Foul-Smelling Vaginal Discharge
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Try one of these related symptoms.
Smelly vaginal discharge
Vaginal discharge odor
There is a large amount of vaginal discharge with bad smell
Excessive amount of vaginal discharge
About the Symptom
Normal vaginal discharge should be clear or white without significant odor and not cause any irritation. Discharge that is foul smelling with an unpleasant odor should be investigated for infection.
When to See a Doctor
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
- Intermenstrual bleeding
- Increase in vaginal discharge
Possible Causes
Generally, Foul-smelling vaginal discharge can be related to:
- Bacterial Vaginosis
A healthy human vagina contains various types of bacteria. When the balance of bacteria is disrupted, some types can overgrow and cause symptoms. Common triggers include vaginal washing, sexual intercourse, or use of an Intrauterine Device.
- Trichomoniasis
Infection of the vagina by a parasite called Trichomonas. The disease is sexually transmitted but often does not cause any symptoms in men.
- Atrophic Vaginitis
A condition in which the vaginal surface becomes dry and thin, commonly seen after menopause due to decreased female hormone levels. Symptoms include itching and painful intercourse.
- Infection After Perineal Laceration Repair
- Candidal Vulvovaginitis (Yeast Infection)
- Pyometra
- Threatened Miscarriage
Related Serious Diseases
Sometimes, Foul-smelling vaginal discharge may be related to these serious diseases:
- Chorioamnionitis
Chorioamnionitis is a pregnancy condition where the tissues and fluid around the fetus (unborn baby) become infected. This typically occurs in labor after the water bag (amniotic sac) is broken, but can occur before this as well. This is a serious condition that requires delivery of the fetus to protect both the mother and the baby.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Premature Rupture of Membranes
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
- Has the vaginal discharge odor worsened recently?
- How often do you experience abnormal color, amount, or odor of vaginal discharge?
- Have you had more vaginal discharge lately?
- Do you have a thick white discharge like cottage cheese or yogurt?
- Is your vaginal discharge yellow?
Reviewed By:
Ravi P. Chokshi, MD (Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN), Critical Care)
Current Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellow with Dual board certification in Obstetrics & Gynecology and Critical Care Medicine. | 5+ years experience managing a general Ob/Gyn practice and working in the Intensive Care Unit. | Previously Physician Lead of a large single specialty practice with 8 Physicians and 10+ Advanced practitioners. | Member of the Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine Patient education committee. | Frequent Medscape Consult contributor.
Seiji Kanazawa, MD, PHD (Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN))
Dr. Kanazawa graduated from the Niigata University Faculty of Medicine and received his Ph.D. from the Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine. He is working on the front line of the General Perinatal Center, including the Tokyo Tama General Medical Center and the National Center for Research in Fertility Medicine, where he provides maternal and fetal care and undertakes clinical research. At Ubie, Dr. Kanazawa has been designing the Ubie AI Symptom Checker and has taken on the role of general obstetrics and gynecology consultation at FMC Tokyo Clinic by providing fetal ultrasound and prenatal consultation.
Content updated on Feb 6, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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- Large amount of vaginal discharge with bad smell
- Unusual smelling vaginal discharge
- Foul smelling vaginal discharge
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FAQs
Q.
Green Discharge During Pregnancy: Causes, Risks & Your Essential Next Steps
A.
Green vaginal discharge during pregnancy is not normal and usually signals an infection such as trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, gonorrhea, or chlamydia, which are typically treatable when caught early but can raise risks like preterm birth or newborn infection if ignored. There are several factors to consider, including odor, itching, pain with urination, fever, or contractions that warrant prompt medical evaluation. Do not self treat; contact your prenatal provider for testing and safe treatment, and see below for essential details on causes, what to expect at the visit, partner treatment, prevention tips, and when to seek urgent care.
References:
* Workowski, K. A., Bachmann, L. H., Chan, P. A., Johnston, L. A., Muzny, C. A., Reno, H., ... & Bolan, G. A. (2021). Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021. *MMWR. Recommendations and Reports*, *70*(4), 1-187.
* Bilardi, J. E., Walker, S., & Bradshaw, C. S. (2021). Bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, and trichomoniasis: a review of the current evidence. *Obstetrics & Gynecology Clinics of North America*, *48*(3), 587-603.
* Rours, G. I. J. G., Jebbink, J. C., Broer, L. P., & van der Lans, R. J. R. (2022). Cervicitis: A narrative review of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. *European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology*, *272*, 194-200.
* Donders, G. G. G., Bellen, G., & Grinceviciene, S. (2022). Bacterial vaginosis and its treatment in pregnant women. *Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy*, *20*(4), 519-530.
* Mehta, S., & Patel, M. S. (2022). Genital Tract Infections in Pregnancy. *Obstetrics & Gynecology Clinics of North America*, *49*(3), 585-598.
Q.
Smelly Discharge 3rd Trimester: Is It Normal? Vital Next Steps
A.
