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Health Line
a day ago
- General
- Health Line
What Causes a ‘Fishy' Vaginal Odor and How Is It Treated?
A fishy or unusual vaginal odor isn't always a cause for concern. But if you're experiencing itching, pain, or other unexpected symptoms, it could point to an underlying condition like bacterial vaginosis. A healthy vulva and vagina may smell a bit like blood or copper, somewhat salty or sweet, or musky. A fishy odor may even happen from time to time with no underlying cause. In many cases, changing into a fresh pair of underwear after a bath or shower is enough to restore your usual odor. An odor that lingers after a thorough wash or occurs alongside other unusual symptoms could warrant an appointment with a doctor or other healthcare professional. Vaginal discharge, for example, is typically clear or slightly cloudy with a sticky, stringy consistency. In the days before menstruation, it might be closer to white than clear. Discharge tinged with gray, yellow, or green could point to an underlying infection, especially when coupled with an unpleasant odor, itching, or burning. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) A lingering change in odor, particularly a foul or fishy scent, is most commonly caused by BV Your body naturally contains a wide variety of bacteria, and your vulva and vagina are no exception. Although the body can usually maintain this delicate balance of bacteria, unexpected fluctuations can increase the risk of infection. BV can develop in response to an overgrowth of certain bacteria. However, the exact cause is unclear. You may be more likely to develop bacterial vaginosis if you: Other symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include: thin vaginal discharge that's gray, white, or green strong vaginal odor after sexual activity pain during or after penetrative sex pain or burning during urination itching in or around the vagina Trichomoniasis ('trich') Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the Trichomonas vaginalis parasite. People who have penises are generally asymptomatic, whereas people who have vulvas often experience symptoms. In addition to a foul or fishy vaginal odor, trichomoniasis can cause: increased vaginal discharge foamy or frothy discharge white, yellow, or green discharge pain during or after penetrative sex pain or burning during urination itching in or around the vagina redness around the vaginal opening Dehydration If you tend to notice the odor after you urinate, it could be a sign of dehydration. Urine is primarily water, with a small percentage of urea and other waste. If you aren't well hydrated, waste may be more pungent than usual. Urea, for example, is a byproduct of ammonia. It's often associated with a chemical-like smell, though some may describe it as fishy. Sweat Sweat-related body odor is often described as skunky, but this is ultimately subject to interpretation. Consider your recent activity levels — anything from lugging groceries up the stairs to lifting weights in the gym — and when you last washed up or changed your clothes. Your overall temperature, the fit and fabric of your clothes, and the weather outside can also contribute to genital sweating. Hygiene So-called 'feminine' hygiene products, like scented sprays and suppositories, can temporarily disrupt your overall vaginal pH. This can result in inflammation and irritation that may, in turn, lead to the overgrowth of odor-causing bacteria. Practices like douching and steaming can also alter the vagina's natural microbiome, increasing your risk of injury or infection. Sexual activity Solo or partnered play, with or without vaginal penetration, can also spur an unexpected change in scent. Condoms and lube, for example, can affect your vaginal pH. So can the exchange of bodily fluids. Sex toys and other erotic aids can also introduce bacteria, particularly when shared or improperly cleaned. Bacterial vaginosis and other underlying infections can exacerbate these symptoms, making your post-sex smell more pungent than usual. Trimethylaminuria In rare cases, a fishy odor may be the result of an inherited condition called trimethylaminuria. Your body naturally produces trimethylamine (TMA) when breaking down certain foods. The strong-smelling chemical generally breaks down into a less fragrant compound, allowing your body to excrete TMA without notice. People who have trimethylaminuria are unable to process TMA as expected. This can cause your breath, sweat, urine, or vaginal secretions to smell rotten or fishy. The smell may intensify with hormonal fluctuations, including menstruation and menopause. When should you consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional? If you've had a prior bacterial vaginosis infection, you might be comfortable using an at-home test to assess your current symptoms. You might also feel comfortable using an at-home STI test to check for trichomoniasis. This usually involves taking a urine sample to send to a lab. A healthcare professional will likely reach out to discuss a positive result. If you're uncomfortable with at-home testing or unsure of your symptoms, it's important to consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional. The following symptoms typically require medical intervention: strong vaginal odor after sexual activity gray, yellow, or green vaginal discharge foamy, frothy, or increased vaginal discharge soreness, burning, or itching Your clinician will ask you questions about your symptoms, your medical history, and recent sexual activity to help identify the potential cause. They'll likely perform a pelvic exam to check for inflammation and other abnormalities. Your clinician may also swab inside the vagina to take a fluid sample for lab testing. They may also ask you to provide a urine sample. If you aren't experiencing symptoms but have concerns about your scent, consult with a gynecologist or other healthcare professional. They can answer any questions you may have and may be able to set your mind at ease. What treatment options are available? Although bacterial vaginosis can resolve on its own, antibiotics can help speed the process along and alleviate your symptoms. A healthcare professional may prescribe: