If you’ve ever noticed a fishy vaginal smell, you’re not alone. Our bodies are wonderfully unique, and sometimes they send us signals that can be puzzling. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of women’s health to help uncover what might be causing this change in odor.

Before we explore why a fishy vaginal smell occurs, it’s important to remember that our bodies are complex, and some variation in scent is completely normal. However, you know your body best. If something feels off, it’s natural to seek answers—and we’re here to help by sharing some of the potential factors behind a fishy vaginal smell.

Vaginal Odor is Completely Normal 

Before we answer your question, “Why does my vagina smell like fish,” we want to emphasize again that vaginal odor is completely natural and normal⁽¹⁾. Just like every other part of our bodies, the vagina has its own unique scent, and it’s usually nothing to worry about. 

The vagina is home to a balance of bacteria working together to maintain a healthy and stable environment⁽¹⁾. This natural process contributes to the natural scent that varies from person to person. 

What Causes Vaginal Odor?

We know original odor is still a topic that is not commonly discussed, so it can be helpful to understand how the natural odor of a vagina occurs.

Vaginal odor is the result of the combination of various factors within the body. Vaginal odor is commonly caused by natural bodily functions and changes based on various activities such as your lifestyle, activities, and overall health⁽¹⁾. As a result, having a distinct scent is entirely natural. 

The vagina is a host to a community of bacteria and fungi that make up what’s commonly known as the vaginal flora⁽²⁾. This complex ecosystem works harmoniously to maintain optimal health factors, creating a unique scent for every female. 

Bacteria, though they can be perceived as negative in many contexts, are actually very important here. Lactobacillus, a type of “good” bacteria, dominates the vaginal flora, producing lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide to create an acidic environment. This acidity is crucial for fending off any of the unwanted “bad” bacteria and maintaining a healthy balance.

Therefore, keeping the vagina an acidic environment helps reduce infections, playing a role in regulating odor⁽¹⁾. 

pH is the measure of acidity to alkalinity. The vaginal pH is naturally acidic, with a pH ranging from 3.8 to 5 in women of childbearing age⁽³⁾. However, when the delicate balance of this ecosystem is disrupted due to hormonal changes or other factors, the pH can shift. This alteration can lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria or yeast, resulting in changes to the usual scent⁽¹⁾.

Is It Normal for My Vagina to Smell Like Fish?

Numerous factors contribute to the variations in vaginal odors. Menstrual cycles, sexual activity, hormonal changes like pregnancy, and even stress levels can impact the scent⁽¹⁾. While subtle variations in vaginal smell may be normal in some cases, it’s crucial to be aware of any changes in your body that might signal potential issues. 

A strong, persistent fishy odor, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, such as itching, burning, or unusual discharge, could indicate an imbalance in the vaginal ecosystem⁽¹⁾. This is when it’s time to pay attention and seek medical advice. 

One of the most common causes of a fishy vaginal odor is bacterial vaginosis (BV), which occurs when there’s an imbalance in the naturally occurring bacteria in the vagina⁽¹⁾. This is an infection that should be diagnosed and treated by a doctor. 

Tips for Maintaining Vaginal Health

Maintaining your vaginal health can help prevent vaginal odors. Let’s discuss some essential tips for maintaining vaginal health. 

Eat a balanced diet

A balanced diet significantly influences vaginal health. Incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins provides essential nutrients that contribute to a well balanced vaginal microbiome.⁽⁴⁾ 

Nutrient-dense foods, including those that contain probiotics and healthy fats, can help support vaginal health.Of course, there are also foods to limit. Too much sugar and processed food can disrupt the delicate balance of the vaginal flora^(4,5,6). 

Choosing the right products

The vagina has a natural pH that falls within the acidic range. Opting for a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser can help maintain this natural acidity, preserving the beneficial bacteria and preventing the overgrowth of harmful microorganisms⁽⁷⁾. 

It's also advised to avoid douching. Douching may seem like a way to enhance cleanliness, but it can do more harm than good. Douching disrupts the natural balance of bacteria, increases the risk of infections, and has been associated with adverse health effects⁽¹⁾. The vagina is self-cleaning, and routine douching can be unnecessary. Simple, external washing of the vulva with water and a mild, fragrance-free soap is usually sufficient. 

In addition, consider wearing breathable fabrics like cotton to allow air circulation and help keep the area dry⁽¹⁾. 

When to Seek Medical Attention

Recognizing signs of potential issues with your vaginal health is crucial for maintaining overall well-being. If you notice unusual changes in odor, color, or discharge or experience associated symptoms like itching, burning, or pain, it’s advisable to seek medical attention. Persistent issues should not be ignored, as they may indicate an underlying problem. 

Regular check-ups, including routine gynecological exams, play a crucial role in preventive care. Schedule these appointments to discuss any concerns openly with your healthcare provider, taking a proactive approach to your vaginal health. 

How to Treat a Fishy Vaginal Smell

Dealing with a consistent fishy vaginal smell could warrant a proactive approach. If you’re dealing with this concern, here are some steps to consider: 

Talk to your medical provider

The first and most crucial step is to have an open conversation with your medical provider. Share your symptoms, including details about the odor, any associated discomfort, or changes in discharge. 

Prescription medications commonly used (Dependent on condition)

The treatment approach will depend on the diagnosed condition. If BV or another infection is identified, your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics or other medications to help clear the infection. 

Proactive Urinary Health

Maintaining a healthy vaginal environment supports urinary health⁽⁸⁾. Since vaginal health and urinary health are connected, being proactive in your urinary health is just as important. It incorporates measures like staying hydrated, practicing good hygiene, and consulting your healthcare provider about any concerns related to urinary health. 

Practicing proactive with your urinary health also includes educating yourself about potential health concerns, such as the cause of UTIs, BV (bacterial vaginosis), yeast infections, and other issues that can affect your urinary and vaginal health. Learn more about BV vs. yeast infection. 

Conclusion

Variations in vaginal odor are influenced by factors ranging from diet to hormonal fluctuations. While a subtly pungent but not unpleasant smell might fall within the spectrum of normalcy, it’s still important to pay attention to any changes in your vaginal odor, especially when accompanied by other symptoms⁽⁹⁾. 

If you have a vaginal fishy odor, seeking timely medical attention ensures accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment. But the journey doesn’t end there. At Uqora, we believe knowledge is power when it comes to your health – and ongoing education and awareness are essential for fostering a community of shared experiences and knowledge. By prioritizing proactive health maintenance, we challenge the stigmas around vaginal health and can help promote healthier lives for our community!