Reviewed By:
Ravi P. Chokshi, MD (Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN), Critical Care)
Current Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellow with Dual board certification in Obstetrics & Gynecology and Critical Care Medicine. | 5+ years experience managing a general Ob/Gyn practice and working in the Intensive Care Unit. | Previously Physician Lead of a large single specialty practice with 8 Physicians and 10+ Advanced practitioners. | Member of the Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine Patient education committee. | Frequent Medscape Consult contributor.
Seiji Kanazawa, MD, PHD (Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN))
Dr. Kanazawa graduated from the Niigata University Faculty of Medicine and received his Ph.D. from the Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine. He is working on the front line of the General Perinatal Center, including the Tokyo Tama General Medical Center and the National Center for Research in Fertility Medicine, where he provides maternal and fetal care and undertakes clinical research. At Ubie, Dr. Kanazawa has been designing the Ubie AI Symptom Checker and has taken on the role of general obstetrics and gynecology consultation at FMC Tokyo Clinic by providing fetal ultrasound and prenatal consultation.
Content updated on Apr 4, 2024
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Large amount of vaginal discharge with bad smell
Unusual smelling vaginal discharge
Foul smelling vaginal discharge
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About the Symptom
Normal vaginal discharge should be clear or white without significant odor and not cause any irritation. Discharge that is foul smelling with an unpleasant odor should be investigated for infection.
When to see a doctor
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
Intermenstrual bleeding
Increase in vaginal discharge
Possible Causes
Generally, Foul-smelling vaginal discharge can be related to:
Vaginitis refers to infection or inflammation of the vagina. This includes the external vagina such as the opening and vaginal lips (vulva), or the inside of the vagina. Patients typically note vaginal irritation, itching or dryness. They may also note vaginal discharge, which may have a foul odor (smell). This condition is caused by infection or changes in the balance of healthy vaginal bacteria. It can be caused by sexually transmitted diseases, but can also be caused without sexual activity. Normal aging can also be a cause with patients after menopause at an increased risk for vaginal dryness and irritation.
A healthy human vagina contains various types of bacteria. When the balance of bacteria is disrupted, some types can overgrow and cause symptoms. Common triggers include vaginal washing, sexual intercourse, or use of an Intrauterine Device.
Pyometra is extremely rare in humans. It occurs when there is a blockage of the opening of the uterus (cervix) and an infection occurs in the cavity, and it can fill with purulent material (pus). This occurs mostly in older, post-menopausal women when the cervix (outlet of the womb) is narrowed by tumors or previous surgeries.
Related serious diseases
Sometimes, Foul-smelling vaginal discharge may be related to these serious diseases:
Premature Rupture of Membranes
Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) is a rupture of the membranes (amniotic sac) before labor begins, close to term. If membrane rupture occurs before 37 weeks, it's called preterm PROM. PROM occurs in about 8% to 10% of all pregnancies. In most cases, the cause of PROM is unknown. Risk factors include infections of the uterus, cervix, or vagina, or increased amniotic fluid causing too much stretching of the amniotic sac.
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
Has the vaginal discharge odor worsened recently?
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Developed by doctors.
Find Similar Symptoms
References
Hildebrand JP, Kansagor AT. Vaginitis. [Updated 2022 Nov 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470302/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470302/
Spence D, Melville C. Vaginal discharge. BMJ. 2007 Dec 1;335(7630):1147-51. doi: 10.1136/bmj.39378.633287.80. PMID: 18048541; PMCID: PMC2099568.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2099568/
ACOG Patient FAQ
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/vulvovaginal-health?utm_source=redirect&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=otn
Reviewed By:
Ravi P. Chokshi, MD (Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN), Critical Care)
Current Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellow with Dual board certification in Obstetrics & Gynecology and Critical Care Medicine. | 5+ years experience managing a general Ob/Gyn practice and working in the Intensive Care Unit. | Previously Physician Lead of a large single specialty practice with 8 Physicians and 10+ Advanced practitioners. | Member of the Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine Patient education committee. | Frequent Medscape Consult contributor.
Seiji Kanazawa, MD, PHD (Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN))
Dr. Kanazawa graduated from the Niigata University Faculty of Medicine and received his Ph.D. from the Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine. He is working on the front line of the General Perinatal Center, including the Tokyo Tama General Medical Center and the National Center for Research in Fertility Medicine, where he provides maternal and fetal care and undertakes clinical research. At Ubie, Dr. Kanazawa has been designing the Ubie AI Symptom Checker and has taken on the role of general obstetrics and gynecology consultation at FMC Tokyo Clinic by providing fetal ultrasound and prenatal consultation.
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