Vaginal discharge is not just normal; it is necessary. It is your body’s built-in self-cleaning mechanism, designed to flush out old cells and bacteria to keep the reproductive tract healthy. Most women produce about 1 to 5 millilitres (roughly half a teaspoon) of discharge every single day.

However, noticing a sudden shift in odour can be alarming. While a subtle scent is healthy, a strong or unpleasant odour is often your body's way of signalling an imbalance. If you are wondering why does my vaginal discharge smell, it is usually due to a shift in your vaginal pH or bacterial flora.

This guide decodes the smells, the colours, and the causes, from vaginal discharge during pregnancy to infections, so you can understand what your body is telling you. Also, it's always better to consult a gynaecologist if you notice some changes in your discharge that’s not “usual”.

What Should Healthy Vaginal Discharge Smell Like?

Before identifying a problem, we must establish the baseline. A healthy vagina is not odourless, nor should it smell like flowers.

Because your vagina is home to billions of good bacteria (specifically Lactobacillus), healthy vaginal discharge typically has a mild, tangy, or slightly fermented scent, similar to yoghurt or sourdough bread. This acidity is exactly what keeps bad bacteria away.

Why Does My Vaginal Discharge Smell?

If the scent becomes strong enough to be noticed through your clothes, it usually indicates a specific issue. Here is a breakdown of common odours and their likely causes.

1. Fishy Odour

This is the most distinctive sign of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV).

• The Cause: An overgrowth of "bad" bacteria disrupts the pH balance.

• The Sign: You might notice a foul-smelling vaginal discharge that gets stronger after sex (semen interacts with the bacteria) or after your period.

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2. Yeasty or Bread-Like Odour

This typically signals a Yeast Infection (Candidiasis).

• The Cause: An overgrowth of the fungus Candida.

• The Sign: The discharge is usually thick, white, and clumpy (like cottage cheese), often accompanied by intense itching.

  
  

3. Metallic or Coppery Smell

This is usually blood-related.

• The Cause: Old blood exiting the uterus or a pH shift during menstruation.

• The Sign: Common just before or after your period. It usually resolves on its own.

4. Rotten Meat Odour

This is a medical red flag.

• The Cause: Often caused by a forgotten tampon that has been left in for days.

• The Action: This can lead to Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). You must see a gynaecologist immediately to have it removed and checked for infection.

What Do the Different Colours of Vaginal Discharge Mean?

Just like your period changes day by day, your vaginal discharge shifts in colour and texture throughout the month.

The trick is knowing the difference between a healthy cycle shift and a sign that your body is fighting something off. Here is how to read the different colours of vaginal discharge:

White Vaginal Discharge

Seeing white is usually a good sign, but the texture tells the real story.

• When it’s Healthy: Most days, you will see discharge that ranges from clear and slippery (like raw egg whites) when you are ovulating, to a creamy, milky white as your period gets closer. This is completely normal.

• When to Check: If the white discharge suddenly turns thick and clumpy. When it's like the texture of cottage cheese, and comes with intense itching, your body is likely dealing with a Yeast Infection.

Greyish-White Discharge

This specific shade is the biggest clue for Bacterial Vaginosis (BV). If you notice your discharge looks thin, watery, and has a dull grey tint, pay attention to the smell. 

If it comes with that distinct fishy odour, it is almost certainly BV, not a yeast infection. Your pH balance is off, and you will likely need a quick course of antibiotics to reset it.

Yellow or Green Discharge

This is your body’s way of waving a red flag. Healthy discharge is rarely green. If you see a neon yellow or greenish vaginal discharge, it is often an immune response. It’s your body sending white blood cells to fight an infection. 

This colour change, especially if it is frothy or smells bad, is a classic symptom of a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) like Trichomoniasis or Gonorrhea. Don't panic, but do book a call with a gynaecologist. The sooner you treat it, the easier it is to clear up.

Is Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy Normal?

Yes, vaginal discharge during pregnancy is normal, and it actually increases. This increased discharge is called Leukorrhea.

During pregnancy, rising estrogen levels increase blood flow to the pelvic area, stimulating the mucous membranes.

• What is normal: Thin, white, milky, and mild-smelling discharge. It protects the birth canal from infection.

• When to worry: If you experience foul-smelling vaginal discharge, itching, or if the fluid is watery and continuous (which could be leaking amniotic fluid), contact your doctor immediately.

How to Prevent Smelly Vaginal Discharge?

While you cannot change your natural scent, you can prevent the bacterial imbalances that lead to odours.

• Stop Douching: Your vagina cleans itself. Douching washes away the good bacteria (Lactobacillus) and upsets the pH, actually causing the foul-smelling vaginal discharge you are trying to hide.

• Cotton is Key: Synthetic underwear traps moisture and heat, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Cotton lets the area breathe.

• Probiotics: Eating yoghurt or taking probiotics helps replenish the good bacteria that keep the bad smells at bay.

Conclusion

Your discharge is a health report card. A sudden change in smell isn't something to be embarrassed about; it is simply your body asking for help.

If you are dealing with persistent smelly white vaginal discharge or a fishy odour that won't go away with hygiene changes, it is time to stop guessing. Most of these issues are easily treated with a short course of medication.

Not sure if your scent is normal or an infection? You don't have to stress about it. Click here to chat with a Pinky Promise gynaecologist and get a clear answer today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why does my discharge smell like onions?

This is usually due to sweat and diet. The sweat glands in the groin area (apocrine glands) release proteins that bacteria break down, causing a strong onion-like scent. Eating strong spices like garlic or curry can also temporarily affect your vaginal scent.

Q: Can stress cause smelly discharge?

Indirectly, yes. Stress increases cortisol, which can weaken your immune system and disrupt your vaginal microbiome. This makes you more susceptible to BV or yeast infections, which cause odours.

Q: Is clear but smelly discharge normal?

No. If the discharge looks normal (clear/white) but has a strong, unpleasant odour, it often indicates the early stages of Bacterial Vaginosis or a pH imbalance.

Q: Does semen change vaginal smell?

Yes. Semen is alkaline (high pH), while the vagina is acidic. When they mix, the pH change can temporarily cause a "bleach-like" or fishy smell. This should resolve within 12-24 hours after sex.