What Causes Foul Vaginal Odor?

Brief Answer:
A fishy odor is usually caused by a vaginal bacterial infection

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and I hope I can help you today.

The vagina is normally supposed to be relatively odorless. The discharge that comes out of your vagina daily should be clear or slightly white and generally be odorless on your underwear. It is not unusual for women to experience increased vaginal odor during their menstrual cycle, however the should resolve once the bleeding stops.

Yeast infections typically cause thick, white or yellow cottage cheese appearing discharge that is accompanied by vaginal itching. It does not usually have a fishy smell.

Bacterial vaginosis is another type of vaginal infection that is as common as yeast infections. It is caused by the overgrowth of one type of bacteria, called Gardnerella vaginalis, that is normally present in the vagina in small amounts. If this bacteria over grows, it can cause a foul-smelling discharge and sometimes discomfort, burning with urination, and pelvic pressure.

Less commonly, a vaginal infection called trichomonas can also cause vaginal odor. Trichomonas can be transmitted by sex, so if you are sexually active and having unprotected sex is something that also should be checked for if you have an evaluation.

In any case, having a fishy vaginal odor is never normal. Because the treatment for these types of vaginal infections require a doctors prescription, I would recommend making an appointment with a gynecologist or other women's healthcare provider to have your discharge evaluated and, if you do have an infection, to give you appropriate treatment.

I hope I was able to adequately answer your question today, and that this information was helpful. If I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best wishes,

Dr. Brown

---

Brief Answer:
Bacterial vaginosis requires treatment with antibiotics

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

Unfortunately, bacterial vaginosis does not go away by itself or with holistic treatments. The type of bacteria that causes the infection is sensitive to an antibiotic called metronidazole which is available by prescription both in pill form and in a vaginal jelly. Most women prefer the vaginal jelly for treatment, as the pill can cause a bitter taste in the mouth and severe nausea if you drink alcohol.

So this is why, in my previous answer, I suggested a visit to healthcare provider to accurately diagnose you and give you the prescription for treatment that you need.

I hope this clarifies the information I gave you, and I am available to discuss any further questions you might have about this issue.

Regards,

Dr. Brown

---

Brief Answer:
Yes- but it may not work

Detailed Answer:
RePhresh gel does help to re-acidify the vagina, and the probiotics can help the healthy bacteria of the vagina regrow. However, it does not actually kill the bacteria like prescription antibiotics can. Again- you likely do not have a yeast infection- yeast is a different kind of infection caused by yeast, not bacteria. Yeast is treated with anti-fungal creams, which are over-the-counter, but antibiotics are only available by prescription.

So you certainly can try the RePhresh, but if you do not get relief within one week I recommend you see a healthcare provider to evaluate you and prescribe you the appropriate treatment.

Take care,

Dr. Brown

---

Brief Answer:
You need a prescription from a doctor for the gel

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

To clarify again, there is no over the counter treatment for a bacterial infection. You need a prescription for the antibiotic metronidazole, which comes in pills or a jelly.

Yeast infections are different from bacterial- they cause itching, not odor. Most women have one infection or the other, not both. Yeast can be treated by over-the counter mediation like Monistat.

If you already tried Monistat or a similar product, the reason it didn't work is because it does not cure bacterial vaginosis.

if you already saw a doctor who performed a vaginal examination and tested you by doing a cukturw of your vagina, you should call your doctor to see whether they confirmed you have a bacterial infection. If you have not already seen a doctor, you should see one for evaluation and a prescription, or your other doctor may be able to provide the prescription.

Again, there is no over-the counter treatment for bacterial vaginosis.

I hope this clarifies the scenario better for you.

Sincerely,

Dr. Brown

---