The fishy smell refers to the abnormal vaginal odor, and all vaginas have a mild odor, whether it is a healthy vagina or an unhealthy vagina. 1But some vaginal odors are unpleasant enough to require a doctor’s consultation, so here we will explore the reasons why your vagina may have a fishy smell.
There is no need to worry about any fishy smell or unpleasant odor after vaginal penetration, as sometimes stress, lifestyle, or diet changes also reflect this. But the possibility of vaginal itching or urinary infections can put your vaginal health at risk.
1. What is Vaginal Odor?
Every vagina has a foul vaginal odor or vaginal microbiome, an odor that depends on the vagina’s pH levels and level of how acidic the vagina is. Many types of bacteria that live in the vagina create a strong vaginal odor or flora.
The vaginal flora can fluctuate according to the vaginal pH and level of maintenance of the vaginal area2. And that imbalance in the good bacteria’s presence creates an abnormal odor or causes a fishy smell.
A healthy vulva or vagina may smell salty or sweet, similar to copper or blood, but commonly there does not appear to be any serious underlying condition or underlying infection or cause. Even a bath, wash or body cleaning can resolve your internal issues.

2. What is an Abnormal Vaginal Odor?
Every vagina has its own unique scent, and that odor or smell indicates your lifestyle or health. Even in the menstrual cycle, you will see many odor changes.
A strong or unpleasant smell will decide whether your vagina is happy or not because it will reflect the poor health of your vagina or what we call fishy smell. If it has been going on for more than a day or a long time, it indicates infection or advises referral to medications.
3. Causes of Fishy Smell
The imbalance of vaginal bacteria and level or pH level occurring in your vagina creates vaginal irritation and an unpleasant or fishy smell that could embarrass you and could be reason enough to make you consult a specialist. The condition is vaginitis.3
3.1 Bacterial Vaginosis
It is a very common cause to show the imbalance in warm water in the vagina’s pH level. It causes a very fishy vaginal odor and is responsible for the very fishy vaginal smell and unpleasant odor. It happens usually after having sex.
Even you can figure it out from the gray or gray-white discharge which can create a strong fishy smell showing the bad bacteria presence. Smoking is also a risk factor.
The major risk factors include multiple or new sexual partners and certain vaginal practices, such as douching, which can disrupt the vaginal flora.
The usage of barrier methods may help reduce the risk of contracting it during intercourse.
3.2 Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae4. The yellow discharge tells about other symptoms of this condition that could lead to a fishy and unpleasant smell. The further symptoms of vaginal infection include pain or burning sensation with urination, bleeding between periods for women and increased vaginal discharge.
3.3. Cancer
There are two types of cancers that can cause this smell and other symptoms of unusual discharge because of the situation. It can be vaginal or cervical cancer.5 Someone suffering from this disease can have the symptoms of heavy discharge with a bad smell or strong odor.
3.4. Chlamydia
This is also a sexually transmitted infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria.6 Initially, only a thick yellow discharge will be seen as a symptom of vaginal infection. But if it is not treated for a long time, it can worsen the health of the vagina, causing vaginal swelling along with foul odor.
3.5. Trichomoniasis
This is also a type of sexually transmitted disease which is caused by Trichomonas vaginalis parasite7. Along with yellow-green discharge, other symptoms, such as strong, foul-smelling discharge and fishy odor, can also be seen.
It can also further cause a urinary burning sensation, spotting, and genital redness.
3.6. Rectovaginal Fistula
This is a rare condition in which the opening between the rectum and vagina leads to leakage of harmful bacteria into the vagina, which further affects the health of the vagina. This gives rise to a fishy smell or foul-smelling vaginal discharge sometimes.
3.7. Tampon Stay
Tampons are very comfortable to use, but if these tampons are left in the vagina for too long during periods, then the vagina has to face such unhealthy issues as grain, yellow, and white discharge along with the smell of rotten meat.
3.8. Hygiene Issue

It is very important for us to keep our hygiene a priority on a daily basis. It is mandatory to keep the health of the vagina in check and balance. Your diet or lifestyle indicates your health.
