Why am I suddenly getting smelly discharge? A look at common causes and medication

October 9, 2025 •

4 min read

Up to 70% of individuals with trichomoniasis may not have symptoms, but for those who do, a foul-smelling discharge can be a key indicator. Addressing why am I suddenly getting smelly discharge? requires identifying the underlying cause, from bacterial imbalances to sexually transmitted infections.

Quick Summary

A sudden, strong, or unpleasant discharge often indicates an infection like bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, or a yeast infection. Proper diagnosis is essential for effective treatment with targeted medication and to prevent complications.

Key Points

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): This bacterial imbalance often causes a distinct fishy odor, along with thin, grayish-white discharge.
Trichomoniasis (Trich): A parasitic STI that can produce a frothy, yellowish-green, and foul-smelling discharge.
Yeast Infections: Typically result in thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge and intense itching, but usually lack a strong odor.
Specific Medications are Key: BV and Trich are treated with antibiotics like metronidazole, while yeast infections require antifungals like fluconazole or miconazole.
Proper Diagnosis is Crucial: Due to overlapping symptoms, professional diagnosis is essential to ensure the right medication is prescribed, as using the wrong treatment can be ineffective or harmful.
Red Flags for Serious Issues: Seek immediate medical care if a strong odor is accompanied by pelvic pain, fever, or bleeding, which could indicate a serious infection like PID.
Avoid Douching and Scented Products: These can disrupt the natural vaginal balance and worsen symptoms, and are not effective treatments for infections.

A sudden change in vaginal odor and discharge can be a concerning experience, prompting the question, "Why am I suddenly getting smelly discharge?". While a mild, natural odor is normal and fluctuates with the menstrual cycle, a strong, unpleasant, or fishy smell is typically a sign of a microbial imbalance or an infection. Fortunately, most causes are treatable with specific medications once diagnosed by a healthcare professional. This article explores the common causes and the pharmacological options available to resolve them.

Common Causes of Smelly Discharge

Abnormal discharge can result from several conditions, each with distinct characteristics that help differentiate them.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

BV is one of the most frequent causes of malodorous discharge, resulting from an overgrowth of certain bacteria, such as Gardnerella vaginalis, which disrupts the vagina's natural flora.

Discharge: Thin, watery, and grayish-white.
Odor: A characteristic fishy odor, which can become stronger after sexual intercourse.
Other Symptoms: BV rarely causes itching or irritation, distinguishing it from a yeast infection.

Trichomoniasis

This common sexually transmitted infection (STI) is caused by a parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis. While many people are asymptomatic, it often leads to a prominent odor.

Discharge: Yellowish-green, frothy, or bubbly.
Odor: Often described as foul or fishy.
Other Symptoms: Includes genital itching, burning, soreness, and painful urination.

Yeast Infection

Caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans, yeast infections typically present with different symptoms than BV or trichomoniasis.

Discharge: Thick, white, and clumpy, resembling cottage cheese.
Odor: A distinct strong odor is not common, but some may notice a yeasty or bread-like scent.
Other Symptoms: Intense vaginal and vulval itching and irritation.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

PID is an infection of the reproductive organs, often a complication of untreated STIs like chlamydia or gonorrhea.

Discharge: Unusually heavy, foul-smelling, and potentially yellow or green.
Other Symptoms: Lower abdominal and pelvic pain, fever, pain during sex, and painful urination. PID is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Retained Foreign Objects

On rare occasions, a forgotten object like a tampon can cause a very strong, putrid, or rotten smell due to bacterial growth. This requires immediate removal by a healthcare provider.

Distinguishing Common Vaginal Infections

Because symptoms can overlap, a proper diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. A doctor can perform a physical exam and analyze a swab of vaginal secretions under a microscope to confirm the cause.


