What does BV smell like?

Author: Gudrun Cassin  |  Last update: Monday, May 26, 2025

BV is responsible for the fishy smell most commonly associated with unpleasant vaginal odors. The fishy smell may be especially strong after sex. Another common symptom to look out for with BV is a gray or grayish-white discharge.

Can other people smell my BV?

The truth is that when everything's normal, no one else smells any odors from a girl's vagina. If a girl has an infection like bacterial vaginosis, she may notice a fishy smell. But even then, it's unlikely that people around her will notice it.

Can BV clear up on its own?

BV usually can be diagnosed immediately in the clinic. Advanced lab tests are not needed. Traditionally, asymptomatic patients have not been treated because in many cases BV will clear on its own.

What smells like BV but isn't BV?

Pungent “Fishy” Smell

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common cause of the growth of anaerobic bacteria that can cause a rotting fish smell. Or, trichomoniasis, the most common curable STI, could be the cause of this smell. Either way, a very stinky rotting fish smell is not normal – see your gyno right away!

Does BV smell like rotting?

Certain biogenic amines — Putrescine and Cadaverine — are produced by the microbes that cause BV and smell like rotting meat, or rotting fish—hence the fishy smell associated with BV! However, biogenic amines are not the only cause of vaginal odor.

BV versus Yeast Infection|Smell, Color, Discharge, Signs & Symptoms

What does trich smell like?

Trichomoniasis in women can cause: abnormal vaginal discharge that may be thick, thin or frothy and yellow-green in colour. producing more discharge than normal, which may also have an unpleasant fishy smell.

What is BV body odor?

BV is responsible for the fishy smell most commonly associated with unpleasant vaginal odors. The fishy smell may be especially strong after sex. Another common symptom to look out for with BV is a gray or grayish-white discharge. Trichomoniasis: A sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite.

Does chlamydia smell like BV?

The discharge associated with BV is often thin, grayish, and has a strong fishy odor. It can sometimes be mistaken for chlamydia, but they are different infections and require different treatments.

What is commonly mistaken for BV?

It sometimes can be confused with a yeast infection or sexually transmitted disease, such as trichomoniasis, but it is not an STD.

What can I drink to flush out BV?

Some studies show that eating yogurt or probiotic supplements may treat bacterial vaginosis, and is quite safe. Another promising remedy is boric acid, a white powder with antifungal and antiviral properties.

Why does my boyfriend keep giving me BV?

Having Sex Without Condoms

Essentially, the healthy pH levels of a vagina and a penis are different and studies have concluded that the harmful bacteria from a penis can alter vaginal pH levels, leaving them susceptible to recurring BV infections.

Why does it smell when I open my legs?

Sweat is a combination of water, salt, and other chemicals. When it comes into contact with bacteria on the skin, it produces an odor. fungal infections: Fungal infections thrive in warm, moist areas, such as the groin area and inner thighs. They can cause a red, itchy rash and produce an unpleasant odor.

Why are my pants always wet and smelly?

Many people find that they suffer from urge incontinence or stress incontinence, particularly as they age or after having children. This incontinence means that urine leaks onto your pants, causing an ammonia smell.

How do you get rid of BV smell overnight?

Hydrogen peroxide. Two small studies suggest using hydrogen peroxide solution as a vaginal wash may help clear up vaginal odor, improve discharge, and restore vaginal pH in patients with BV.

What are 5 symptoms of trichomoniasis?

Women with trich may notice:
  • Itching, burning, redness or soreness of the genitals.
  • Discomfort when peeing.
  • A clear, white, yellowish, or greenish vaginal discharge (i.e., thin discharge or increased volume) with a fishy smell.

Can sperm cause BV?

Seminal fluid can, however, change vaginal pH balance, thereby contributing another risk factor for the development of BV.

Why am I always wet down there and smelly?

Bacterial vaginosis is one of the most common causes of a smelly vagina, affecting 15% to 50% of women of reproductive age. 'It's a condition where there's an imbalance in the vaginal flora,' Dr Rosén explains. 'The first symptom is often a fishy smell, which can progress to a frothy, grey or green-ish discharge.

How does chlamydia pee look?

What does pee look like with chlamydia? Chlamydia infections may cause your urine to look cloudy.

Does trichomoniasis smell?

Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite. In women, trichomoniasis can cause a foul-smelling vaginal discharge, genital itching and painful urination. Men who have trichomoniasis typically have no symptoms.

What does BV actually smell like?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection that happens when some normal bacteria that live in your vagina overgrow, causing a bacterial imbalance. Symptoms include an off-white or gray vaginal discharge that smells “fishy.” BV is easily treatable with antibiotics from a healthcare provider.

Can dirty hands cause BV?

Antibiotic use: Antibiotic use can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the vagina and increase the risk of developing BV. Personal hygiene: Poor personal hygiene, such as not washing your hands before touching your genitals or using scented products on your vagina, can also increase the risk of developing BV.

Why do I smell bad even with good hygiene?

Still, it's possible that things like diet, medical conditions or a bacterial buildup on the skin could be causing odor, Kopelman says. Hyperhidrosis, the medical term for excessive sweating, could also contribute, because bacteria thrives in moist environments.

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