What happens if my discharge smells

Without daily washing, smegma can build up on the foreskin and head of the penis, causing an unpleasant odor. Also, smegma can harbor bacteria and fungi, resulting in an infection. This can cause inflammation of the head of the penis, which doctors call balanitis. Thrush is a common fungal infection. In most cases, it results from an overgrowth of the yeast Candida albicans. This yeast ordinarily lives harmlessly on and inside the body, but certain factors can cause it to multiply out of control.

Some people who develop thrush experience no symptoms. If symptoms do develop in females, they may include:. Bacterial vaginosis BV is the most common vaginal condition among females of reproductive age. It results from an imbalance in the numbers of harmful and helpful bacteria in the vagina. Females with BV may have unusual vaginal discharge, which may be white or gray and watery or frothy. The discharge can sometimes have an unpleasant, fishy odor.

A forgotten tampon or another foreign object inside the vagina can produce a bad, rotting smell. If the object is not fragile, and there are no other symptoms, a person can remove it themselves. Otherwise, a doctor should. It is important to remove the object as soon as possible. Otherwise, toxic shock syndrome can develop. This involves bacteria releasing toxins into the body, and without prompt treatment, it can be fatal. Smelly discharge from the area of the anus may result from an anal fistula.

This is a small channel that has formed between the end of the bowel and the skin near the anus. Doctors usually recommend surgery to treat an anal fistula.

Trimethylaminuria is an inherited condition that produces an odor of rotting fish. If your vagina has had contact with semen, this may change the pH level and cause a metallic smell. We mean robust and earthy. An odor similar to bleach or ammonia could be a couple different things.

Sometimes, this odor is reason to see a doctor. Many people find a similarity between body odor and marijuana.

But thanks to the sweat glands down there, at least we do know why vaginas and body odor can smell so similar. When you are stressed or anxious, the apocrine glands produce a milky fluid. On its own this fluid is odorless. But when this fluid contacts the abundance of vaginal bacteria on your vulva, it can produce a pungent aroma.

Decomposing fish is the more apt comparison. Trimethylamine, which is the chemical compound responsible for both the distinct aroma of rotting fish and some abnormal vaginal odors. A rotten odor that makes your nose wince and your face contort is definitely not the norm.

If the smell is putrid, like a dead organism, it may not be your vagina but something in your vagina. In general, abnormal odors should be easy to spot. Rotting fish, dead organism, decay — these are all red flag odors.

Subtle shifts in your vaginal fragrance is normal. Remember, the way your vagina smells has everything to do with its pH. And there are lots of things that affect your pH. Take penile vaginal sex, for instance. Menopause also has an effect on vaginal pH. The type of undies you choose matters. Certain materials trap in heat and moisture, affecting the overall balance of good and bacteria—and yes, your vaginal odor. While there is some variation with normal vaginal odor, smells that are a tip-off that something is wrong can generally be divided into three camps: fishy odors, zoo-like smells, and yeasty scents.

It could be a sign of bacterial vaginosis. But a fishy smell can also be a sign of trichomoniasis, the CDC says. It could be due to a forgotten tampon, and unfortunately, it really, really stinks. The smell is usually caused by old blood, which has a bad, zoo-like scent when it oxidizes, Dr. It can also change the pH of your vagina which should be between 3. BTW: If the smell is musky but not overpowering, it could simply be due to hanging out in sweaty workout clothes too much, Dr.

Dweck says. So if your discharge smells bad but not fishy, it could be a yeast infection. Some other things you can do to prevent vaginal odor:.

Try to stay on top of your tampon use, especially during the end of your period. You can even set a reminder in your phone to take out that final tampon, if you tend to forget. Use condoms. Unprotected sex increases your risk of several conditions that can lead to vaginal odors. Aim to eat healthy. That's why he usually tells women to pay attention to what affects their odour at any given time.

If you find that your normal scent is off and you've been eating more processed foods, try increasing your intake of fruit and vegetables and see if that makes a difference.

While not a common cause of vaginal odours, one of the symptoms of cervical cancer is a foul-smelling blood stained discharge.

The culprit: the odour results from the dying cancerous cells present in the cervix. A sweaty vagina is definitely a smelly one. When you sweat, especially while exercising, your sweat glands in your groin secrete an oily fluid that's metabolised by bacteria on your skin.

This produces a noticeable smell that you can detect after a strenuous exercise session. It's not uncommon to notice a strong scent when you're menstruating. Since blood has a higher pH level, your vaginal flora can get thrown off a little during your period and "you may notice a metallic smell," says Prince.

This type of smell should resolve once menstruation ends though. You can't eliminate all smells, but you can reduce the intensity of an odour by practising certain hygiene protocols.

If you're experiencing a change in your vaginal scent, try a few of these recommendations to see if you can take care of it on your own.