One of the main indicators of a woman’s health problems and the development of gynecological diseases is specific discharge. They may differ from normal ones in color, aroma, consistency and be accompanied by some symptoms: pain, itching, and others. If the discharge smells like fish, then you can judge the presence of a pathological process or disease, which we will talk about in this article.
Natural vaginal secretion and deviation from the norm
A woman’s body secretes a certain secretion every second, in particular from the mucous membrane of the reproductive system and skin. It is individual for each female representative. Normally, clear mucus is released from the intimate area, moderately sticky and watery, without impurities or odor. Because in different phases menstrual cycle There are surges in the hormones estrogen and progesterone, and the nature of the mucus changes. For example, after menstruation it is more sticky, cloudy and has a sour smell. Later it becomes abundant, without aroma and similar to egg white, such a sign is the beginning of ovulation.
The above description is an everyday norm, but it happens that the discharge begins to emit an unpleasant aroma, which cannot be eliminated by ordinary washing. , rot, sour cottage cheese and even fish. Sometimes present. To this are added symptoms such as pain in the lower abdomen, groin and vaginal itching, burning, including when urinating, discomfort during intimacy. All this indicates a disease, and only a gynecologist can make an accurate diagnosis by taking a smear.
Why does women's discharge smell like fish?
A fishy smell from the intimate area may be without discharge, but most often it is accompanied by this symptom. It occurs due to the excessive development of pathogenic bacteria in the natural microflora of the vagina. Its components, lactobacilli, cannot cope with the spread of harmful microorganisms. Their activity leads to the destruction of lactic acid bacteria, which are eventually replaced by gardnerella - pathogenic particles. These, in turn, generate volatile amines, which is why the rotten and fishy smell spreads. This is how gardnerellosis or bacterial vaginosis develops, manifesting itself in a number of ways: the following reasons:
- Weakened immunity reduces the body's protective function, allowing pathogenic microbes to penetrate unhindered.
- Mechanical tissue injury due to abortion, surgery, and even rough sex.
- Promiscuous sex life and unprotected sexual intercourse.
- Failure to comply with hygiene rules.
- Synthetic underwear and wearing thongs can cause your vaginal discharge to smell fishy.
When a girl who doesn't know how to smell an unpleasant secret sex life, then it was the listed factors that provoked the problem.
Fishy-smelling discharge due to bacterial vaginosis
In 75% of cases, this pathology can be explained by the unusual aroma of leucorrhoea.
Gardnerellosis is difficult to detect because it is asymptomatic. After only a week, vaginosis makes itself felt with the following signs:
- begins to smell like rotten fish, turns green, yellow or white, becomes thick and in some cases cheesy, and may contain quite large lumps.
- Itching, burning and discomfort during sexual intercourse are annoying.
This problem can appear at any time, but most often it occurs before menstruation and during sexual intercourse. There is a possibility that symptoms will intensify even after attempts to eliminate the odor using remedies. intimate hygiene or deodorants.
If you do not take any measures and do not treat this disease, it will cause complications in other organs: kidneys, bladder. There is a possibility of developing pyelonephritis or cystitis.
Discharge with the smell of rotten fish during pregnancy
From the first weeks of conception
Such discharge is most often a sign of disease, and it, in turn, can contribute to improper attachment ovum. Then, unfortunately, one cannot be sure of the normal development of the embryo. In this case, pink, bloody or bloody odor is added to the unpleasant odor. Brown color mucus.
In the second trimester
If white, yellowish or purulent discharge with a rotten fish smell coincides with the gestation period, you should immediately contact a gynecologist, as this threatens premature birth, deformation of the membranes, and even miscarriage.
Third trimester
The appearance of a watery secretion with such a fragrance most likely indicates vaginosis. If the disease is discovered late, then radical treatment is usually postponed to postpartum period.
Other causes of fishy discharge in women and their treatment
Experts often associate rotten fish with certain infectious diseases, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia.
