Unpleasant-smelling discharge in women: what it means, causes

Vaginal discharge appears as a result of the work of the glandular system located inside the vagina. Their nature can change periodically - for example, under the influence of changes in nutrition or climatic conditions, with the onset of sexual activity or with the development of diseases. In this case, not only the color, consistency and homogeneity can change, but also the smell. Why do discharges smell? What smell is considered normal and what is pathological? How can you find out the reason for the change in the smell of discharge, and what to do next?

Many girls and women begin to worry about such a seemingly insignificant matter: for example, if there are no other symptoms, but there is only an unpleasant odor, is it worth going to the doctor? In fact, in certain cases the problem may really be present, and not at all a joke. Let's try to understand some of the features of the female genital area, as well as such a "sensitive" issue as vaginal discharge and its odor.

Causes foul-smelling discharge

It is almost impossible to independently determine the presence or absence of pathology if the discharge smells. Even more: not every gynecologist will be able to make a correct diagnosis without conducting certain laboratory and instrumental studies.

However, every woman should know a number of signs that usually occur along with a pathological change in the smell of vaginal secretions. These symptoms should definitely be paid attention to:

• discomfort, itching, unpleasant sensation of irritation inside the vaginal cavity;
• change in the color of discharge;
• changes in the volume and consistency of discharge, the appearance of additional lumps and inclusions;
• pain (during, after sexual intercourse, or during rest);
• admixture of blood in the discharge.

If any of the listed symptoms are detected, and the discharge smells sharp and unpleasant, then you must definitely consult a doctor.

Unpleasant smelling discharge: what types are there and what is it associated with?

