Why does my discharge have a pus-like odor?

When your discharge smells like pus, it means there might be an infection in your cervix or vagina. Infections like gonorrhea and chlamydia can cause a condition called cervicitis, which is when the cervix gets inflamed. During the infection, your body sends white blood cells to fight the germs. These cells and the debris from the infection can mix with the discharge, giving it a thick, pus-like smell. The World Health Organization's guidelines for vaginal discharge syndrome tell us that an unusual smell, especially if it is pus-like, needs to be checked by a doctor. This is because these STIs require specific treatment, usually with antibiotics, to clear up the infection. While bacterial vaginosis usually causes a fishy smell, a pus-like odor is more often related to an STI. If you notice this change, you can start by taking a free symptom checker test to better understand your symptoms, then talk with a healthcare provider so they can run tests, find the cause, and start the right treatment to help you feel better.