But they have slightly different symptoms, or in addition to those listed above with STDs, pain is added during urination, in the lower abdomen, radiating to the back. The consistency of the mucus is usually more liquid, and the discharge may even leak.
Abundant curd secretion without such a fragrance is called candidiasis. Its symptoms are very similar to vaginosis.
A specialist must determine the true cause of the problem. He will tell you what and how to treat discharge with the smell of fish. Since gardenerrelosis is not venereal disease
, then you can do without antibiotics. This will probably be vaginal suppositories or topical cream. Immunostimulating and restorative agents are often prescribed along with them. To restore normal local microflora, it is necessary to take probiotic preparations, for example, Linex, Hilak Forte. If an STD is diagnosed, antibiotics will be used.
Self-medication in such situations is unacceptable, especially during pregnancy.
During the recovery period, the main condition is to isolate the source of the disease and abstain from sexual contact.
- Prevention of odor from the intimate area
- Follow the rules of hygiene of the intimate area. It is necessary to wash regularly, especially in the hot season.
- Choose the right genital care products: they should be free of dyes and flavors, maintaining a pH balance.
- Avoid tight, synthetic underwear, especially thongs. Don't skimp on barrier contraception
- , in the absence of a permanent partner. Use preventatives periodically folk remedies
, such as a medicinal infusion of thyme and lovage, chamomile. You can use herbs not only by douching, but also drink infusions from them. Read Few things can stress a woman out as much as COMING FROM THERE. Especially if everything is clear that things are moving towards cunnilingus (oral sex). We will tell you everything about it so that at the moment of passion you do not find yourself in an extremely awkward situation.
First of all, it must be said that many women are often embarrassed by their intimate odor, even in situations where there is no reason for this. Many ladies have the wrong idea about normal feminine scent. Society demands that a woman be sweet, pretty, and that her vagina must smell like flowers. And girls try to meet these expectations, although the natural smell of intimate places should not at all resemble a bouquet of roses!
On the other hand, a fishy smell is also unacceptable. The norm lies somewhere between these two extremes. In addition, everything is purely individual: some women have no smell at all, while others constantly have to deal with an unpleasant aroma, and for others, the nature of the smell changes dramatically over the course of a month. Knowing what is normal for you is extremely important for everyday comfort. And also in order to clearly understand when health problems appear.
What affects intimate odor?
To put it in one word, that’s it! Sex life, the nature of the job, the stage of the menstrual cycle - all this one way or another affects your vaginal odor.
Many women notice that the smell of their vagina changes slightly during their period. This is due to changes in the pH (acidity) of this organ.
Normal vaginal pH is 4.7, which means that the vaginal environment is acidic. Menstrual blood has a pH of 7.4, therefore reduces the acidity of the environment in the vagina. This causes the smell to change during menstruation; it takes on a fishy hue.
The same thing happens after sex. Prostatic fluid gives semen an extremely alkaline character (pH~8), which consequently affects the pH of the vagina and the odor of the vagina. You can check the acidity of the vagina with a doctor or by purchasing special strips to measure pH.
Signs of a Questionable Odor
If you're unsure about vaginal odor, check your underwear. Increased volume of vaginal discharge – characteristic feature vaginal infection. Discharge white or with a slight yellow tint can be considered within the normal range. But if it is gray and spreads a fetid fishy aroma throughout the entire room, something is clearly wrong. Green or yellow colors is also not good, as is itching in the vagina.
A long-term imbalance in vaginal pH occurs when the number of beneficial microbes decreases and the number of harmful microbes increases. This can lead to the development of a local infectious process, for example, candidiasis (“thrush”) and bacterial vaginosis. The latter has an extremely negative effect on vaginal odor. Factors that provoke the development of vaginosis are sex with a new partner and douching: both disrupt the microbial balance, as thin as Chinese silk. Terrible odor (especially after intercourse), gray discharge, itching around the vaginal opening - typical symptoms vaginosis. Contact your gynecologist, he will prescribe you antibiotics such as metronidazole, with the help of which you will very quickly get rid of this trouble.