• Discharge smells like fish with gardnerellosis - this term is used to describe a violation of the bacterial balance in the vagina due to long-term antibiotic therapy or other reasons. Gardnerella is a facultative anaerobe that is normally present in the vaginal microflora, but under certain conditions the microorganism becomes pathogenic and causes the development of the disease. Discharge smells like herring also as a result of improper hygienic care, when basic rules of personal hygiene are not followed. If we use medical terminology, such a pathology is called bacterial vaginosis - that is, a violation of the balance of microflora with a predominance of pathogenic microorganisms. Bacterial vaginosis does not always manifest itself with any other symptoms, so women are often perplexed: why do discharge smell like rotten fish if nothing hurts or bothers? In fact, the smell is caused by the bacterial production of specific enzymes that interact with glandular secretions and sperm fluid. As a result, persistent polyamine decomposition products are released, emitting an extremely unpleasant "aroma". Despite the fact that such secreted secretion smells persistently and constantly, the pathology is treated quite easily.
• Discharge smells sour most often with a fungal infection - for example, with thrush. This disease is familiar to every second woman - this is the frequency of incidence that world statistics tell us. Discharge smells like sour milk during an exacerbation: additional symptoms can be itching, cheesy leucorrhoea, painful urination and discomfort during sexual intercourse. Thrush can manifest itself in the form of candidal colpitis, candidal vaginitis or pyelocystitis, which determines the nature of the symptoms. It is not only possible to treat such a disease, but it is also necessary. Otherwise, constant exacerbations will cause significant damage to a woman's quality of life (and, in particular, sexual life).
• White smelly discharge (meaning an unpleasant odor) is almost always a sign of infection in the genitals. Inflammation can be caused by different microorganisms - that is, the infection can be specific or non-specific. For example, pathogens can be chlamydia, ureaplasma, gonococcus, trichomonas, fungi and viruses, mycoplasma, or streptococci, staphylococci, rod-shaped flora, etc. It is impossible to accurately determine the group affiliation of the pathogen without appropriate diagnostics. Therefore, it is imperative to remember this rule: first, diagnostics from a doctor, then treatment.
• Discharge smells like onions if a fungal infection of the genitals is combined with a hormonal imbalance. For example, this happens if candidiasis worsens immediately before the start of a new menstrual cycle, or during pregnancy, or after severe stress. Many women note an increase in the "onion" smell after sexual intercourse. It is possible to get rid of such a nuisance, but only after high-quality antifungal treatment with subsequent restoration of the vaginal microflora.
• Yellow smelling discharge occurs with purulent inflammatory processes of both external and internal genital organs. For example, they can be found with purulent vaginitis, salpingo-oophoritis, endometritis. With the listed diseases, as a rule, the problem is not limited to the fact that the discharge smells and has a yellowish tint. Such symptoms are combined with itching, pain, urination disorders, general malaise, etc. In addition, yellow discharge often accompanies many sexually transmitted diseases. For example, if a woman complains of pain, intermenstrual bleeding, yellowing and a bad smell of the vaginal fluid, then diagnostics should be carried out to exclude gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, chlamydia.
• If the discharge smells like urine, the cause is not always hidden in pathologies of the genital area. Such a smell is quite often observed in obesity, fears and severe stress, as well as in the postpartum period, when a woman has certain transient disorders in the muscular-ligamentous apparatus of the small pelvis and groin area. That is, in the listed cases, the smell of urine is caused by the direct ingress of urinary fluid into the vaginal secretion. If such a problem really and seriously worries you, then you need to see a doctor - in particular, a urologist.
• Discharge smells like milk - this symptom is often noted by pregnant women. If the smell is milky (not sour milk) and not foul, if other unpleasant symptoms do not occur, then you should not worry - we can say that this is one of the normal options. However, just in case, it is recommended to take a smear for examination - for your own peace of mind and confidence that everything is normal.
• If your menstrual discharge smells rotten or like a rotten egg, the cause should be sought in failure to follow basic hygiene rules. A sanitary tampon or pad is an excellent environment for the reproduction of pathogenic anaerobic microorganisms. Blood, heat and high humidity - this combination is favorable for the development of bacteria. Therefore, it is very important to change such hygiene products as often as possible. According to scientists, after just a few hours, millions of pathogenic microbes can be found on a pad or tampon, which emit a characteristic "rotten" smell. If you neglect the rules of hygiene during your monthly bleeding, then, in addition to the fact that the discharge smells like an egg, you can acquire a number of other problems associated with diseases of the genitals. For example, we can talk about candidomycosis, bacterial vaginosis, etc.