If you do not give priority to your internal hygiene after a workout, sweaty work, or during periods of sexual intercourse, you will face the problems of fishy smell, unpleasant odor, or continuous discharge.
3.9. Pregnancy Cause
Vaginitis is a common problem in pregnant women because, at this time, you can see such changes as in case of abnormal vaginal odor or diagnosed discharge. At this time, you will have cravings or mood swings and also hormonal changes, which will trigger your vaginal smell and discharge.
3.10. Dehydration and Sweating Issue
If you urinate and feel a pungent smell or color, then it indicates dehydration. Dehydration results in increased amounts of urea, which is made up of ammonia.
When there is too much urea in the urine, it can produce a strong fishy odor along with the urine, which impacts overall vaginal odor or health.
Sweating produces bad bacteria if you have not washed your body for a long time. You should prefer loose and breathable fabric.
Stress or weakness also encourages sweating due to sweat glands, the internal parts of which are affected a lot.
3.11. Sexual Activity
Whether it’s masturbation or sexual intimacy, you may notice a change in your vaginal scent, which can produce a fishy smell that can be unusual and unpleasant.
For this, you have to keep your internal health good and include protection at the time of sexual involvement on a mandatory basis.
4. What to Do to Get Rid of that Fishy Smell?
4.1. Diet
Fast food and unhealthy food imbalance our hormonal levels and worsen gut health which increases the chances of developing urinary infections which impacts vaginal health. Eating more fruits and vegetables, with the consumption of probiotics, can help.
4.2. Hygiene
If you are using a public Western toilet, it is important to remove unwanted drops with the help of tissue as they can lead to urinary tract infections. You also need to clean your body on a daily basis so that sweat bacteria cannot ruin your vaginal health. Even during periods, it is extremely important to remove or clean tampons, pads, or menstrual cups respectively. These are the factors that commonly cause the vaginal to smell or cause a fishy vaginal odor or smell.
4.3. Fitness

Workouts, yoga, or meditation can all play a good role in maintaining your overall internal hygiene.
4.4. Medications
If the problem of foul-smelling discharge or fishy smell smelling discharge becomes a more serious complication, then medications are needed, which are mandatory to improve your overall health, even for future plans.
Guardians of the Microbial Realm: Understanding the Delicate Balance of the Vaginal Ecosystem
Steven Rabin, a board-certified gynecologist in Burbank, California, points out the role of bacteria in balancing the vaginal ecosystem:
“The healthy vagina hosts a world of various bacteria; some of them are good and friendly, and some of them not so good; not so friendly.
[The] vaginal Microbiome, predominantly populated by [lactobacilli Acidophilus], is the main character, and in [Latin] [this] means acid-loving.
The pH or acidity of the vagina should be in the acidic range about 3.5 on the pH scale.
While the friendly bacteria, predominantly acidophilus, should be present and plentiful, there are always some bad guys, including yeast and a group of bacteria that [together] we call bacterial vaginosis, which includes Gardnerella [among]others.
These bacteria thrive in an alkaline environment, generally higher than 5.0. [Things] that can lead to a pH and balance include a new sexual partner, certain over-the-counter products, rinses and dishes, certain baths, oils, and soaps.
Dietary contributors to imbalances include a high-sugar diet and vitamin D deficiency. Semen is also alkaline and can throw off the vaginal pH.
Stress also contributes to the problems down there. Antibiotics can also kill off the good guys [leaving] room for the yeast or bacteria to take over your ecosystem.
Bacterial vaginosis has a prominent malodorous discharge, which [has been] described as fishy. [Well], doctors [are quick to] prescribe antibiotics to knock down the bacterial vaginosis bacteria, but not enough.
Doctors give patients the tips and tools to restore a healthy vaginal Microbiome. In my practice, I recommend the patients [make sure to] correct any vitamin D deficiency (1000 to 2,000 IUs of D3 Daily). I advocate a no-sugar, low-starch diet.
I will prescribe the medications recommended by the CDC to reduce the bacteria associated with bacterial vaginosis.