metronidazole, which can be applied topically or taken as a pill clindamycin, which can be applied topically, inserted as a suppository, or taken as a pill tinidazole, which is taken as a pill secnidazole, which is taken as a powder mixed with food Some over-the-counter products are marketed as effective treatments for bacterial vaginosis, but it's important to note that the Food and Drug Administration has not approved any over-the-counter method for use. Trichomoniasis will not resolve without treatment. Your clinician will likely prescribe the oral antibiotic metronidazole. Generally speaking, odor related to sweat, dehydration, and vaginal irritation can be managed with certain lifestyle changes. Limiting time spent in damp or wet clothes, washing more frequently, and staying hydrated can help. Lifestyle changes may also help with trimethylaminuria. Consult with a healthcare professional to learn more. What can you do to prevent unwanted vaginal odor? Practicing good hygiene is the best way to prevent unwanted vaginal odor. Depending on your activity level, this may look like bathing or showering every day, every other day, or just a few times per week. Warm water is all you need to cleanse your vulva, but you can also use a mild, fragrance-free soap. Stick to the external bits — your vagina is a self-cleaning machine. Internal 'cleansers' like douches are more harmful than helpful. When it comes to menstrual hygiene, keep an eye on the clock. Different products have different guidelines for the length of use. You may need to change your pad, tampon, cup, disc, or menstrual underwear more frequently. Wash your hands before and after changing menstrual hygiene products. If you use a reusable method, be sure to check out the manufacturer's guidelines for care. Avoid spending extended periods of time in sweaty clothes, particularly damp underwear or swimsuit bottoms. Wash up, pat yourself dry, and change into something dry as soon as possible. Opt for breathable materials, like cotton, when selecting underwear. You might also consider sizing up on pants, shorts, and other bottoms for a looser fit or selecting clothes with an airy silhouette. Adopting safer solo and partnered sex practices can also make a difference. Much like menstrual hygiene products, condoms, lubricants, sex toys, and other erotic aids have different guidelines for use. Regular STI testing can help you stay on top of your status and, if needed, start treatment sooner rather than later. The bottom line Your vulva — which includes your labia and vaginal opening — smells differently throughout your menstrual cycle. Different forms of physical activity, recent food intake, and overall hydration can also affect your unique scent. As long as you aren't experiencing other unusual symptoms, a change in smell may not be a sign of anything more. If the odor intensifies or lasts for more than a day or two, it could be related to an underlying infection or other health condition.
BBC News
2 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Airport apologises for Cornwall woman's breast form shock
Bristol Airport has apologised to a woman in Cornwall who had her prosthetic breast form "prodded and patted" after she went through the security body scanners before taking a flight. The woman, who did not want to be named, said she was repeatedly asked "What is that?" and then told she would have to be strip-searched. She said: "I was really upset, really shocked. I didn't want to prove to two security women in an airport that I'd had a mastectomy."Bristol Airport said: "Customers can speak to a member of staff just before screening to make them aware of any prosthetics and medical devices." She said she pulled out her breast form from her bra and then the security guard peered down her regards to her anonymity she said: "I don't want to be known as the woman who has had a mastectomy" but she wanted to highlight it to other woman said she did not complain to the airport but she did tell Boost, the Cornish company which manufactures the breast form that she has chosen to wear, instead of the usual heavier prosthesis. As a result Sam Jackman, the founder and CEO of Boost Innovations, has been working with Cornwall Airport Newquay to inform security staff about mastectomies and breast forms. "We just wanted to say to airport security these are the type of products that you might see that might set off your system," she said."Of course airport security staff have to investigate when something comes up as an anomaly on their systems and we expect that we want to be safe when we fly."But to treat women with the dignity they deserve to make sure they have the opportunity to explain what they wearing and why, in privacy with a female security officer."And to have that awareness about the broader issues that might be affecting someone's stress levels and anxiety when they travel after breast cancer, she said. Steve Ferridge, the security trainer at Cornwall Airport Newquay, explained how the new security scanners at some airports work. "The system works by sending millimeter waves through to your skin and reflecting back so anything above the skin that is not part of the body will show as an anomaly."We would identify with the passenger that they have had a mastectomy or are wearing a body form and offer them a private said since engaging with Boost they had now incorporated suggestions into their training with regards to body searching."I understand with bigger airports the pressures are different but we all have the ability to give humility to people and understanding and I think that's the important thing to follow through," he said. A spokesperson for Bristol Airport said "We are very sorry to hear about our customer's experience. We urge them to contact us directly, so we are able to fully investigate. We take these matters very seriously."Customers can speak to a member of staff just before screening to make them aware of any prosthetics and medical devices. They can also request a private search."Screening of passengers travelling with medical devices and prosthetics has always formed part of the security training syllabus, and all searches are carried out in accordance with the Department for Transport regulations and the CAA guidance."
