What to do and what to treat if the discharge smells?

If the discharge smells, acquires an unnatural color, or increases in quantity or intensity, you should definitely make an appointment with a gynecologist. The specialist will clarify the presence of certain symptoms, visually examine the patient, take a vaginal smear for flora, and then be able to make a diagnosis. With the help of laboratory tests, it is possible to determine the presence of a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection, as well as assess the extent of its spread.

To clarify the diagnosis, many doctors recommend an ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs, which makes it possible to exclude the presence of tumor processes. A general blood and urine test, cytology and/or colposcopy are mandatory.

If a cystic or other tumor formation is detected during the diagnostic process, additional consultation with a surgeon and oncologist may be required. In case of venereal etiology of the change in the smell of discharge, it is recommended to consult not only a venereologist, but also an immunologist (immunotherapist). The same consultation is necessary if the discharge smells for a long period of time - for example, with chronic inflammatory processes of the genitals, with sluggish infections.

If a woman notices that the smell of discharge changes dramatically after experiencing stress, then she should additionally visit an endocrinologist and psychotherapist.

Medicines

When the discharge smells unnatural and unpleasant, then treatment is mandatory. It is prescribed by a doctor, taking into account the underlying cause of such a symptom.

If the "culprit" of the bad smell is a microbial or fungal infection, then drugs with antibacterial or antifungal action are used. Such drugs can be internal (oral) or local (vaginal suppositories, creams, gels, ointments, vaginal tablets, irrigation solutions, sprays, etc.).

If tumor processes or cystic formations are detected, their surgical removal may be indicated. In this situation, the nature of the formation and its growth rate are of decisive importance.

In case of erosive processes, laser treatment is used, with further conservative restoration of the mucous membrane using local preparations. In case of ectopic pregnancy, the patient is shown emergency surgical assistance to remove the ovum.

	Method of administration and dosage	Side effects	Special instructions
Epigen intimate spray	The average dose for intravaginal spraying is 1-2 sprays. It can be used by men intraurethrally, 1-2 sprays. The course of treatment lasts on average 5-10 days.	Rarely, in isolated cases, an allergy to the spray may occur.	It is used for the treatment and prevention of viral gynecological pathologies (cytomegalovirus, papillomavirus, herpes virus, etc.). It is also used if the discharge smells due to weak local immunity.
Malavit	Usually, 10 ml of the preparation is dissolved in 200 ml of water. The solution is used for washing the genitals, douching, and soaking gauze tampons (they are inserted for 3-4 hours). The therapeutic course of Malavit is 7-10 procedures.	In isolated cases – allergic reaction.	Malavit has antipruritic, deodorizing, analgesic, anti-inflammatory effects. Does not cause the development of microbial resistance.
Vagilak	Intravaginal capsules are inserted into the vagina, one at a time, before bedtime, for 10 days in a row.	Rarely - local side effects in the form of redness and burning in the vagina.	Vagilak is used if the discharge smells as a result of an imbalance of vaginal microflora associated with bacterial or fungal pathology.
Metrogyl (Metronidazole)	The drug is taken during meals. The dosage and duration of treatment is determined by the doctor individually.	Headache, irritability, weakness, upset stomach, metallic taste in the mouth, pancreatitis, dark urine, allergies.	Metrogyl is prescribed for endometritis, inflammation of the ovaries, vagina and tubes, as well as for protozoal infections.
Livarol suppositories	It is used intravaginally, one suppository before bedtime. Treatment usually lasts 5 days.	Rarely – burning in the vagina, nausea, dizziness.	Livarol is used if the discharge smells due to fungal infections (candidiasis). It is possible to use the drug prophylactically against the background of antibiotic therapy.

The use of various intimate detergents and deodorants can "mask" the unpleasant smell of vaginal discharge, but only temporarily. Such means will not solve the general problem. Only a full course of treatment will eliminate the cause of the problem.

Vitamins

The need for vitamins in women changes according to age. Therefore, when buying complex multivitamin preparations in pharmacies, it is necessary to clarify for what age they are intended.

For example, it is assumed that in the life of a 20-30-year-old woman there is a large number of all kinds of worries and stresses that directly affect the health of the reproductive system. A young woman in this period of life most often gets married, has children, which has a huge impact on the work of the sexual sphere. Vitamin E and B vitamins will help ensure the constancy of organ function. Thus, vitamin B ₆ normalizes the onset of menstruation, increases resistance to stress, improves sleep. Nicotinic acid stabilizes cholesterol levels, improves heart function and the function of the autonomic nervous system. Vitamin A strengthens the musculoskeletal system and vision, and vitamin D makes menstruation less painful and improves the condition of the mucous membranes.

After 40 years, the female body especially needs vitamin D and calcium, which help counteract age-related changes in the body. Vitamin A at this stage strengthens blood vessels and prevents the development of gynecological diseases. Tocopherol is an excellent antioxidant, which also improves tissue elasticity.

