Why does the leucorrhea smell fishy?

The fishy smell of leucorrhea may be caused by bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas vaginitis, vaginal flora imbalance, poor hygiene habits, changes in hormone levels, etc. It can be improved through drug treatment, local cleaning, and adjustment of living habits.

1. Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is an infection caused by an imbalance of normal flora in the vagina. It is mainly characterized by increased leucorrhea with a fishy smell and may be gray-white in color. The disease may be related to factors such as frequent vaginal douching and multiple sexual partners. For treatment, you can use metronidazole vaginal effervescent tablets, clindamycin phosphate vaginal suppositories, tinidazole suppositories and other drugs as directed by your doctor, and avoid excessive cleaning of the vulva.

2. Trichomonal vaginitis

Trichomonal vaginitis is caused by Trichomonas vaginalis infection. The leucorrhea is yellow-green foamy, has a distinct fishy smell, and is often accompanied by vulvar itching. It is mainly transmitted through sexual contact, but may also be infected indirectly through public bathing facilities. Treatment requires the use of metronidazole tablets, tinidazole tablets, ornidazole capsules and other drugs as directed by the doctor, and sexual partners need to be treated simultaneously.

3. Vaginal flora imbalance

Long-term use of antibiotics, low immunity and other factors may destroy the vaginal microecological balance, leading to a decrease in lactobacilli and the overproduction of pathogenic bacteria. It manifests as leucorrhea with peculiar odor but no obvious inflammatory symptoms. You can use lactic acid bacteria vaginal capsules, Dingjunsheng vaginal capsules and other microecological preparations as directed by your doctor to restore the balance of the bacterial flora.

4. Poor hygiene habits

Hygiene issues such as not changing underwear in time and improper menstrual care may lead to bacterial growth. It is recommended to wash the vulva with warm water every day, choose cotton breathable underwear, and avoid using irritating lotions. Change sanitary napkins every 2-4 hours during menstruation to keep the perineum dry and clean.

5. Changes in hormone levels

Fluctuations in estrogen levels during pregnancy and perimenopause may alter the vaginal environment. Increased discharge during pregnancy is a physiological phenomenon, but if an odor occurs, infection needs to be ruled out. Perimenopausal women can use estriol cream as directed by their doctor to improve the condition of the vaginal mucosa.

You should avoid wearing tight-fitting chemical fiber underwear on a daily basis, reduce the use of panty liners, and pay attention to cleanliness before and after sex. Eat an appropriate amount of probiotic-containing foods such as yogurt and avoid spicy food. If the odor lasts for more than 3 days or is accompanied by symptoms such as itching and burning, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly for routine examination of leucorrhea, and standardize treatment after the cause is clarified. Self-medication may mask the condition or lead to drug resistance.