• If the discharge smells like ammonia, it is not always associated with a pathology of the reproductive system. The problem may be due to diseases of the kidneys, pancreas, endocrine system. Often, discharge smells like ammonia when there is a metabolic disorder. It is because of the many possible causes that diagnostics for such a symptom should be expanded: along with taking a smear from the vagina, an ultrasound of the abdominal organs, an ultrasound of the kidneys, a general urine test, a general blood test are performed, and the level of glucose in the blood is determined. Only on the basis of the diagnostic information received is a diagnosis made and appropriate treatment prescribed.
• Discharge smells like sperm during frequent sexual intercourse, immediately after sexual intercourse - and this does not indicate the presence of a pathological process. But in some women, the problem is associated with a change in the composition of the vaginal microflora. So, sometimes patients complain that the discharge smells like mushrooms: after diagnosis, it turns out that there is an incipient bacterial vaginosis. An accurate answer to the question will be given by laboratory tests - for example, a smear for the qualitative composition of the vaginal microbiome.
• When discharge smells like garlic, in most cases the "culprit" is actually garlic - namely, its presence in food in large quantities. To get rid of this problem, simple washing is not enough. After all, this aroma is extremely persistent. Allicin - a garlic substance that gives garlic its characteristic smell, can persist in human glandular secretions (sweat, vaginal, sebaceous) for up to 3-4 days. Therefore, the best way to get rid of the problem is to review your diet and reduce the amount of garlic in food.
• If the discharge smells like vinegar, then first of all, you should rule out candidiasis - this is the most common fungal infection of the genitals. With candidiasis, the discharge from the vagina smells like kefir, sour milk, vinegar, etc.
• The discharge smells like iron - it means that there is a certain amount of blood in it. For example, this is observed during monthly bleeding, or with bleeding erosion or tumor on the cervix. The smell of iron is usually present for several days after the end of menstruation. If this symptom is not associated with the monthly cycle, then it is better to visit a doctor: the presence of blood in the discharge is not such a harmless symptom, requiring a detailed diagnosis.
• Discharge smells like yeast if there is an intensive development of a fungal infection. Candida albicans is a yeast fungus that is normally present inside the female vagina (as well as in the intestines, both in women and men). Under certain favorable conditions, this fungus begins to multiply rapidly, causing the development of a disease - candidiasis. The presence of the disease can be confirmed by taking a smear from the vaginal mucosa. When affected by yeast fungi, it happens that the discharge smells like cottage cheese or sour milk - this can be observed in advanced cases, when a woman's vaginal secretions acquire a cheesy character, itching, irritation, pain when trying to urinate appear. The disease is relatively easy to treat, but relapses are possible. Their frequency can be influenced by following a special diet, with restrictions on sweets, yeast baked goods, alcohol and dairy products.
• It happens that the discharge smells like chlorine. The reason for this may be, as trivial as it may seem, excessive hygiene of the vaginal cavity. Constant unjustified douching, too deep, frequent and intensive washing with the use of antiseptics and other similar means - these factors negatively affect the composition of the microflora, practically washing it out of the mucous membrane. In addition, a bad smell can bother with regular use of condoms covered with a special antimicrobial lubricant.
• The discharge smells like cheese – and this symptom is also characteristic of thrush. However, you should not diagnose yourself based on the smell alone: you need to visit a doctor and get diagnosed. This is the only way to be sure that the treatment is prescribed correctly and that it is effective.
• If the discharge smells like potatoes, then perhaps there is no disease. Spicy, straw-like, the smell of fresh milk or boiled potatoes - this is how many describe the aroma of normal female vaginal discharge. If there are no other painful symptoms, then you can not worry in vain. But for greater certainty, it is better to do a diagnostic smear.
• If the discharge smells like medicine, there may be several reasons. Firstly, this happens during antibiotic therapy, during treatment with other powerful drugs (for example, during or after chemotherapy). The following often happens: a woman complains that the discharge smells like penicillin. It turns out that she recently had to undergo an intensive course of antibiotics, and now she needs to restore the vaginal microbiome again. Everyone knows that antibiotics destroy not only pathogenic, but also beneficial microorganisms. This should be taken into account when taking a long course of such drugs - especially those that have a wide range of antibacterial action.
• If the discharge smells like iodine, it is imperative to conduct a smear test for sexually transmitted infections. For example, such a smell may be present with HPV and other viral infections. The analysis is done fairly quickly, and within 24 hours it will be possible to draw conclusions about the cause of such an unusual smell.
• When discharge smells of sweat, the first thing to do is to analyze whether hygiene standards are being followed correctly. Perhaps the only culprit is incorrectly selected synthetic underwear, or the reason is daily pads that you bought for the first time. There can be many options, therefore, in the absence of other symptoms, you can conduct differential diagnostics to exclude the possibility of pathology.

