How to address vaginal odour

A mild scent can vary with menstruation, sweat, sex, or normal vaginal discharge. A new strong or fishy smell can occur when the balance of vaginal bacteria changes. It may also accompany an infection, a retained tampon or other object, or irritation from soaps and fragranced products. Odour alone cannot identify the cause, and washing inside the vagina can disturb its natural balance and make irritation worse.

Notice whether the discharge has changed in colour, amount, or texture, and whether there is itching, burning, pain, or discomfort when passing urine. Those details help a clinician decide whether an examination or swab is needed.

Wash the vulva, meaning the outside genital skin, with lukewarm water and a mild unscented cleanser if needed; do not douche or use deodorant sprays, scented wipes, or perfumed pads. Change out of damp clothing, choose breathable underwear, and change menstrual products regularly. Avoid inserting home remedies. If you may have a sexually transmitted infection, pause sex or use barrier protection until you have advice and testing. Treatment depends on the cause, so do not use leftover antibiotics or someone else’s medicine.

Arrange medical assessment if the odour persists, returns repeatedly, or comes with unusual discharge, pelvic pain, fever, bleeding after sex, sores, or burning when urinating. Seek urgent care for severe pelvic pain, fever with feeling very unwell, heavy bleeding, or possible forgotten tampon with worsening symptoms. Pregnancy, recent childbirth, or a recent procedure lowers the threshold for contacting your clinician.

Ask what causes are being considered, whether testing is needed, how to protect a partner, when sex can resume, and how to prevent irritation or recurrence.