Urinary Tract Infection
While a healthy vagina has many bacteria, these bacteria are usually harmless. When the balance of bacteria changes, an infection can develop. This infection can cause a strong fishy odor, particularly after sex. The main symptom of bacterial vaginosis caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI) is increased vaginal discharge that often smells fishy. The discharge may be white or gray and watery or frothy.
Other symptoms of urinary tract infection include burning during urination, itching around the outside of the vagina, and pain during sex. If a woman has any of these symptoms, it is recommended to see a doctor to get the right treatment.
Treatment for a UTI usually involves a course of antibiotics, which will kill the bacteria causing the infection, reduce the unpleasant vaginal smell, and clear up the infection within a week or two. For women with yeast infection and UTI, doctors may prescribe antifungal medication in addition to antibiotics. Once treatment starts for UTI, women should notice an improvement in their vaginal odor within a few days. However, if there are no signs of improvement or the symptoms worsen, it is recommended to follow up with a doctor.