Unfortunately, some women have recurrent bacterial vaginosis and may benefit from a once-a-week vaginal suppository of boric acid 600 mg, which is now available without a prescription.
Most importantly, I insist that patients come in for evaluation, testing of the vaginal, pH, a sample of the discharge to look under the microscope, and sometimes sending out a swab for testing.
I think it’s [important] to test and not gas. At least 50% of the time patients will come in thinking that they’re having a yeast infection when it’s bacterial vaginosis or trichomonas, [sometimes it’s even] a urinary tract infection or herpes.
It’s important to have a good relationship with your gynecologist [so that you can] come in within a day or two of the onset of symptoms and get a proper diagnosis [so that you can] pursue the proper treatment.”
Sensual Symphony: Expert Insights on the Interplay of Sexual Activity, Vaginal Scent, and Genital Well-being
Ketan Parmar, a psychiatric professional with over 34 years of experience at ClinicSpots, describes the role of sex in vaginal scent and suggests tips for a healthy balance:
Influence of Sexual Activity on Vaginal Scent
Sexual activity can indeed influence the natural scent of the vagina. [T]his is primarily due to the combination of bodily fluids and the potential alteration of vaginal pH levels during intercourse.
Semen, in particular, has a higher pH than the normal acidic environment of the vagina, which can produce a noticeable change in scent post-coitus.
Maintaining a Healthy Vaginal Balance
Maintaining a healthy vaginal balance is paramount for overall genital health. It is essential to allow the vagina to cleanse itself, as it’s a self-cleaning organ naturally.
Over-cleaning, particularly with scented soaps or feminine hygiene products, can disrupt the pH balance and increase bacterial growth, causing an undesirable change in scent.
A balanced diet, keeping hydrated, and using condoms during intercourse can also help maintain the vagina’s natural pH level.
Psychological and Physiological Aspects of Sexual Activity
Sexual activity holds both psychological and physiological implications. Physiologically, it can stimulate the release of endorphins and oxytocin, promoting a sense of well-being.
It can also improve cardiovascular health and immunity; [in females], it can help regulate menstrual cycles. Psychologically, regular sexual activity can boost self-esteem, improve mood, reduce stress, and foster better relationships.
The Role of the Pelvic Floor in Vaginal Health
The pelvic floor, a set of muscles situated at the base of the pelvis, plays a significant role in sexual and vaginal health. These muscles support the uterus, bladder, small intestine, and rectum.
Strong pelvic floor muscles can enhance sexual sensation and orgasm intensity, while weakened muscles might lead to incontinence, reduced sexual satisfaction, and pelvic organ prolapse.
Regular pelvic floor exercises can help keep these muscles strong and healthy.
Way Forward
We all know that women have many vaginal odors and scents, which is known as vaginal flora. Due to any reason that unbalances your vaginal pH level, which starts the problem of unwanted vaginal discharge and causes vaginal odors with a fishy odor, that situation can even make you embarrassed.
Just focus on your regular hygiene and diet sessions so that you will not have this unpleasant body odor problem in the long run.
There is no need to rush into getting stressed. Unless you notice unusual symptoms in the long run, focus on daily cleaning while keeping your hygiene and diet in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What does the fishy smell refer to?
The fishy smell refers to the strong unpleasant, fishy vaginal smell or odor that is a sign of the poor health of your vagina.
Q2. What are the common causes of the vaginal foul odor?
There are a few causes that lead to vaginal infections and foul vaginal odor, like UTIs, vaginitis, chlamydia, tampon stay, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, etc. Diet and hygiene also play an important role in getting the vaginal odor and poor health completely normal again.
Q3. When should I seek treatment?
You should seek treatment and prescribe medications when you start having itching, burning sensations, vaginal and genital itching, and thick discharge along with a fishy smell and foul odor.
Q4. Do home remedies help?
Yes, home remedies can help you to get relief for a while like having a bath with guava leaves, peppercorn, and Peruvian pepper tree and consuming raw garlic.
Guest Author: Saket Kumar
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