Patrick Oconnell
Vaginal discharge is a normal part of the female body's functioning, and its colour, texture, and smell can vary depending on the time of the month, diet, and other factors. However, a strong and persistent unpleasant odour, particularly one that smells like cheese, may be a cause for concern. A cheesy smell could indicate trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, or a yeast infection. It is important to consult a medical professional if you are concerned about any unusual discharge or odour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Trichomoniasis infection, bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection, diet, or hormonal changes |
| Treatment | Antibiotics, healthy diet, daily showers, mild unscented soap, cotton underwear |
| Prevention | Cotton underwear, daily showers, mild unscented soap, healthy diet |
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What You'll Learn
Diet and lifestyle factors
Vaginal discharge is typically clear or white and may vary in thickness throughout the menstrual cycle. However, if you notice a strong, unpleasant odor, it could be due to several diet and lifestyle factors.
Diet
The foods you eat may temporarily cause your discharge to smell. For example, consuming onions, garlic, and asparagus can lead to noticeable changes in your vaginal scent. Additionally, a high-sugar diet can cause an overgrowth of yeast, leading to a yeast infection, which is often accompanied by a strong odor.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle factors, such as personal hygiene, can also influence vaginal odor. Maintaining proper hygiene by washing the vulvar area daily with mild, unscented soap and water can help prevent the buildup of bacteria and reduce odor. It is important to avoid douching or washing the inside of the vagina, as this can disrupt the natural balance of microorganisms and increase the risk of infection.
Wearing breathable clothing and cotton underwear, and avoiding tight pants and synthetic underwear, can also help maintain proper ventilation and reduce moisture buildup, which can contribute to odor.
Furthermore, stress levels can impact vaginal odor. Stress can affect the balance of bacteria in the vagina, leading to potential changes in scent.
While vaginal discharge may vary in odor and consistency, it is important to note that a strong, persistent foul odor accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, burning, or unusual discharge may indicate an infection or other underlying condition. In such cases, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Bacterial vaginosis
Vaginal discharge is typically clear or white and may vary in thickness throughout the menstrual cycle. It is normal for vaginal discharge to have a mild odor, and this scent may change in response to sex, menstruation, or pregnancy. However, a strong, unpleasant vaginal odor accompanied by discharge may indicate a health problem, such as bacterial vaginosis (BV) or a yeast infection.
If you are experiencing an unusual or strong odor, it is important to consult a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Antibiotics are often used to treat bacterial vaginosis and resolve the unpleasant smell. Maintaining proper hygiene practices, such as daily showering and wearing cotton underwear, can also help manage the condition and reduce the odor.
It is worth noting that vaginal discharge and odor can be influenced by various factors, including diet, hormonal changes, and personal hygiene. Certain foods, such as onions, garlic, and asparagus, can temporarily affect the smell of vaginal discharge. Additionally, vaginal pH levels can impact the acidity of the vagina, potentially leading to changes in odor. While most vaginal odors are benign, a persistent and unpleasant smell accompanied by other symptoms may indicate an underlying infection or condition that requires medical attention.
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Yeast infection
Vaginal discharge with a strong cheese-like odour may be indicative of a yeast infection. Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called candida in the vagina. This overgrowth results in a thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge with a strong odour. While many yeast infections have no smell, the presence of a strong cheese-like odour along with other symptoms may warrant further investigation.
Several factors can contribute to the disruption of vaginal flora. One common factor is the use of antibiotics, which can kill off beneficial bacteria along with harmful ones, allowing candida to proliferate. Additionally, hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy or with the use of birth control pills, can also impact the vaginal environment and increase the risk of yeast infections.
Other risk factors for yeast infections include having sex with an infected partner, untreated diabetes, HIV infection, decreased immunity, and the use of certain soaps, sprays, or detergents in the vaginal area. It is important to note that yeast infections are not limited to those who are sexually active and can occur in anyone, regardless of their sexual activity.
While yeast infections can be a source of concern due to their unpleasant symptoms, they are typically easy to treat. Antifungal medications, available as creams, ointments, or oral tablets, are usually prescribed to clear the infection and restore vaginal health. Practising good hygiene, maintaining a balanced diet, and wearing breathable cotton underwear can also help prevent and manage yeast infections.
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Trichomoniasis
Vaginal discharge with an unpleasant or strong "fishy" odour could be a sign of an infection. Healthcare providers are still unsure of all the reasons why vaginal infections occur, but they do know that some types are spread by having sex with an infected person. You may be at a higher risk of getting an infection if you have sex without protection, have multiple partners, have untreated diabetes, take birth control pills, take antibiotics, or have an HIV infection or decreased immunity.
A strong cheese-like odour could be a sign of trichomoniasis, a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis (TV). Trichomoniasis can cause a foul-smelling, thin, clear, white, grey, or yellowish vaginal discharge, as well as genital itching and painful urination. It is important to note that trichomoniasis can be asymptomatic, and even those without symptoms can still spread the infection.
If you are experiencing unusual vaginal discharge or odour, it is important to see a healthcare provider for an examination and proper diagnosis. They may perform a laboratory test to confirm the presence of trichomoniasis or other infections. Treatment for trichomoniasis typically involves taking antibiotics such as metronidazole (Flagyl), tinidazole (Tindamax), or secnidazole (Solosec). To prevent reinfection, it is recommended that all sexual partners receive treatment at the same time and refrain from sexual activity until completion of the treatment.
To reduce the risk of contracting trichomoniasis, it is advised to use condoms correctly during sexual intercourse. Maintaining proper vaginal hygiene is also important, including wearing cotton underwear, wiping front to back, avoiding scented soaps, and showering daily.
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Menstruation
Vaginal discharge that smells like cheese is often a sign of a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis (BV). While it is normal for vaginas to have a mild odour, a strong, unpleasant smell may indicate an infection.
Bacterial vaginosis is a common vaginal infection caused by an imbalance in the vaginal flora, which can lead to an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria and an unpleasant fishy smell. Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection, can also cause a similar odour. These infections are usually easy to treat with antibiotics, but it is important to consult a healthcare provider to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
It is worth noting that vaginal odour can also be influenced by dietary choices, hygiene habits, and hormonal changes related to the menstrual cycle. For example, consuming foods with strong odours, such as garlic or onions, can temporarily affect the smell of vaginal discharge. Additionally, vaginal discharge may change in colour and texture throughout the menstrual cycle, and these variations are typically considered normal. However, if you notice sudden changes in colour, texture, or a strong foul odour, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider to rule out any potential infections or underlying conditions.
While it is understandable to feel concerned or embarrassed about vaginal odour, it is important to prioritise your health and well-being. Seeking expert-backed information and medical advice is crucial to maintaining vaginal health and addressing any underlying causes of unusual discharge or odour.
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Frequently asked questions
A strong, unpleasant vaginal odour could be a sign of an infection such as bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, or a yeast infection. It is important to be seen by a healthcare provider so you can speed up your recovery.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an infection caused by an imbalance in the vagina's flora. It is responsible for the fishy smell most commonly associated with unpleasant vaginal odours. Other common symptoms to look out for include grey or grey-white discharge, and a chemical-like smell.
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection that can be treated with antibiotics. Trichomoniasis can cause a fishy odour, similar to bacterial vaginosis, or a musty smell. Other common symptoms include greenish-yellow discharge, itching, and a bad odour.
Yeast infections are caused when a specific fungus (candida) grows out of control in the vagina. It usually exhibits in larger amounts, is thick, white, and has a cottage cheese appearance. It is often odourless but can sometimes have a strong cheese-like odour.