The good news is that special effort no need to apply. The vagina is an organ with a powerful self-cleaning system. The cilia on its walls literally push out dirt, germs and other foreign particles. So, luckily, you don't have to do anything unthinkable to keep your vagina clean.
Often, it is inappropriate interference in this subtle system that leads to depressing consequences. It's about about douching: along with harmful microbes, streams of water also wash away beneficial bacteria that maintain the necessary acidic environment in the vagina. In addition, during douching you can introduce other bacteria into the genital tract, which will cause vaginosis.
The list of problems associated with this dubious procedure does not end there: douching has been proven to increase the risk of developing salpingitis and cervical cancer. If you use talc, then feel free to add invasive ovarian cancer.
But in fact, you need very little! Warm water and mild soap (the less the better) on a daily basis, underwear made of cotton, not synthetics - and your intimate scent will not let you down at the most crucial moment.
More useful information about the vagina you will find in our special project "
Vaginal odor very often occurs due to an infectious process or from exposure to various bacteria or other microorganisms. Normally, the odor of the vagina is weak and specific, but the main thing is that it does not cause discomfort from those around you. If in female body are leaking infectious diseases, then the smell in the vagina and discharge from it will be very unpleasant, often reminiscent of rotten fish or onions. It is also often accompanied by intense itching and burning.
The characteristic smell of discharge can accurately indicate a problem that has arisen, for which you should immediately consult a doctor. But a bad smell does not always indicate an infection. Sometimes foul-smelling discharge can indicate a metabolic disorder.
To find out how to remove this unpleasant symptom, it is necessary to find out the reasons for its occurrence. This disorder is one of the most common in women who are in reproductive age and often appears after childbirth. The course of this pathological condition depends on which bacterium caused the occurrence. unpleasant odor from the vagina (this can only be done using laboratory research). Treatment consists of a whole range of means - from medications to medicinal herbs. But at home, you can get rid of vaginal odor only on the recommendation of your doctor.
Etiology
Normally, the vaginal odor of a healthy woman is slightly sour, but it is not unpleasant. The main reasons why a rotten fishy smell appears is the influence of bacteria. Against their background life cycle Various gynecological diseases begin to develop. These include:
- , in which the balance between beneficial and pathogenic bacteria is disrupted;
- – this disorder is characterized by the appearance of white vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor of sour milk;
- damage to the mucous membrane by a bacterium such as. At the same time, a sour onion or fishy smell is felt;
- . Often the cause of its manifestation is unprotected sexual contact;
- chronic inflammation of the uterus and appendages - accompanied by slight white discharge with an almost imperceptible smell of onion.
In addition, additional factors for the appearance of vaginal odor are:
- Irregular implementation of personal hygiene measures;
- frequent change of sexual partners;
- various diseases transmitted through sexual intercourse;
- weak immunity of women;
- refusal of contraceptive methods;
- changes in vaginal microflora;
- dystrophy of the mucous membrane;
- use of certain medications;
- pathological structure of the vagina;
- hormonal imbalance - often before the onset of the first menstruation, girls begin to smell an unpleasant smell of onions and fish, but after the onset of menstruation it goes away on its own. Pregnancy, abortion, and pregnancy can also result in a strong odor;
- application contraception, in particular intrauterine device, for a period of more than five years;
- the impact of frequent stressful situations;
- excessively high body weight;
- emotionality and impressionability, which female representatives very often succumb to;
- genetic metabolic disorder.
After childbirth, vaginal discharge often has an unpleasant fishy odor, but this does not cause discomfort to the woman or others. The secretions are then taken brown tint and become transparent over time. This whole process takes a little over a month. But, if the smell of rot begins to stand out, this means that an infection has been introduced. In the case when the discharge is strong foul odor and have not changed their color, you need to immediately contact a gynecologist. In addition, vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor may be discharged after sexual intercourse, after menstruation.
