Written By Satata Karmakar | Published : July 13, 2025 5:57 PM IST
Are you worried about that bad, fishy smell coming from your vaginal area? Well, you are not alone. Experts say that every woman experiences vaginal odour at some point in their life. While a temporary bad smell is fine, gynaecologists warn that a strong and unpleasant smell that persists for a long time, can be an indicator of something going wrong inside your body. Scroll down to know more.
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is a common health problem that most women face. This is a type of vaginal infection which mainly affects those who are of reproductive age. Bacterial Vaginosis occurs when dangerous bacteria increases inside the vagina, leading to a strong and fishy odour. It can also cause unusual white and slightly discoloured vaginal discharge.
Yeast Infection, such as Candida albicans, can also lead to bad vaginal odour. This fungal infection is caused by excessive growth Candida albicans - a fungus that often causes thick, white discharge and intense itching. This condition can also lead to a musty or bread-like odour. Some of the major causes of yeast infection in women's vagina are wearing too tight clothes, or adding too much sugar to their diet.
A serious sexually transmitted condition called Trichomoniasis (STI) - can also lead to poor vaginal odour. This condition is primarily caused by a parasite (Trichomonas vaginalis). When this parasite gains growth power inside the vagina, it can lead to strong, foul-smelling, frothy green or yellow discharge, and most importantly, vaginal itching, redness, and discomfort during urination.
Another reason why your vagina smells so bad can be Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Yes, when your genital area is not smelling good, or when there is a persistent bad odour coming from down there, get yourself checked for STIs. STIs can alter vaginal flora and cause unpleasant odors, discharge, pain, or bleeding. Some of the common STIs include - Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Herpes.
Dear ladies, beware of uninary tract infections (UTIs) - they can cause vaginal irritation, redness, and unusual discharge. A urinary tract infection can sometimes cause a strong, ammonia-like smell from the vaginal area due to bacteria in the urine. UTIs are often accompanied by burning during urination, frequent urges to urinate, and lower abdominal pain.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) can also lead to poor vaginal smell. When you have PID - which can arise from untreated STIs like chlamydia or gonorrhea - it can cause a fishy smell coming from your genitals. Experts say that untreated PID can often cause pelvic pain and fever as well.