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Excessive Vaginal Discharge With Sour Smell. What Could This Be?
Posted on
Wed, 9 Oct 2013
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 9 Oct 2013
Answered on
Wed, 6 Nov 2013
Last reviewed on
Question : Excessive vaginal discharge with sour smell since the last month or so. Just finished a period that was more brown than red blood as well. The smell is very noticeable, not really fishy but more sour. What could this be.
Brief Answer:
DETAILED BELOW
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for writing to us with your health concern.
Sometimes, BV ( bacterial vaginosis ) might present with a smell that is not typically fishy , but might be described as sour - ish.
As you are having excessive vaginal discharge, you should consult a doctor right away to have a per speculum and per vaginum examination.
That will differentiate whether you are having a bacterial infection, fungal infection or trichomonal infection.
These are the three commonest infections.
These can be differentiated by a clinical check up and swab testing of the discharge.
Also, if you are sexually active, STD screening should be undergone by you.
Apart from infections, hormonal imbalance might lead to alterations in vaginal pH ( particularly more likely if you recently took antibiotics for any reason or have been vigorously cleaning or douching yourself ).
This could also cause a vaginal infection.
Meanwhile, wear loose, cotton, non allergic underclothes.
Do not use medicated or perfumed soaps / cleansers/ gels / douches / panty liners/ tampons / toilet paper.
While bathing, just use plain simple lukewarm water to gently clean yourself.
Do not rub vigorously to clean yourself, or douche yourself at all.
It is better to shower, as baths with showering gels / salts inside can deplete and alter your vaginal pH.
Clean yourself thoroughly after intercourse or using public baths / toilets.
Get a test for blood sugars to rule out diabetes.
All the best.
Please feel free to ask for further clarifications.
DETAILED BELOW
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for writing to us with your health concern.
Sometimes, BV ( bacterial vaginosis ) might present with a smell that is not typically fishy , but might be described as sour - ish.
As you are having excessive vaginal discharge, you should consult a doctor right away to have a per speculum and per vaginum examination.
That will differentiate whether you are having a bacterial infection, fungal infection or trichomonal infection.
These are the three commonest infections.
These can be differentiated by a clinical check up and swab testing of the discharge.
Also, if you are sexually active, STD screening should be undergone by you.
Apart from infections, hormonal imbalance might lead to alterations in vaginal pH ( particularly more likely if you recently took antibiotics for any reason or have been vigorously cleaning or douching yourself ).
This could also cause a vaginal infection.
Meanwhile, wear loose, cotton, non allergic underclothes.
Do not use medicated or perfumed soaps / cleansers/ gels / douches / panty liners/ tampons / toilet paper.
While bathing, just use plain simple lukewarm water to gently clean yourself.
Do not rub vigorously to clean yourself, or douche yourself at all.
It is better to shower, as baths with showering gels / salts inside can deplete and alter your vaginal pH.
Clean yourself thoroughly after intercourse or using public baths / toilets.
Get a test for blood sugars to rule out diabetes.
All the best.
Please feel free to ask for further clarifications.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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