This is why your vagina discharge smells like fish

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) also called vaginal bacteriosis is the most common vaginal infection in women. Even a virgin can have it. The specific cause of this infection is unknown. The most widely accepted theory behind its cause is imbalance level of the bacterial in the vagina.

Bacteria implicated in this infection are: Gardnerella, Lactobaccilus, Bacteroides, Peptostreptococcus, Fusobacterium.

It is called vaginosis because it does not affect men. However, female homosexuals can transmit it to one another.

It is characterized by:

1. Vaginal discharge that is greenish, cloudy, bloody, or yellowish.

2. Fishy vagina odour

3. Vagina pain and burning

It does not usually cause itching. The symptoms of bacterial vaginosis (BV) can occur before, during and after menstruation.

In pregnancy, it can cause preterm delivery.

The following factors make you at risk of having BV-

1. New or multiple sexual partner

2. Smoking cigarette

3. Recent antibiotics

4. Use of Intra Uterine Devices (IUDs)

You cannot contract BV from toilet seats or swimming pool.

How to test for BV

When a drop of potassium hydroxide (KOH) testing liquid used in the “whiff test” contacts a drop of the discharge from a woman with bacterial vaginosis, a certain fishy odor can result.


The only treatment available for bacterial vaginosis is ANTIBIOTICS.