Vaginal Smells: Classifications, Advice, and Cleanliness Strategies
In the realm of women's health, vaginal odor is a common concern. This article aims to shed light on the causes and treatments of fishy and sweet vaginal odors, focusing primarily on infections and changes in bacterial balance.
### Causes
Fishy vaginal odor, often characterized by a strong, unpleasant smell reminiscent of fish, is most commonly attributed to bacterial vaginosis (BV). BV occurs when the balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted, with anaerobic bacteria outnumbering the normal lactobacilli. This imbalance leads to a characteristic fishy smell and a discharge with a yogurt-like consistency, typically without itching or irritation.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as trichomoniasis can also cause fishy or unusual vaginal odors. Retained menstrual products, like tampons or menstrual cups, can foster bacterial growth and result in a rotten or fishy smell. A rare condition called trimethylaminuria (TMAU) can cause a fishy odor in vaginal fluids due to the body's inability to break down trimethylamine.
Sweet vaginal odors, while less commonly referenced, can sometimes be linked to infections or changes in vaginal flora after medical events such as abortion. In such cases, a smelly discharge may signal infection or retained tissue, necessitating medical evaluation.
### Treatments
Bacterial vaginosis is typically treated with antibiotics, which restore the normal bacterial balance. In post-abortion cases where discharge is smelly due to infection or retained tissue, antibiotics and sometimes a Dilation and Curettage (D&C) procedure may be required to remove retained tissue and clear infection.
To alleviate discomfort associated with certain vaginal conditions, gentle care such as cool washes or compresses with bicarbonate of soda solution, vaginal moisturizers, and water- or silicone-based lubricants can help. The use of natural oils like sweet almond or avocado may soothe symptoms, but avoid oils and creams such as tea tree oil and paw-paw ointment that may cause irritation or contact dermatitis.
Vitamin E applied topically or taken orally may reduce symptoms related to vaginal discomfort. Pelvic floor relaxation exercises or consultation with a pelvic floor physiotherapist may ease discomfort during intercourse, especially in post-treatment or menopausal vaginal health contexts.
### Products to Avoid
To maintain vaginal health, it's essential to avoid products containing alcohol and preservatives in lubricants or washes, as they may cause irritation. Oil-based lubricants should never be used with latex condoms because they can degrade the latex. Harsh soaps, douches, vaginal deodorants, and scented products should be avoided, as they can disrupt the natural vaginal environment and worsen odors or irritation.
Some natural remedies like tea tree oil and paw-paw ointment can cause contact dermatitis and increase itching and discomfort, so they should be avoided or used cautiously.
In summary, fishy vaginal odor is most commonly due to bacterial vaginosis or STIs and treated with antibiotics; sweet or unusual odors after abortion may indicate infection or retained tissue requiring medical treatment. Gentle hygiene and appropriate moisturizers/lubricants help manage symptoms, while products with irritants, oil-based lubricants with latex condoms, and certain natural ointments should be avoided to prevent worsening symptoms. Seeking professional medical evaluation is important for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Sources: [1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Bacterial vaginosis. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bacterial-vaginosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351897 [2] American Pregnancy Association. (2021). Post-abortion complications. https://americanpregnancy.org/unplanned-pregnancy/post-abortion-complications/ [3] National Health Service. (2020). Bacterial vaginosis. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bacterial-vaginosis/ [5] Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Vaginal odor. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/18057-vaginal-odor
- Disruptions in vaginal hygiene often cause fishy or sweet odors in women, with bacterial vaginosis (BV) being the most common culprit.
- BV arises when the balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted, resulting in an unpleasant fishy smell and a discharge with a yogurt-like consistency.
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like trichomoniasis, as well as retained menstrual products, can also lead to fishy or unusual vaginal odors.
- Rarely, a condition called trimethylaminuria (TMAU) can cause a fishy odor in vaginal fluids due to the body's inability to break down trimethylamine.
- Sweet vaginal odors may sometimes be linked to infections or changes in vaginal flora following medical events such as abortion.
- Antibiotics are typically used to treat BV and restore the normal bacterial balance in the vagina.
- In post-abortion cases, antibiotics and sometimes a Dilation and Curettage (D&C) procedure may be necessary to remove retained tissue and clear infection.
- To maintain vaginal health and prevent worsening symptoms, it's essential to avoid products containing alcohol and preservatives, oil-based lubricants with latex condoms, harsh soaps, douches, vaginal deodorants, and scented products.