After 50 years, female hormonal activity declines, which can also affect the appearance of an unpleasant odor in discharge. Multiple changes can be mitigated by taking additional vitamins D, F, K and ascorbic acid.

Folk remedies

When discharge smells, it is not enough to know the cause of this symptom. To eliminate it, it is necessary to use a comprehensive approach, including all doctor's prescriptions, vitamin therapy. In addition, you can use effective folk recipes. Folk treatment includes the use of infusions and tinctures, as well as medicinal baths, washing, douching, etc.

• A good way to normalize vaginal microflora is soda baths. To prepare the solution, dissolve 1 tbsp. of baking soda in 1 liter of water and drip 50 drops of an alcohol solution of iodine. Pour the resulting liquid into a bath filled with warm water. Take the procedure for about half an hour daily, before going to bed.
• A propolis bath has a good effect, but this procedure is more complicated to prepare. Propolis is poured with high-quality alcohol in a ratio of 1:10, kept in a semi-dark place for 5 days. Before taking a bath, add the resulting infusion to it in the amount of 2 tablespoons for every 5 liters of water. The procedure is repeated daily for 5-7 days.
• Dissolve 2 tbsp. of fresh flower honey in 500 ml of water, pour into the bath, add warm water. Duration of the procedure is 20 minutes, frequency - daily for five days.
• Pour 2 tbsp. of rowan berries with 500 ml of water, bring to a boil, cook on low heat for 20 minutes. Infuse until cool, add 2 tbsp. of honey and juice from two onions. Take the remedy 100 ml three times a day before meals.
• Buy at a pharmacy or prepare your own propolis tincture (pour 100 ml of alcohol over 50 g of propolis, leave for 10 days in a semi-dark place). Take the medicine daily in the morning, 1 teaspoon, with 100 ml of milk.

When discharge smells, you can get rid of the unpleasant symptom with the help of more complex recipes using medicinal herbs.

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Herbal treatment

• Herbs with a disinfectant effect are good as a means for douching - for example, chamomile flowers, sage, calendula, St. John's wort. To prepare the solution, pour 1 tbsp. of any chosen plant or their mixture with 250 ml of hot water, insist and filter several times. Douching is carried out with a sterile syringe using a warm solution, in the morning and at night.
• Prepare a herbal mixture of equal parts of yarrow, oak bark and sage. Pour 1 tbsp of the mixture into 250 ml of hot water, leave for 3-4 hours. Then filter thoroughly and use for washing and douching (morning and night).
• Take a tablespoon of an equal mixture of juniper berries, coltsfoot leaves, horsetail shoots, eucalyptus leaves, wintergreen and yarrow. Pour 250 ml of hot water over the mixture, leave until cool, filter well. Douche with the resulting infusion in the evenings for 10-14 days in a row.
• Mix equal parts of walnut leaves, oats, oak bark, juniper berries, and chamomile flowers. Pour 3 tablespoons of the mixture into 3 liters of water and boil over low heat for 15 minutes. Cool the decoction, filter, and use for taking sitz baths (sit for 20-30 minutes daily, at night).

Homeopathy

An important advantage of homeopathic medicines is their absolute safety, as they do not have any, even minor, toxic effects on the body. Homeopathy is also used to treat categories of patients for whom some medications from the traditional list of medicines are contraindicated. Homeopathic medicines do not have a negative effect on the liver and other organs. They can be taken for a long time and without interruption. This is very important in the treatment of gynecological diseases, which require a comprehensive approach - for example, with such an unpleasant symptom as smelly vaginal discharge.

Homeopathy can help get rid of bad smelling discharge, which is associated with diseases such as hormonal imbalances, menopause, ovarian dysfunction, endometrial hyperplasia, sexually transmitted infections, cysts and inflammatory processes in the ovaries, etc.

• Ginekokhel is a complex remedy with a natural composition, which can be used if the discharge smells due to infectious and inflammatory pathologies of the female genital tract. In addition, Ginekokhel can be used for irregular menstrual cycles and infertility. The drug is taken 10 drops three times a day, previously dissolved in half a glass of water. During an acute process, it is permissible to take the drug every quarter of an hour for 2 hours.
• Gormel is a complex drug that is often used to treat gynecological problems associated with dysmenorrhea and endocrinopathy. If the discharge smells, it is recommended to take 10 drops of the drug three times a day with a small amount of water. The duration of administration depends on the underlying cause of the unpleasant symptom.
• Dysmenorm is a drug that prevents the appearance of foul-smelling discharge during menstrual cycle disorders and during premenstrual syndrome. Adults and children, starting from 12 years old, can take the drug 1-2 tablets three times a day.
• Remens is one of the most common complex homeopathic preparations, the use of which is advisable for algomenorrhea, amenorrhea, pathological menopause, as well as in combination treatment for endometritis and adnexitis. Remens is taken 10 drops (or one tablet) three times a day.
• Klimaktoplan is recommended for use if vaginal discharge smells due to hormonal changes accompanying climacteric syndrome. Usually, 1-2 tablets are dissolved in the mouth three times a day, 30 minutes before meals (or an hour after meals).