Fishy Vaginal Odor

Vaginal odor after intercourse is a fairly natural and common complaint. There are two separate types of issues covered in this article, one extremely minor and the other fairly serious.

Remember that vaginal odor after intercourse is a perfectly normal phenomenon. It's nothing to be worried about. On the other hand, if your normal vaginal aroma changes drastically, this could be a sign of an infection or other fairly serious problem. In this case, you should speak to your doctor.

Vaginal odor immediately after intercourse

The presence of semen in the vagina causes a chemical reaction. A type of compound called "amines" are released by this reaction. These amines have a very strong and distinctly fishy odor. This odor can become quite noticeable. The severity of the odor depends on the body chemistry of the woman and her partner.

This situation is easily remedied. Simply wash your vagina using lukewarm water and a gentle soap. Make certain your soap doesn't contain chemical coloration, plant additives or anything else that might irritate your vagina. Harsh soaps can lead to irritation and infection, so use a mild soap.

Lingering vaginal odor after intercourse

If you are experiencing vaginal odor several days after intercourse, there may be a more serious issue. Vaginal odor that is "fishy" or "musty" can be a symptom of bacterial vaginosis (BV). This infection will last until treated, so visit your doctor for advice.

Lingering vaginal odor after intercourse can also be a sign of a more serious sexually transmitted illness. If you are experiencing lingering vaginal odor after engaging in unprotected or high-risk sex, visit your doctor immediately.