The truth is, vaginal odour is completely natural. But if the smell becomes strong or fishy, it could be a sign of something like bacterial vaginosis.
The good news? Most causes can be managed easily with the right care. Here, we explore the common reasons behind a fishy vaginal odour, what you can do about it and when it’s worth checking in with your doctor.
How should my vagina smell?
It’s natural for your vagina to have a smell. Vaginal odour is sometimes described as musky, and it can change slightly throughout your menstrual cycle, after sex or if you’ve been sweating.
Healthy vaginal discharge is usually clear or white and doesn’t have a strong or unpleasant smell. If your discharge starts to smell fishy or unpleasant, especially after sex, it may be a sign that your vaginal flora (the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina) is a little out of sync.
Noticing these changes just means you’re paying attention to your body, which is a good thing. Most of the time, it’s easy to get things back on track.
What can cause a fishy-smelling vagina?
A fishy vaginal odour can be caused by a few different things. Understanding what’s behind it is the first step toward finding the right treatment and helping you feel better.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
Bacterial vaginosis is the most common cause of a fishy vaginal smell. It occurs when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted, allowing certain bacteria to overgrow.
The most typical BV symptoms include:
- A strong fishy smell, often more noticeable after sex
- Grey or white watery discharge
BV doesn’t usually cause any itching or soreness.
Around half of women with BV don’t notice any symptoms at all.
If any of the above symptoms sound familiar, you’re not alone. BV is a common cause of unusual vaginal discharge. It’s not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but it is more common in those who are sexually active – and sex can sometimes trigger it.
BV can feel a little unsettling, but it’s common and can be treated. Your doctor might recommend antibiotics, or you can try over-the-counter products like Canesbalance® Bacterial Vaginosis Vaginal Gel, which help restore the vagina’s natural balance.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is an STI that can also cause a fishy-smelling vaginal discharge.
Other possible symptoms include:
- Yellow-green or frothy discharge
- Itching, soreness or redness
- Pain or discomfort when peeing or during sex
Some people don't notice any symptoms at all. It’s important to get a sexual health check-up if you think you may have trichomoniasis.
If you think you have trichomoniasis, don’t worry – it’s easily treated with antibiotics. A doctor or sexual health clinic can help you get the right diagnosis and treatment.
A forgotten tampon or other object
It happens more often than you might think – a tampon (or occasionally something else) can accidentally get left inside the vagina. When that happens, it can cause a strong, unpleasant smell.
If you suspect this might be the case and you aren’t able to remove it yourself, don’t panic. Just see your GP or visit a sexual health clinic as soon as possible – they can remove it safely.
Douching or scented products
Douching – washing or cleaning out the vagina with water or other fluids – might sound like a good idea, but it can often do more harm than good. Vaginal douches or scented soaps can disrupt your vaginal flora and increase your risk of irritation or infections like BV.
Your vagina is brilliant at looking after itself – it’s naturally self-cleaning, so there’s no need to do anything special to keep it healthy. When it comes to washing your vulva (the external area), warm water and a gentle, unscented soap or shower gel are all you need.
Other possible causes
Sometimes, changes in vaginal odour aren’t caused by an infection – they can be linked to everyday things like physical activity, periods and sex. While these aren’t medical causes, they can still affect your vaginal environment and shift your natural scent.
Common non-medical factors include:
- Your period – during menstruation, blood can throw off your vaginal pH (which is a measure of acidity)
- Physical activity – can give your vagina a stronger, muskier scent
- Sex without a condom – semen has its own distinct odour, so it can temporarily change your vaginal pH when it mixes with your natural bacteria
How to get rid of a fishy-smelling vagina
If you’re noticing a fishy odour, the first step is to speak with your doctor, who can help identify the cause and recommend the right treatment.
You may also want to try the steps below to help restore vaginal balance:
- Try a pH self-test: If you are unsure whether your symptoms are caused by a bacterial infection or a vaginal yeast infection like thrush, you can try a self-test product like Canestest®. They provide results in seconds and can help inform your conversation with your doctor or pharmacist
- Treat BV: If your pH test suggests BV, you may wish to consider Canesbalance® Bacterial Vaginosis Vaginal Gel, a seven-day treatment clinically proven to relieve abnormal discharge and unpleasant odour. It works by restoring the natural pH and supporting the growth of healthy bacteria
- Maintain good intimate hygiene: Wash your vulva daily with warm water and a mild, unscented soap. Avoid perfumed soaps, douches, vaginal deodorants and scented wipes – these can upset your natural bacterial balance and increase your risk of recurring BV
- Choose breathable clothing: Opt for cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes to keep things cool and dry. After exercising or sweating, try to change out of damp clothes as soon as you can
- Practise safe sex: Using condoms can help protect your vaginal flora by reducing the risk of introducing new bacteria during sex
When to see a doctor
If your discharge changes (for example, in smell, colour or texture), it may be a sign of an infection. It’s best not to self-diagnose – see a GP if you’re worried.
You should also reach out for medical advice if:
- You experience pain, soreness, swelling, itching or a burning sensation
- You notice unusual bleeding (for example, between periods, after sex or bleeding after menopause)
- The odour keeps coming back
- You’re pregnant or trying to conceive
- You think you may have an STI
Your GP or sexual health provider is there to help – not judge. They’ll ask you about your symptoms and may examine your vagina. If needed, they might take a simple swab using a cotton bud to check for infections such as BV. It’s a fast, straightforward process that helps make sure you get the right care and treatment.
Don’t wait it out – the sooner you get support, the quicker you can find relief.
A fishy vaginal smell isn’t something to be embarrassed about – it’s just your body’s way of telling you that something might need a little attention. BV is the most likely cause, but it could also be down to other factors like trichomoniasis.
Thankfully, there are simple ways to get back on track. Canestest® can help you identify whether a yeast or bacterial infection may be behind your symptoms, while Canesbalance® can provide effective relief from the symptoms of BV.
And most importantly – if something doesn’t feel right, it’s always OK to seek help.