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Smelly discharge after menstruation

After the end of menstruation, the degree of blood clotting increases, and its release along with vaginal mucus decreases. Due to accelerated blood clotting, the color of the mucus first becomes dark brown, and then gradually becomes discolored. Normally, such secretion does not smell, but there may be a slight smell of iron, which is associated with the presence of blood in its composition. If a woman feels any other foreign odor, it is better to consult a doctor and take a test (smear) for the quality of vaginal microflora. For example, discharge often smells due to the active presence in the vagina of such microorganisms as chlamydia, gardnerella, mycoplasma, ureaplasma, cytomegalovirus, herpesvirus.

Discharge smells after ovulation

The reasons why discharge after ovulation smells may be hormonal imbalances or diseases of the reproductive system. In addition to the appearance of odor, other signs may be observed: a change in the color of leucorrhoea, the appearance of pain in the lower abdomen.

The main hormones that regulate the female reproductive system are progesterone and estrogens. Their production may be disrupted for a number of reasons, but most often this is observed in inflammatory processes, cysts, tumors. Also, a temporary imbalance can be caused by taking oral contraceptives: such drugs contain components that inhibit follicle growth and suppress the ovulation process. At the same time, the amount of mucus increases, which becomes thicker, denser, and its smell is more concentrated.

In addition, discharge smells due to severe stress, vitamin deficiencies, and endocrine diseases.

If the hormonal imbalance becomes pronounced, it can lead to the proliferation of the endometrium, adenomyosis: a change in odor in such diseases is not considered the main symptom, but its appearance is not excluded.

Discharge during pregnancy smells

A pregnant woman may also have vaginal discharge, which should not normally have any foreign, and especially unpleasant, odor. However, if the discharge does smell, then you should pay attention to the following nuances:

• It is no secret that a woman's body undergoes colossal changes after conception: this especially applies to the hormonal background. Smells become brighter and even sharper. If the change in smell is not accompanied by other signs - for example, the appearance of irritation, pain, etc., then this can also be considered normal in some cases.
• Pregnant women often have a heightened sense of smell. A previously barely perceptible aroma may seem overly sharp and even foul at this stage. There is only one conclusion: if no one else smells a bad smell, and there are no other pathological symptoms, then there is no need to worry.
• In most cases, expectant mothers experience a decrease in immunity - especially if the initial period of pregnancy falls on the winter-spring period. At this time, all sorts of pathogenic microorganisms can actively develop in the vagina, which increase their influence on the nature of the discharge.
• Due to the weakness of the immune system, a pregnant woman may suffer from exacerbations of inflammatory diseases and other processes, which, in turn, cause the discharge to smell. For example, a fungal infection often worsens, and the discharge acquires a sour smell.

After giving birth, discharge smells

After childbirth, vaginal discharge should not have an unpleasant odor, be accompanied by itching or irritation: it is usually abundant, but stops 45-60 days after the birth of the baby.

After the discharge has stopped, you should definitely see a doctor for a preventive gynecological examination. The doctor will assess the condition of the reproductive organs after childbirth and check the completeness of their recovery.

If the discharge smells immediately after childbirth (or a few days after childbirth), then you should contact a gynecologist immediately, without waiting for the end of the lochia period. By the way, normally lochia (postpartum discharge) can have the usual smell of menstrual secretions, or a slight musty aroma. This condition is considered normal.

You should be alerted by: a sour, putrid, fishy smell, which is detected against the background of a change in the color of the lochia. The temperature may also rise, pain in the lower abdomen may appear. The possibility of infection in the birth wound cannot be ruled out, especially if the birth took place outside a hospital (for example, at home, in transport, on the street). Infection can lead to the development of endometritis, parametritis, colpitis, peritonitis, colpitis.

In such a case, you cannot expect that everything will go away on its own. It is necessary to contact a doctor as soon as possible.

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Discharge smells after cesarean section

Regardless of whether a woman had a natural birth or the baby was born by cesarean section, the reproductive system needs time to recover. As a rule, the organs should recover in 7-9 weeks. During this period, the main type of vaginal secretion in a young mother is lochia, which contains blood cells, mucous secretion, plasma, and epithelial particles. The nature of the lochia is very important, as it always indicates whether the woman is in good health.

Usually, such discharge does not smell of anything special. However, the risk of infection after a cesarean section increases several times: the wound surface after the operation is always larger in size than after a normal birth. Therefore, maintaining hygiene and taking medications prescribed by the doctor in the postoperative period is very important.

