Is smelly vaginal discharge a big problem?

Smelly discharge from the vagina always indicates a certain pathological process of the female reproductive organs.

Usually it signals the presence of some more or less serious disease.

It can also be a manifestation not only of infectious, but also of other diseases or pathological processes (oncological diseases, the presence of a foreign body in the vagina, etc...).

In some diseases, vaginal odour is an important indicator with significant diagnostic value, as it may be typical only of a specific disease or a small group of diseases. This greatly facilitates differential diagnosis.

When it occurs, gynaecological examination and laboratory diagnosis are necessary to identify the infectious agent or other abnormalities and to provide timely treatment.

Untreated discharge and persistent disease causes transition to the chronic stage of the disease with sequelae.

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The most common odors of vaginal discharge

There is one fact to remember: neither vagina smells.
Each one has its own specific smell, which is specific to each woman. The discharge also has its own specific smell.

The way a particular woman's discharge smells is determined by several factors. For example, hormones, the amount of mucus, the presence of lactobacilli, and more all play a part.

Interesting:
The increased production of vaginal fluoride (discharge) is around the middle of the menstrual cycle, i.e. during ovulation.
This increased secretion is due to hormones. It is a physiological phenomenon.
The discharge is clear, glassy, sometimes milky in colour. It has a specific smell that does not bother the woman.

For example, even a slight sour smell from the vagina may be normal for some women. The bacteria normally found in the vagina are beneficial - lactobacilli cause lactic acidosis.
For other women, where sour smell is not common, it may indicate a pathology.

Just before menstruation, on the other hand, most women typically develop a metallic vaginal odor.

Sour-smelling vaginal discharge

A discharge that smells slightly sour and is not typical for a particular woman indicates a problem.

The cause may be an overgrowth of Lactobacillus species, which occurs naturally in the vagina and forms its natural flora.

It may also be a yeast infection caused by chlamydia.

A strong acidic smelling vaginal discharge is most commonly found and is typical of yeast infections.

Putrid smelling vaginal discharge

The putrid smell is very intense. That is why it is considered one of the most unpleasant not only for the patient, but often also for the surroundings.

This repulsive smell is sometimes an advantage, as most patients seek help because of it.

It can also occur in yeast infections, especially in chlamydial endometritis.

However, it is more typical for bacterial infections, which usually enter the vagina from the outside environment. It is therefore also transmitted by sexual intercourse.
It is caused by various bacterial agents (streptococci, staphylococci). As a rule, it is an intense infection accompanied by severe pain.

It can also occur in cervical cancer, at a late stage when the tumour is already disintegrating.

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Vaginal discharge smelling of pus

A purulent smelly discharge is caused by yeast that invades the ovaries and causes purulent inflammation of the ovaries. It can also mark a progressive bacterial infection.

A typical disease that manifests itself with purulent vaginal discharge is gonorrhoea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria).
The discharge is not only smelly but also occurs in abundance. It is caused by the Neisseria toxin.

Read also the article in the magazine:
How is gonorrhoea transmitted? Symptoms in women and men differ

Fishy smelling vaginal discharge

Everyone knows the smell of tinned fish, but you really don't want it on your underwear.

If your vaginal discharge smells like fish, this is a very bad sign, especially if the patient has a promiscuous lifestyle.

It's characteristic of syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterial agent Treponema pallidum. It's a serious disease. It's the fishy-smelling discharge that can alert you to it.

It can also be caused by infections caused by the bacterial pathogens Bacteroides mobilunus, Gardnerella vaginalis or the protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis.

Other manifestations occurring most commonly with vaginal discharge

Vaginal discharges from the vagina are usually accompanied by other manifestations that are related to the presence of infection in the body.

The most common manifestations associated with vaginal discharge are:

• itching of the vagina
• burning of the vaginal opening
• pain in the lower abdomen
• cramps in the abdomen
• pain during sexual intercourse
• pelvic pain
• increased temperature
• fevers
• bleeding outside the menstrual cycle
• irregular menstruation
• skipping menstruation
• concurrent uroinfections
• weakness
• malaise
• dizziness

Smelly vaginal discharge - prognosis

A foul-smelling vaginal discharge is present in several diseases, infections and also in sexually transmitted diseases.

Some are well and relatively quickly treatable (chlamydia), others are severe and have sequelae (syphilis).

A visit to the doctor is therefore always in order when vaginal discharge, especially the smelly ones, occurs. Permanent consequences (ovarian adhesions, infertility) can thus be avoided.

Any untreated infection of the reproductive organs poses a high risk because of possible sterility.