Feminine odor, or vaginal odor, is an abnormally strong or unpleasant smell that occurs as a symptom of several different vaginal disorders, including bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis and pelvic inflammatory disorder. With information and guidance, you can detect the telltale signs of these disorders, in addition to learning about their potential underlying causes and common treatments.
The Facts
Strong feminine odor typically arises from problems with your daily vaginal discharge, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Under normal circumstances, this discharge, which washes old cells out of your vagina, does not have a strong smell and has a milky or clear appearance. However, when underlying factors alter the balance of healthy bacteria present in your vagina, subsequent changes in your discharge can trigger an increase in feminine odor.
Bacterial Vaginosis
Imbalances in your normal vaginal bacteria can trigger an infection called bacterial vaginosis, according to Children's Hospital Boston's Center for Young Women's Health. A chief sign of this infection is a strong, fishy vaginal odor, typically accompanied by a white, gray, yellow or clear discharge. You may notice increases in vaginosis odor after having unprotected sex, during your monthly menstruation or after washing your genital area with soap. Treatment for bacterial vaginosis typically requires antibiotics, the AAFP reports.
Trichomoniasis
You may also develop strong feminine odor as a result of a sexually transmitted disease called trichomoniasis, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine's Medline Plus. This disease, caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis, spreads through either male-to female or female-to-female genital contact, and is typically accompanied by a foamy or frothy discharge with a yellowish-green color. Common treatments for trichomoniasis include the antibiotics metronidazole and tinidazole, Medline Plus reports.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
You may also notice a strong feminine odor if you develop an infection of your reproductive system called pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID, the Center for Young Women's Health reports. Typically, PID starts as an infection of your cervix, with underlying causes that include the sexually transmitted diseases chlamydia and gonorrhea. Without effective treatment, this infection can advance to your uterine lining, then to other structures including your ovaries, fallopian tubes and abdomen. Treatments for PID include intravenous and oral antibiotics, the Center for Young Women's Health explains. Without prompt treatment, you may develop long-term complications that include infertility and the development of painful scar tissue.
Additional Causes
The Mayo Clinic lists additional potential causes of your feminine odor that include development of a yeast infection, poor vaginal hygiene and the presence of an old tampon in your vagina. In some circumstances, your feminine odor may also indicate the presence of vaginal or cervical cancer, as well as an abnormal connection of your vagina and rectum called rectovaginal fistula. Consult your doctor for more information on the causes and treatments of feminine odor.
References
- FamilyDoctor.org - American Academy of Family Physicians: Vaginal Discharge: Changes That May Be Signs of a Problem
- Children's Hospital Boston - Center for Young Women's Health: Bacterial Vaginosis
- Medline Plus - U.S. National Library of Medicine - National Institutes of Health: Trichomoniasis
- Children's Hospital Boston - Center for Young Women's Health: Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- The Mayo Clinic: Vaginal Odor; Causes
