What should you know about unpleasant vaginal odour?

A fishy smell can occur when the balance of vaginal bacteria changes, while a strong smell with itching, burning, unusual discharge, or pain can occur with an infection. Odour around a period may reflect menstrual blood. A forgotten tampon can cause a particularly strong, unpleasant smell and needs prompt removal by a clinician if you cannot remove it safely yourself. Odour alone cannot identify the cause, and it does not diagnose a sexually transmitted infection.

Wash the external vulva gently with lukewarm water and avoid douching, scented washes, deodorant sprays, and perfumed pads, which can irritate tissue and disturb the vaginal environment. Use breathable underwear, change out of damp clothing, and note any discharge, bleeding, itching, urinary symptoms, or pelvic discomfort. Arrange a healthcare assessment if the change continues, returns, or follows sex with a new partner. Treatment depends on the examination and may include prescribed medicine such as [Antibiotic Treatment for Pelvic Infection].

Seek urgent medical care for severe or worsening pelvic pain, fever, vomiting, faintness, heavy bleeding, or feeling suddenly very unwell. Arrange prompt assessment for odour with pelvic pain, pain during sex, burning when urinating, sores, or pregnancy. These features can signal an infection or another condition that should not wait for self-care.

Ask what may be causing the odour, whether an examination or swab is needed, how to avoid irritation while waiting, and whether a partner needs testing or treatment.