Why do I experience a strong odor in my vaginal area?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

A strong vaginal odor is most often caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina, a condition known as bacterial vaginosis (BV). BV typically produces a distinct fishy-smelling discharge, especially after sex. Other possible causes include trichomoniasis, poor hygiene, hormonal changes, or a retained tampon. Persistent or unusual odors should be evaluated, as they may signal an underlying infection that needs treatment.

Because vaginal odor can point to several different conditions—some easily treatable and others requiring medical attention—it's important to understand what your specific symptoms may mean before deciding on next steps. Taking a free, instant, online symptom check can help you identify likely causes, learn which symptoms warrant a doctor's visit, and feel more confident advocating for the right care.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

Quick answers

Frequently Asked Questions

4 answers

The most common questions people search after this page

Concerned about your symptoms?

Start a symptom check

Explanation

Your vagina has a natural mix of good bacteria that help keep it healthy. When this balance changes, sometimes an infection like bacterial vaginosis can occur.

In bacterial vaginosis, the numbers of good bacteria drop and other bacteria take over, producing chemicals like trimethylamine. This chemical is known to give off a strong, fishy smell. The odor can be noticeable even if there is not a lot of extra discharge or if you don't feel pain.

Sometimes other very mild changes in your body or hygiene habits might also lend a stronger odor, but infections are one of the common reasons for a strong smell. If you're experiencing these symptoms and want to understand what might be causing them, you can start by taking a free symptom checker assessment to help identify possible causes. A healthcare provider can then do simple tests and, if needed, give you the right treatment to help bring back a good balance of bacteria, making you feel healthy and comfortable.

(References)

Brand JM, Galask RP. Trimethylamine: the substance mainly responsible for the fishy odor often associated with bacterial vaginosis. Obstet Gynecol. 1986 Nov;68(5):682-5. PMID: 3763085.
Bishop GB. Vaginal Discharge. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 172.
Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Bacterial vaginosis: Learn More – Which treatments are effective in bacterial vaginosis? [Updated 2022 Apr 4]. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK298830/

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Was this page helpful?

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.