If there is any suspicious change in the smell of discharge, a woman should consult a doctor without waiting for complications to develop. Problematic lochia is, in fact, a common problem in women, and an important sign of many diseases.

Men's discharge smells

Men, like women, have normal and pathological secretions that are found at the exit of the urethra. If such secretions smell, this should also be a cause for concern, even if no other unpleasant symptoms are detected yet. Perhaps an early visit to a doctor will help prevent the development of a serious disease.

Most often, men have little discharge, so many simply do not notice it. They start to sound the alarm only when pain occurs during urination, burning, etc.

There are many known causes of smelly discharge, and the most common is inflammation of the urethra - urethritis. Such an inflammatory process can have infectious and non-infectious pathology. The most common causes are chlamydia, ureaplasma, gonococcus, trichomonas, fungus. Less common causes include mechanical damage to the urethral mucosa, tumors of the urethra.

In none of the above cases should self-medication be practiced. You should consult a doctor, firstly, to clarify the cause of the foul-smelling discharge, and secondly, to receive quality medical care.

Itching and smelly discharge

If the discharge smells and itching occurs at the same time, this should not frighten the woman, but should be a reason to visit a doctor. Such symptoms are often combined with each other and may indicate the development of such painful conditions:

• Dysbiosis is a condition of imbalance in the vaginal microflora, in which the normal ratio of pathogenic and beneficial microorganisms changes.
• Fungal infection (thrush) is a common female problem, which is characterized by itching, light discharge with a sour smell. It is necessary to treat such a disease.
• Bacterial vaginosis, gardnerellosis is a specific disease that can “sleep” for a long time, periodically worsening.
• Inflammatory processes of the external genitalia can develop due to failure to observe the rules of hygiene of the intimate area, when using inappropriate hygiene products, with improper washing, frequent unjustified douching, after unprotected sexual intercourse.

The exact cause of the itching and smelly discharge will be determined by the doctor during an individual consultation.

Discharge smells and pain in the right side: what disease can be assumed?

According to gynecologists, the most common complaints of patients are related to pain in the right or left lower abdomen, or the appearance of foul-smelling vaginal discharge.

For example, if the discharge smells and pain appears to the right and below the navel, then we can assume the development of right-sided adnexitis. This disease is dangerous because it often develops into a chronic form, with frequent relapses. With right-sided adnexitis, the pain is localized in the right side, but can radiate to the right hypochondrium and external genitalia. With adnexitis, the discharge smells unpleasant, its consistency and abundance may change. The woman complains of a feeling of weakness and malaise, and her body temperature may rise.

To clarify the diagnosis, certain studies should be carried out:

• vaginal mucosa smear;
• Ultrasound of the pelvic organs.

Sometimes laparoscopy is indicated.

Pathogenesis

Normally, vaginal discharge is always present – to a greater or lesser extent, depending on the period of a woman’s life. Its purpose is to ensure adequate reproductive function. Specific glands come out of the vaginal vestibule and near the cervix, producing a mucous secretion to maintain a moist environment inside the vagina, as well as to ensure the formation of appropriate microflora in it. There is usually not much healthy secreted fluid, it is practically transparent and devoid of any obvious odor.

Speaking about "odorless discharge", it should be immediately noted that there is no such thing as an absolutely "odorless" secretion - some shades are still present. It's just that in a healthy body, the discharge smells pleasant and barely noticeable. This aroma is individual for each woman, and she herself may not even notice it.

If the smell of vaginal discharge is clearly unpleasant, foreign, bright, intrusive, which was not observed before - then you really should be wary. For example, the discharge smells sharp and unpleasant, then you can suspect the development of a microbial infection. It is believed that the stronger the "aroma" is felt, the more powerful the infectious lesion.

A sweet and sour smell often indicates the activation of a fungal pathogen. Thus, a fungus representing the genus Candida feeds on sugar and readily reproduces in an environment where there is a lot of it.

What does normal discharge smell like?

