Your vagina is a delicately balanced ecosystem that hosts a specific type of bacterial flora to help keep your sexual organs healthy. While your natural vaginal odor isn’t something to worry about, a strong fishy odor that doesn’t go away is a sign of an underlying health issue that should be looked into by a gynecologist. More info: https://getflowerpower.com/blogs/news/fishy-vaginal-odor
It’s not uncommon for a woman to have a strong fishy odor after her period or sex. That’s because blood and semen can throw off your body’s pH balance, which in turn causes an imbalance of the bacterial flora that’s naturally found in your vagina.
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This can lead to irritation, thin to no discharge, and an odd smell. If you notice a strong fishy smell that won’t go away or accompanied by itching, burning or thick white discharge, you should make an appointment with your OB-GYN to get checked out.
What can I do about it?
The most common cause of a fishy odor is an infection called bacterial vaginosis. BV can happen at any time of the month, but it’s most common after your period or sex.
Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite, also can cause a fishy odor. It doesn’t usually have symptoms, but it can lead to a gray or white discharge and a musty odor, says Christine O’Connor, MD, director of well woman and adolescent care at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore.
You can try using RepHresh Vaginal Gel, a home treatment that works to correct your pH balance and treat bacterial vaginosis. Or, you can visit your doctor and request a prescription for antibiotics.