How to get rid of yeast infection smell

Vaginal thrush is an overgrowth of Candida yeast. It commonly causes intense vulval or vaginal itching, soreness, redness, and thick white discharge. The discharge may have little smell, so a pronounced fishy or unpleasant odour can suggest bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, or another problem instead. Vaginal discharge, itching, and vulval pain can overlap across conditions, which is why symptoms alone may not identify the infection.

If you have had confirmed thrush before and the symptoms are the same, ask a pharmacist or clinician whether an appropriate antifungal treatment is suitable. If smell is the main concern, symptoms are new, or treatment has not helped, arrange an examination rather than repeating treatment. Clean the vulva gently, keep it dry, and avoid douching, perfumed washes, and vaginal deodorants. Avoid inserting yoghurt, oils, or other home remedies, which may irritate tissue.

Seek prompt medical advice for pelvic pain, fever, sores, unusual bleeding, pain when urinating, vomiting, or feeling unwell. Contact a clinician before self-treating if you are pregnant, have diabetes or a weakened immune system, or have repeated episodes. Symptoms that persist after an antifungal course may mean the diagnosis or treatment needs revisiting.

Ask whether your symptoms fit thrush or another infection, whether a swab is needed, and which treatment is safest for you. Ask when improvement should begin and what to do if smell, itching, discharge, or vulval pain continues.