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
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- Foul smelling vaginal discharge
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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
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/vulvovaginal-health?utm_source=redirect&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=otn