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Published on: 8/20/2026

What could cause my vaginal discharge to smell like garlic?

Yoshinori Abe

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

A garlic-like odor in vaginal discharge is often caused by an imbalance in vaginal bacteria, such as bacterial vaginosis (BV), or by infections like trichomoniasis. In some cases, dietary factors—including recent consumption of garlic or other pungent foods—can temporarily influence body odors, including vaginal scent.

Key causes of garlic-smelling vaginal discharge:

  • Bacterial vaginosis (BV): An overgrowth of certain bacteria that disrupts vaginal pH.
  • Trichomoniasis: A common sexually transmitted infection that can produce strong odors.
  • Diet: Foods like garlic, onions, and spices may subtly alter natural body scents.

Because these causes range from harmless to needing prompt treatment, identifying the source matters. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you understand your specific symptoms, narrow down likely causes, and guide your next steps—whether that's home care or seeing a clinician. It takes just a few minutes and provides personalized insights based on your unique situation, so you can act with clarity instead of guesswork.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

When the vaginal bacteria change from their normal state, an infection called bacterial vaginosis can occur. This infection sometimes gives the discharge a strong smell, and in some cases, it might even smell like garlic. Trichomoniasis, a type of sexually transmitted infection, can also cause a noticeable smell in the discharge. Besides infections, the foods you eat, like garlic, may sometimes change the scent of your body fluids, including vaginal discharge, by altering how your body releases odor. However, if you notice a strong or unusual garlic smell in your discharge that worries you, it could mean that the balance of bacteria in your vagina has shifted or an infection might be present. To help identify what might be causing your symptoms, you can start with a free symptom checker before consulting a healthcare provider, who can run tests, find the reason, and offer the right treatment if needed.

(References)

  • Noormohammadi M, Eslamian G, Kazemi SN, Rashidkhani B. Association between dietary patterns and bacterial vaginosis: a case-control study. Sci Rep. 2022 Jul 16;12(1):12199. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-16505-8. PMID: 35842517; PMCID: PMC9288476.

  • Schumann JA, Plasner S. Trichomoniasis. 2023 Jun 12. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan–. PMID: 30521247.

  • Kairys N, Carlson K, Garg M. Bacterial Vaginosis. [Updated 2024 May 6]. In: StatPearls [Internet].

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