With the onset of puberty (approximately from 12 years), the glandular apparatus of the cervical canal begins to function, secreting a mucous secretion: such discharge has a barely perceptible odor, mixing with necrotic epithelial cells and vaginal flora. The shades of odor depend on which microorganisms are present in greater numbers: lactobacilli, streptococci, fungi, Doderlein bacilli, etc.

Mucous secretion is intended to moisturize mucous tissues, to prevent the proliferation of pathogenic microbes, to provide local immunity and self-cleaning of the vaginal cavity. Such discharge does not smell brightly and distinctly: the aroma is slightly perceptible, unobtrusive. For example, if lactic acid bacteria dominate in the microflora, then a weak sour smell will be felt. On the eve of the onset of the menstrual cycle, the discharge smells of iron, and slightly changes its color towards pinkish or brownish.

The basic characteristics of vaginal secretions may change, especially under the influence of hormonal changes. In this case, the presence of any pathological process is not at all necessary. For example, a hormonal "shake-up" occurs at the moment of the first sexual contact, as well as when changing a partner. The vagina "gets used" to the new composition of microflora, and the secretions change their volumes, color and aroma shades.

Many women, against the background of regular sexual life, note that the discharge before and after sexual intercourse also changes. This is due to the influx of blood to the vaginal vessels, with the strengthening of glandular function, with the activation of microflora in the vagina, with sperm entering it. Accordingly, after sexual intercourse, the discharge smells somewhat differently.

In addition, the smell of discharge changes after taking hormonal drugs, including contraceptives, as well as during pregnancy, after birth, and during breastfeeding.

There are many reasons for the smell of discharge to change. The main thing is to distinguish the norm from pathology in time.

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Prevention

The main rule for preventing changes in the smell of discharge is high-quality and regular observance of basic hygiene standards. Doctors emphasize to women that any non-pathological discharge smells unpleasant if basic hygiene rules are ignored:

• daily shower, washing twice a day;
• use of soft, non-aggressive hygiene products (ideally, special products for intimate use);
• daily change of underwear, wearing underwear made from natural fabrics.

The water during a shower should be warm (hot water dries out mucous tissues, and cold water can weaken local immunity, which will lead to an exacerbation of chronic diseases).

You can wear synthetic underwear, but not all the time and not during hot weather.

If a woman observes hygiene, but the discharge still smells, then she should think about her diet. Regular consumption of sweets and flour products contributes to increased growth and reproduction of fungal infection.

The third rule is the presence of a permanent sexual partner, systematic testing to exclude venereal diseases and infectious pathologies of the reproductive system. A woman should visit a gynecologist at least once a year: this will help prevent many serious diseases, including those that cause an unpleasant odor of discharge.

Self-medication is highly discouraged: improper use of medications, frequent and inappropriate douching can only aggravate the underlying disease and cause complications.

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Forecast

Even if you strictly follow all the doctor's instructions, no woman can be insured against the recurrence of an unpleasant odor from the vagina: this is a feature of the female body. Often, patients who have already been treated for this problem note that the discharge begins to smell bad after treatment with antibiotics, after long-term use of oral contraceptives, after eating a large amount of sweets.

To avoid the problem from recurring, many doctors recommend paying attention to such preventive medications as Bifidum and Atsilakt after the main course of treatment. Such medications help restore the quality of the vaginal microflora and strengthen the local immunity of the vagina.

It should also be remembered that any use of antibiotics should be justified: such drugs are prescribed only if there are clear indications, and never for prevention. If you still have to take antibiotics, then antifungal therapy should be carried out at the same time, and after completing the course, undergo restorative treatment to normalize the balance of vaginal microflora.

In general, if you follow all the doctor's recommendations, it is quite possible to prevent the occurrence of such a piquant problem as an unpleasant odor. If the discharge smells, it is better to abandon all thoughts of self-medication and seek help from a professional - an experienced gynecologist.

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