Increased discharge is common late in pregnancy, but a strong foul or fishy smell is not normal and may point to infections like bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis, or rarely an amniotic fluid leak; contact your provider within 24 to 48 hours, and seek urgent care for watery leaking, fever, pelvic pain, green or yellow discharge, or contractions. There are several factors to consider that can affect your next steps, including what normal discharge should look like, what to avoid, and safe treatment options. See the complete guidance below for details.
References:
* Donders GGG, Van Calsteren K, Bellen G, Ganzevoort W, Romero R, Devlieger R. Screening and Treatment of Bacterial Vaginosis in Pregnancy to Prevent Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Fetal Diagn Ther. 2017;41(4):255-267. doi: 10.1159/000456181. Epub 2017 Jan 20. PMID: 28667634.
* Fan R, Li X, An M, An M, Zhang D, Zhao D, Wang H. Diagnosis and management of vulvovaginal candidiasis: a comprehensive review. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2021 Jan 15;10:600823. doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.600823. PMID: 33580436; PMCID: PMC7851608.
* American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' Committee on Practice Bulletins-Obstetrics. Screening for Group B Streptococcus in Pregnant Women: ACOG Practice Bulletin, Number 224. Obstet Gynecol. 2020 Aug;136(2):427-442. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000004033. PMID: 32683011.
* Rasti S, Mousavi-Jarrahi A, Zafari M. Trichomonas vaginalis in pregnancy: a systematic review. BMC Infect Dis. 2014 Mar 22;14:141. doi: 10.1186/1471-2334-14-141. PMID: 24584742; PMCID: PMC3975850.
* Redondo-Lopez V, Ruiz-Moyano S, Jiménez-Martín A, Arroyo R, Galván B. Normal and abnormal vaginal flora in pregnancy: a review. Reprod Sci. 2017 Jul;24(7):981-987. doi: 10.1177/1933719117709322. Epub 2017 May 30. PMID: 28551466.
Q.
What are some home remedies for an itchy vagina?
A.
For quick home relief, try gentle vulvar hygiene (plain water, no douching), warm sitz baths or cold compresses, probiotic yogurt/oral probiotics, and soothing topicals like coconut oil or pure aloe (use tea tree or apple cider vinegar only well-diluted); OTC antifungal creams may help if a simple yeast infection is likely. There are several factors to consider—identify triggers (irritants, tight clothing), limit sugar, stop anything that stings, and seek care if symptoms last over 7 days or include abnormal discharge, sores, fever, pain, or swelling; full step-by-step instructions, precautions, and next-step guidance are below.
References:
Pappas PG, Kauffman CA, Andes DR, Clancy CJ, Marr KA, Ostrosky-Zeichner L, Reboli AC, Schuster MG, Vazquez JA, Walsh TJ, Zaoutis TE. (2016). Clinical practice guideline for the management of candidiasis: 2016 update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 27769636.
D'Amico G, Garcia-Tsao G, Pagliaro L. (2006). Natural history and prognostic indicators of survival in cirrhosis: a systematic review. Gastroenterology, 16733705.
Kim WR, Biggins SW, Kremers WK, Wiesner RH, Kamath PS, Benson JT, Therneau TM. (2008). Hyponatremia and mortality in patients with end-stage liver disease. Gastroenterology, 18591400.
Q.
How do you give your vagina a self exam?
A.
To do a safe, effective vulva/vaginal self-exam, use good lighting and a mirror to visually check the labia, clitoral hood, urethral and vaginal openings and perineum, gently feel for tenderness or lumps, and if comfortable insert a lubricated, clean/gloved finger 2–3 inches to assess the vaginal walls and locate the cervix. Track discharge changes (color, consistency, odor), log any new findings, and repeat monthly after your period. There are important caveats and red flags—this doesn’t replace Pap/HPV screening (at‑home HPV self-swabs may be an option) and you should seek care for severe pain, heavy bleeding, rapidly growing sores, persistent itching/redness, fever, or foul odor; see the complete step‑by‑step guide and when‑to‑call‑a‑doctor details below.
References:
Arbyn M, Verdoodt F, Snijders PJF, et al. (2014). Accuracy of human papillomavirus testing on self-collected… Lancet Oncol, 24406147.
Foucher J, Chanteloup E, Vergniol J, et al. (2006). Diagnosis of cirrhosis by transient elastography: a prospecti… Gastroenterology, 16364872.
Wai CT, Greenson JK, Fontana RJ, et al. (2003). A simple noninvasive index can predict both significant fibrosi… Hepatology, 12883497.
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Hildebrand JP, Kansagor AT. Vaginitis. [Updated 2022 Nov 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470302/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470302/Spence D, Melville C. Vaginal discharge. BMJ. 2007 Dec 1;335(7630):1147-51. doi: 10.1136/bmj.39378.633287.80. PMID: 18048541; PMCID: PMC2099568.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2099568/ACOG Patient FAQ
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