Symptom	Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)	Yeast Infection	Trichomoniasis
Discharge	Thin, gray, or white	Thick, white, clumpy (like cottage cheese)	Yellowish-green, frothy, or bubbly
Odor	Strong fishy odor, especially after sex	Often no strong odor, or a slight yeasty smell	Foul, strong fishy odor
Itching	Rarely causes significant itching	Intense vaginal itching is common	Genital itching and irritation
Other Symptoms	Can cause vaginal irritation	Burning sensation during urination or sex	Redness, soreness, painful urination, pain during sex

The Pharmacology of Treatment

Medication is the primary treatment for most infectious causes of smelly discharge. The type of medication depends on the specific diagnosis.

Medications for Bacterial Vaginosis

BV is treated with prescription antibiotics targeting the anaerobic bacteria that have overgrown.

Metronidazole: This antibiotic is available in oral tablet form (e.g., Flagyl) or as a vaginal gel. It is highly effective but can cause a metallic taste and nausea in some individuals. Alcohol should be avoided during and for 48 hours after treatment.
Clindamycin: Prescribed as an oral capsule or a vaginal cream, clindamycin is another effective treatment for BV. The vaginal cream may use an oil-based formula that can weaken condoms.

Medications for Trichomoniasis

This parasitic infection requires a course of oral antibiotics for both the individual and their sexual partner(s) to prevent reinfection.

Metronidazole: A single, larger oral dose is often used for trichomoniasis.
Tinidazole: Another oral antibiotic, tinidazole, may also be prescribed.

Medications for Yeast Infections

Since yeast infections are fungal, they are treated with antifungal medications, not antibiotics.

Topical Antifungals: Over-the-counter creams, suppositories, or ointments containing ingredients like miconazole (Monistat), clotrimazole, or tioconazole are commonly used.
Oral Antifungals: For more severe or recurrent infections, a doctor may prescribe an oral tablet like fluconazole (Diflucan).

Medications for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

PID is a serious condition treated with a course of antibiotics, which can be administered orally or intravenously depending on the severity of the infection. Prompt and complete treatment is critical to prevent long-term complications, such as infertility.

Why Self-Diagnosis Can Be Dangerous

Misidentifying the cause of your symptoms can lead to using the wrong treatment, which can worsen the condition or cause a secondary infection. For example, treating BV with an antifungal yeast infection cream will not resolve the bacterial imbalance and could even lead to a yeast overgrowth. It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and prescription. Never use douches or scented feminine products to mask odors, as these can irritate the delicate vaginal ecosystem and exacerbate the issue.

Conclusion: When to Seek Professional Help

Any noticeable change in vaginal odor, especially if accompanied by altered discharge, itching, pain, or fever, warrants a visit to your doctor. While a mild odor is natural, a sudden, strong, or foul smell is a red flag for an underlying condition that requires medical attention and proper medication. Receiving the correct pharmacological treatment is the key to resolving the issue and preventing further complications.

For more information on vaginal health, consult an authoritative source like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines on STIs.

Frequently Asked Questions

While certain foods can sometimes influence normal body odors, they are not a medical cause for a sudden, strong, or foul-smelling discharge that would suggest an infection like BV or trichomoniasis.

No. Common causes like bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections are not considered STIs. However, some STIs, such as trichomoniasis, can cause a strong odor.

No. Doctors strongly advise against douching, as it can disrupt the natural pH balance of the vagina, kill beneficial bacteria, and worsen infections.

Yeast infections typically cause intense itching and thick, white discharge with little odor, while BV causes a fishy odor and thin, watery, gray discharge. A doctor's diagnosis is the only way to be certain.

BV is treated with prescription antibiotics, either oral tablets (like metronidazole) or a vaginal cream/gel. The full course of medication must be completed even if symptoms improve.

BV is prone to recurrence, with up to 70% of cases returning within a year. If symptoms return, you should see your doctor, who may recommend a longer course of antibiotics or a different treatment regimen.

Seek prompt medical attention if a strong, new odor is accompanied by symptoms like pelvic pain, fever, bleeding between periods, or painful urination, as this could indicate a serious condition like PID.