What Causes Vaginal Odor

Keeping up with proper hygiene is the best way to prevent abnormal odors and other health issues. This includes showering regularly, changing out of wet clothing immediately after swimming or exercising, and wearing breathable underwear made from cotton to allow the vagina to breathe. URL: https://getflowerpower.com/blogs/news/fishy-vaginal-odor

Tight-fitting thong underwear and other shapewear can trap fecal matter that reaches the vagina, leading to a buildup of bacteria that creates a strong odor. Avoiding these types of garments is one way to combat this problem, but it’s also a good idea to make sure you don’t consume any foods that can cause an overgrowth of yeast or fermented sugars in the vagina.

What’s that smell? A guide to understanding vaginal odor

The CDC reports that bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection, affecting nearly 30 percent of women in their reproductive years. This condition causes a foul-smelling discharge that often smells like rotten fish.

Bacterial vaginosis is a very serious condition that can lead to miscarriage and preterm birth. It’s also associated with an increased risk of other sexually transmitted infections.

Yeast Infections (Thrush) and Trichomoniasis are both also possible causes of a bad smell. A yeast infection can produce a sweet or beer-like odor, and it may be accompanied by a thicker, more clumpier discharge.

Menopause

The decrease in estrogen that occurs during menopause can trigger the growth of “bad” bacteria and increase discharge. Those with this condition should check with their doctor to find out what’s causing the change in discharge.