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A slight vaginal odor is considered normal. It may become more noticeable during certain days of the menstrual cycle or right after sex. Some foods (spices, coffee, onions) may also change the odor of vaginal fluids. However, sometimes vaginal odor may be a warning sign of a serious health problem—especially when it is accompanied by other signs and symptoms.
In this article, we have summarized the possible causes of abnormal vaginal odor, from the not-very-serious to the potentially deadly.
You will also learn:
- The signs and symptoms of various conditions that may cause abnormal vaginal odor
- What it smells like (it depends on what’s causing it)
- How soon it develops
- When to see a doctor
- How to minimize the odor at home
- When your partner needs treatment
- How serious it can be
Causes of abnormal vaginal odor
Abnormal vaginal odor could be due to a variety of different things. The cause may be very simple—poor hygiene, douching, vaginal deodorant, or sweating.
Sometimes, it is a result of a more serious health condition, such as a certain genital infections or cancer . Chlamydia and gonorrhea do not typically cause abnormal vaginal odor.
The most common causes
Abnormal vaginal odor is usually caused by one of the following:
- Bacterial vaginosis (the majority of women with symptoms have an abnormal vaginal odor)
- Trichomoniasis (50% of symptomatic women have an abnormal vaginal odor)
In rare cases, abnormal vaginal odor may result from a yeast infection or vaginal or cervical cancer.
The table below describes the most prevalent signs and symptoms of each causative factor which will help to distinguish between the possible causes.
| Causative Factor | Signs and Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Bacterial vaginosis |
|
| Trichomoniasis |
|
| Yeast infection |
|
| Vaginal cancer |
|
| Cervical cancer |
|
What abnormal vaginal odor smells like
How an abnormal vaginal odor smells depends on the condition that caused it. The table below describes the general characteristics of vaginal odor for each condition.
| Condition | Vaginal Odor |
|---|---|
| Bacterial vaginosis | Fishy odor that intensifies after sexual intercourse |
| Trichomoniasis | Fishy odor that is more recognizable |
| Yeast infection | Sweet or beer-like smell |
| Vaginal cancer | Foul-smelling (unusual odor) |
| Cervical cancer | Foul-smelling |
How soon an abnormal odor is likely to develop
When an abnormal vaginal odor is caused by an infection, it will appear after the infection’s incubation period. Mostly, women do not experience any symptoms (85% of women with trichomoniasis and half of those with bacterial vaginosis are asymptomatic).
We know from research that bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections are not sexually transmitted. This means that the only cause of abnormal vaginal odor that may be transmitted during sexual intercourse is trichomoniasis. The first signs of it (including abnormal odor) become noticeable 5–28 days after the person is infected.
When to see a doctor
If you have persistent abnormal vaginal odor and any of the other signs or symptoms mentioned previously, you should contact your doctor as soon as it is possible. You could have a severe infection or cancer.
Do not try to diagnose yourself
No! Since different conditions may manifest in the same way, you cannot tell by the smell what the cause of abnormal vaginal odor is. Moreover, self-diagnosis and self-treatment are likely to be ineffective and may be harmful.
Getting rid of the odor without seeing a doctor
In general, the following practices may help to minimize vaginal odor:
- Maintaining good hygiene (washing the genital area with mild soap)
- Do not douche
When your partner needs to be treated
Whether your partner needs to be treated depends on the cause of the abnormal vaginal odor. If the odor has been caused by trichomoniasis, then yes, your partner(s) should be treated. Furthermore, it is recommended that you abstain from sexual intercourse till the end of the treatment period.
How dangerous abnormal vaginal odor is
Again, the cause of abnormal vaginal odor determines whether you may develop serious health complications and your prognosis.
For instance, if left untreated, genital infections in pregnant women may result in preterm childbirth (37 weeks of pregnancy). If the abnormal vaginal odor is caused by cancer, the consequences may be as serious as death. That is why it is strongly recommended that you see a doctor for examination and testing and get the correct diagnosis.
Conclusion
Abnormal vaginal odor is common and can be caused by a variety of things. It is important to determine the cause and be properly treated. This will prevent negative health outcomes and improve your overall well-being.
References
1. Vaginal odor Causes - Mayo Clinic.
2. Bacterial Vaginosis - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf.
