to have a sample of your vaginal flora sent to the lab for testing.
If the discharge you notice is very white, gray or yellow and has a fishy smell, it could be a sign of trichomoniasis, which can cause a fishy smell as well as genital itching, pain and a discharge that’s clear, white, yellow, green or foamy. Your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics to treat the condition.
A foreign object that gets stuck in your vagina could also be the culprit behind a strong fishy smell, so it’s best to get this removed by your health care provider as soon as possible. If you’re experiencing symptoms that are unrelated to your menstrual cycle, it’s also worth getting screened at your OB-GYN for cancer.