Fishy body or vaginal odour

Try to identify whether the smell is from the vagina, urine, groin skin, or clothing. The source and related symptoms guide the examination and testing; smell alone cannot identify a specific cause.

A change in the normal balance of vaginal bacteria can produce a noticeable fishy smell, sometimes with thin discharge. Sexually transmitted infections can also cause altered discharge, burning, bleeding after sex, or pelvic discomfort. Sweat, damp clothing, urine leakage, or a forgotten tampon can create a similar complaint.

Pelvic infection may present with unusual discharge alongside lower abdominal pain, fever, pain during sex, or feeling unwell. The condition presents through that cluster of symptoms; the odour on its own does not establish the diagnosis.

Wash the vulva gently with water or an unperfumed cleanser and dry the area well. Change out of sweaty or wet clothing and use breathable underwear. Avoid vaginal douching, deodorant sprays, scented wipes, and inserting home remedies because they can worsen irritation and alter the vaginal environment.

Book an appointment if the change persists or recurs. A clinician may ask about discharge, periods, sexual contact, pregnancy possibility, and retained tampons, then recommend an examination, swab, or urine test. Avoid using leftover antibiotics because the correct treatment depends on the cause.

Seek prompt medical care if the odour occurs with fever, worsening pelvic or lower abdominal pain, vomiting, faintness, heavy bleeding, or feeling very unwell. Assessment is also important during pregnancy or soon after childbirth, miscarriage, abortion, or a gynaecological procedure.

Arrange timely testing for a new discharge after unprotected sex, genital sores, burning when urinating, or bleeding between periods. Until assessed, using condoms and avoiding sex when it is painful can reduce irritation and possible transmission.

You can ask what samples are needed, whether sexual partners need testing or treatment, how to use any prescribed medicine, and what changes should bring you back. Mention antibiotics recently taken, a possible retained tampon, and any chance of pregnancy.