You probably can’t imagine why your fishy vaginal odor like a fish, but there are some reasons your vagina might have this unsettling aroma.
Bacterial vaginosis
If you have bacterial vaginosis, it’s caused by an imbalance in the flora that normally live in your vagina. This causes a fishy odor, along with other symptoms including itching or pain during sex.
Trichomoniasis
A fishy odor that doesn’t go away could be a sign of trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a parasite that causes a foul-smelling discharge. It can also be accompanied by itching, redness, and pain in the genital area, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Excessive sweating
Women’s bodies have a high concentration of sweat glands in their vaginas, so it’s not uncommon for them to produce some sort of odor. However, excessive perspiration in the pelvic area can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as trimethylaminuria.
It’s always best to check with your OB-GYN, so you can get a proper diagnosis and treatment for any issues you might have.
Your vagina is a self-cleaning wonder, but it does have its share of bacteria that can affect the pH balance. That can cause your vaginal odor to change with certain foods or other factors, such as when you’ve just had a lot of citrus or when you’re dehydrated.