ABC News
12-05-2025
- Health
- ABC News
New Australian guidelines for miscarriage and early pregnancy loss released
Australia's first comprehensive national guidelines for the treatment of early pregnancy loss have been welcomed by women's health experts. The clinical guidelines, developed by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (RANZCOG), are designed to provide a benchmark for best practice medical care. "We don't actually have a standard of care for miscarriage in Australia because every health service does something slightly different and every clinician probably does something slightly different," Nisha Khot, obstetrician and president-elect of RANZCOG, said. Early pregnancy loss is common in Australia; it's estimated up to one in four pregnancies end in miscarriage, and more than 100,000 couples are affected by miscarriage every year. The clinical guidelines, published in late April, provide recommendations for the treatment of miscarriage, recurrent miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy up to 14 weeks gestation. Ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg implants and grows outside the uterus. Dr Khot said in addition to providing health professionals with up-to-date evidence on the medical and surgical management of pregnancy loss, the guidelines were about ensuring empathy was "central to all the care we provide". Among the recommendations is a new definition of recurrent miscarriage, which was previously defined as a woman having three consecutive miscarriages. "[The new guidelines] have very specifically said that it is two miscarriages and they don't need to be consecutive for women to be able to access further testing to find out the cause," Dr Khot said. Isy Oderberg, co-founder of the Early Pregnancy Loss Coalition, said the guidelines would go a long way to supporting women and families who experience early pregnancy loss. "The time to just tell patients to go home and try again is over," Ms Oderberg said. "We need to offer patients proper care, proper oversight, let them know they're not alone, and not compound any grief they are already feeling with substandard care or a lack of empathy." Ms Oderberg, who had seven miscarriages on her way to having two living children, said miscarriage care varied significantly across the country and often came down to luck. "There are times when you go and seek care and you have an incredible, empathetic, knowledgeable clinician who can give you the right guidance and treat you well, both from a medical point of view but also in terms of empathy," she said. "But there are many, many horror stories. "It varies wildly and it gets worse when the person is from a marginalised or minority group, or if they're in a regional or rural area." Culturally, there has long been a discomfort around early pregnancy loss, she said, which has contributed to poor understanding of patients' needs and how to best support them. "We've seen a lot of doctors be dismissive … because it's just seen as a natural part of the reproductive cycle, which to some extent it is, but that doesn't lessen the grief." A global review of evidence in 2021 found the impact and consequences of miscarriage were "underestimated". It called for a comprehensive overhaul of the medical care and advice offered to women who have miscarriages. The new Australian guidelines recommend that communication with patients is "clear, empathetic and respectful" and that health professionals take care with terminology and use of certain phrases when discussing early pregnancy loss. "If the patient refers to their loss as a baby, [doctors] have to take that lead and refer to it in the same way," Ms Oderberg said. "It compounds a patient's grief if they don't take that lead, and use words like 'spontaneous abortion', which is still commonly used by a lot of doctors." In 2024, the federal government committed $9.5 million to miscarriage support and research, including funding a scoping study for a national miscarriage data collection. Ms Oderberg said it was important to understand where early pregnancy loss occurred, who was most affected, and whether rates were increasing. "The reason we need miscarriage data is because you can't create any sort of health policy without knowing who you're creating it for, where they are, how many people need the service … it's a fundamental plank of any decent policy." The Early Pregnancy Loss Coalition is now hoping to develop a national miscarriage road map, similar to the National Stillbirth Action and Implementation Plan, in order to look long-term at patient pathways, quality of care, and research funding. "A lot of what happens in this space of early pregnancy loss is not well understood because it is not well researched," Dr Khot said. "That is because there hasn't been funding for research in this area." In addition to further research, she said more psychological support was needed for women and families experiencing early pregnancy loss. "Whether that be counselling or mental health support, these are things women should have access to without additional costs." Listen to the full story on Radio National and subscribe to the Health Report podcast for more.
