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Fishy odor

Also called: Fishy smell, bacterial vaginosis, BV

A fishy odor from the vagina is most often caused by bacterial vaginosis (BV), an overgrowth of normal bacteria. It often comes with thin gray discharge and may be stronger after sex. BV is easy to treat with prescription medicine. Rarely, a fishy body odor comes from a metabolic condition called trimethylaminuria.

Common causesBacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis
Usually serious?Usually not
Get checked ifOdor, discharge, or itching
If you think it's an emergency, call 911.Thinking about suicide? Call or text 988.

Overview

BV is the most common vaginal infection in women of reproductive age. Douching, new sex partners, and smoking raise the risk. It's not caused by poor hygiene.

Trichomoniasis, an STI, can also cause a fishy smell with yellow-green discharge and itching. A fishy body, breath, or urine odor without vaginal symptoms may be trimethylaminuria.

When to get medical care

Call 911Not an emergency.
Get care todayOdor with fever or pelvic pain. Odor with discharge during pregnancy.
See a doctor soonA fishy odor or discharge. Itching or burning. Odor that keeps coming back. Possible STI exposure.

Causes

Causes include bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, forgotten tampon, and, rarely, trimethylaminuria.

OwieClear has pages on 2 conditions that can cause fishy odor. Each shows how soon to get care.

Common causes

  • Bacterial vaginosis (BV)See a doctor if it doesn't get better

    An imbalance of the normal bacteria in the vagina that causes thin, grayish discharge with a fishy smell.

  • TrichomoniasisSee a doctor if it doesn't get better

    A common STI caused by a tiny parasite.

What you can do at home

  • Don't douche or use scented products.
  • Wear cotton underwear.
  • Use condoms.
  • Check for a forgotten tampon.

Medicines

BV is treated with metronidazole or clindamycin. Trichomoniasis is treated with metronidazole, and partners need treatment.

At the doctor

A quick swab test finds the cause.

Questions you may be asked

  • Discharge color and odor
  • Itching
  • Sexual contacts
  • Douching

The exam

A pelvic exam.

Tests

  • Vaginal swab tests
  • STI tests

Prevention

You can lower your risk.

  • Don't douche
  • Use condoms
  • Limit partners

Check your symptoms

Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.

Start the symptom checker

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.