Symptoms
Of course, the main symptom is the appearance of a strong odor of fish or onions, but these manifestations may be accompanied by the appearance of the following symptoms:
- discharge from clear to yellowish. May be accompanied by odor sour milk. In some female representatives they may not stand out at all, while in others they are abundant;
- itching – often observed during menstruation;
- pain during sexual intercourse;
- sticking together of the labia minora - this happens when strong discharge purulent fluid;
- burning when urinating is a rather rare symptom, which may indicate irritation of the mucous membrane;
- discomfort in the lower abdomen;
- inflammation of the uterine appendages.
In addition, the smell from the vagina may differ, and speak for itself about problems in the female body. Thus:
- the smell of onions indicates the penetration of bacteria;
- sensation of the smell of urine in the vagina - frequent stressful situations or ;
- rotten - inflammation;
- sperm – changes in microflora;
- itching and sour smell – inflammation;
- acetone – ;
- garlic – excessive consumption of it;
- iron – detection of blood impurities in secretions;
- sweet vaginal odor appears after use large quantity sweet fruits.
It is best to start treatment from the moment the first symptoms are detected in order to prevent the spread of infection. If after childbirth the smell and discharge do not go away on their own, it is best to consult a doctor.
Complications
Untimely treatment or complete ignoring of vaginal odor can lead to complications such as:
- inflammatory or infectious processes in the vagina, uterus and appendages, ovaries and urinary canal organs;
- predisposition to sexually transmitted diseases;
- increased risk of complications after surgery on the genitourinary system.
To prevent the formation of complications, it is best to contact a gynecologist at the first signs for consultation and treatment, and under no circumstances try to get rid of them on your own. It is important to remember that after childbirth, the occurrence of discharge and odor is a completely normal process. Only a rotten smell should cause alarm.
Diagnostics
If a woman has a symptom such as an unpleasant odor from the vagina, there is no need to try to get rid of it on her own, as this can only complicate the course of the disorder. You should make an appointment with a gynecologist as soon as possible.
Diagnostic measures consist of:
- collection detailed information about the manifestation of the first symptom, specifying the period of time when the smell from the vagina appeared, the presence of discharge. In addition, the doctor must find out how the pregnancy proceeded, and whether this unpleasant manifestation arose after childbirth or for another reason;
- direct examination by a specialist, which will help him obtain more information about the structure of the mucous membrane, as well as identify the presence and amount of discharge, their color;
- collection of secretions for further laboratory research;
- exclusion or confirmation of the presence of sexually transmitted infections;
After receiving all the test results, the doctor will prescribe the most effective treatment vaginal odor for each patient individually.
Treatment
Treatment of unpleasant vaginal odor is aimed at eliminating the causes of its occurrence. It is important to remember that after childbirth, the smell and discharge go away on their own about a month after the baby is born. Treatment in most cases includes:
- antibacterial drugs;
- the use of lactic acid to restore acidity;
- hormonal treatment;
- taking bacterial medications that help increase the number of benign bacteria.
Treatment of vaginal odor in a pregnant woman is carried out only after childbirth.
Unpleasant odor in men's intimate areas can be quite a complex problem that will become an obstacle for sexual relations, cause constant irritability, and over time it can develop into a complex.
The appearance of an unpleasant odor between the legs or the presence of unusual discharge from the penis indicates an imbalance in the natural microflora. This condition may also be accompanied by itching, redness of the skin and possible pain.
Why does an unpleasant odor occur in an intimate place?
If a man has an unpleasant body odor in the groin area, this may indicate the following: 
- the presence of an inflammatory process;
- the beginning of sexual activity;
- presence of infection;
- high weight or obesity;
- wearing synthetic underwear;
- change of sexual partner, etc.
