Strong-Smelling Vaginal Discharge: Causes and When to See a Doctor

A strong vaginal odor can signal infection but isn't exclusively an STI. Common causes include:

• Bacterial vaginosis (BV): Fishy odor, especially after sex; overgrowth of vaginal bacteria.
• Trichomoniasis: STI with foul odor, itching, burning; caused by a parasite.
• Yeast infection: Thick white/yellow discharge, yeasty/sweet smell; fungal overgrowth.
• Gonorrhea: Thick yellow/green discharge, painful urination; bacterial STI.
• Chlamydia: Often asymptomatic; may cause mild discharge; bacterial STI.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): Complication of untreated STIs; causes odor, pain.

Action: See a healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment. Do not self-diagnose or self-treat.