It is worth noting that this list list possible reasons You should not limit it, because unpleasant body odor in a man can be a consequence of certain diseases:
- Trichomoniasis, the main symptoms of which are burning, discharge from the male genital organ in the form of white, yellowish or greenish foam, itching and painful urination.
- Chlamydia is manifested by yellow discharge, pain in the lower abdomen and painful urination.
- Thrush (candidiasis) is accompanied by redness of the genital organ and itching, as well as a thick discharge reminiscent of cottage cheese.
- Colpitis, which is characterized by burning, itching, heat and discharge.
- Balanitis (inflammation of the glans penis) and balanoposthitis (inflammation of the inner layer of the foreskin) are the most common diseases of the genital organs in men, which can develop due to improper personal hygiene. They can occur in both acute and chronic forms. In the first case, pronounced redness of the head may be observed, painful sensations, severe itching. Chronic disease is characterized by the appearance of ulcers and wrinkling of the head.
- Disturbances in the functioning of the glands internal secretion. In this case, the smegma secreted by the head may have an unpleasant odor. In some cases, its secretion can be so abundant that underwear is soaked.
If a man exhibits such symptoms, then he definitely needs to seek help from a specialist.
Treatment of unpleasant odor between the legs of a man
To identify the cause of this pathology, it is necessary to examine intimate place, as well as pass clinical and lab tests. First of all, the attending physician should refer the patient for tests that can be used to confirm or refute the presence of sexually transmitted infections (syphilis, herpes, etc.). IN mandatory
Only after a full examination and a correct diagnosis can the doctor prescribe a specific treatment, which will directly depend on the causes and stage of the disease.
The main condition for effective treatment is to eliminate not the consequences, but the causes of the unpleasant odor.
Most often, doctors prescribe cool baths with furacilin, saline or manganese solution, which should be taken at least 2 times a day.
After taking baths, the head of the organ and the extreme body should be treated with syntomycin, tetracycline, zinc ointment or other medicines, which contain fish fat. In the presence of serious diseases, doctors prescribe a course of antibiotics, which are taken in combination with antifungal drugs. If the study reveals that the unpleasant odor in the intimate area is a consequence of phimosis, then surgical intervention is performed to circumcise the foreskin.
Physiological procedures (heliotherapy, electrophoresis, ozone therapy, UHF, thermomagnetic therapy) will also be useful. Such procedures have a positive effect on the course of the disease, remove inflammation and promote a speedy recovery.
Preventing the appearance of unpleasant odor in intimate areas
If the causes of the unpleasant odor are not serious illnesses, then it is quite possible to get rid of it at home. By following some recommendations, a man can get rid of this pathology without seeking help from a specialist:
- Hygiene is the first and main condition. You need to wash yourself daily, and sometimes several times a day. At the same time, do not overdo it with detergents. It's best to wash yourself warm water. Experts recommend periodically taking a contrast shower, which helps get rid of excessive sweating.
- Linen. You need to buy and wear underwear that is made using fabric that is highly breathable. No need to wear synthetic underwear. It should be comfortable, not too big and not small. Underwear should be changed every day, and if odor occurs, even more often.
- Baths. Don't forget about herbal baths. It is very useful to sometimes wash yourself with a decoction of birch buds, chamomile, string, millennial, willow and oak bark. Such procedures will help not only get rid of excessive sweating, but also prevent the occurrence of various infectious diseases.
- Hair. The presence of increased vegetation between the legs provokes excessive sweating, resulting in an unpleasant odor.
- Talc or baby powder perfectly relieves irritation that occurs from excessive sweating. This product absorbs moisture well, thereby preventing odor.
If a man’s intimate place smells unpleasant and discomfort is felt, then one should not leave everything to chance, but should immediately contact qualified specialist which will help make the correct diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment. Otherwise, after some time, serious consequences may arise that will be much more difficult to cope with.
