It can be difficult to know what is causing a change in vaginal discharge, particularly when there is an unusual smell, itching or irritation. Two common causes are a fungal infection and bacterial vaginosis (BV). Although some symptoms can overlap, the smell and type of discharge often provide useful clues.
A fungal infection, usually caused by an overgrowth of Candida, is more commonly associated with itching, soreness and thicker white discharge. Bacterial vaginosis, on the other hand, often causes a thinner discharge with a noticeable fishy smell.
However, these symptoms do not always tell the whole story. If you are unsure what is causing your symptoms, a consultation with a gynaecologist can help identify the right treatment.
How Does Bacterial Vaginosis Discharge and Smell Differ?
Bacterial vaginosis happens when the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina changes. It is not simply an infection caused by one particular bacterium, but an imbalance in the vaginal microbiome.
One of the most recognisable symptoms is a change in vaginal discharge.
What does BV discharge look like?
BV discharge is often:
- Thin or watery
- Milky or greyish white
- More noticeable than usual
The amount of discharge can vary from person to person. Some women may have very few symptoms, while others notice a clear change from their usual vaginal discharge.
What does bacterial vaginosis smell like?
A fishy vaginal smell is commonly associated with BV. Some women notice the odour more strongly after sex or around their period.
Importantly, not every woman with BV will have a strong smell. The absence of an obvious odour does not necessarily rule it out.
How Does a Fungal Infection Discharge and Smell Differ?
A vaginal fungal infection, commonly known as a yeast infection, is usually caused by an overgrowth of Candida.
Unlike BV, itching and irritation are often much more prominent symptoms.
What does a yeast infection discharge look like?
Fungal infection discharge may be:
- Thick and white
- Clumpy or cottage cheese-like
- Usually without a strong unpleasant odour
The appearance can vary, so not every fungal infection produces the classic thick white discharge.
You may also experience redness, soreness, irritation or burning, particularly when passing urine or during sex.
Does a fungal infection cause a smell?
A strong fishy smell is not typical of an uncomplicated fungal infection.
If you have significant odour along with unusual discharge, it is worth considering other causes, including bacterial vaginosis or certain sexually transmitted infections.
BV vs Fungal Infection: What Is the Difference?
The easiest way to understand the difference is to look at the overall pattern rather than one symptom.
Bacterial vaginosis: Discharge is often thin, watery or milky, sometimes greyish or off-white. A fishy smell is common. Itching is not usually the main symptom.
Fungal infection: Discharge is often thicker and white. There is usually no strong fishy smell. Itching, soreness, redness and irritation are often more noticeable.
These are typical patterns, not a way of diagnosing yourself.
Can You Tell If It Is BV or a Yeast Infection From Smell and Discharge Alone?
Not always.
This is important because vaginal discharge can change for many reasons, and symptoms can overlap. A woman may also have more than one condition at the same time.
For example, itching may make you think of a fungal infection, but irritation can occur with other vaginal conditions too. Similarly, an unusual smell may suggest BV, but it does not confirm the diagnosis by itself.
If symptoms persist, keep returning or do not improve with treatment, it is better to have them assessed rather than repeatedly treating yourself for the wrong condition.
At Harleys Womens Clinic in Andheri, Dr Shilpa Agarwal can assess the pattern of symptoms and recommend appropriate examination or testing when necessary.
When Should You See a Gynaecologist?
Occasional changes in vaginal discharge can be normal. However, you should consider seeing a gynaecologist if you notice a persistent or unusual change.
Medical assessment is particularly important if you have:
- Persistent or recurrent abnormal discharge
- A strong or unusual vaginal smell
- Significant itching, burning or irritation
- Pelvic pain
- Pain during sex
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Fever or feeling unwell
- Symptoms during pregnancy
It is especially important not to rely on self diagnosis when symptoms keep returning.
Why Does Getting the Right Diagnosis Matter?
BV and fungal infections are different conditions, so they may require different approaches to treatment.
Using a treatment intended for a fungal infection when the actual problem is BV may not resolve the symptoms. The same applies when BV is assumed without confirming the cause.
A gynaecologist may consider your symptoms, medical history and examination findings and may recommend a vaginal swab or other testing when appropriate.
Getting the diagnosis right can save you from repeated treatments and help identify other causes when symptoms do not fit the usual pattern.
If You Are Unsure About Your Symptoms
A change in discharge or vaginal smell can be worrying, especially when you are trying to work out whether it is a fungal infection or bacterial vaginosis. The important thing is not to panic or assume the cause from one symptom alone.
As a gynaecologist, I would always encourage women to pay attention to what is different from their usual pattern. If the smell, discharge, itching or irritation persists, getting the cause checked can help you avoid unnecessary treatment and get the right care sooner.
If you are experiencing these symptoms and are unsure what they mean, you can consult Dr Shilpa Agarwal at Harleys Womens Clinic, Andheri for an appropriate evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Does a yeast infection smell fishy?
Answer: A strong fishy smell is more commonly associated with bacterial vaginosis than with a straightforward yeast infection. A fungal infection is more often associated with itching, soreness and thicker white discharge.
If you have a strong or persistent odour, it is better not to assume that you have a yeast infection based on discharge alone.
Q2. What does bacterial vaginosis discharge look like?
Answer: BV discharge is commonly thin, watery, or milky and may appear greyish or off-white. A fishy smell can also be present, although some women have BV without noticeable odour.
Q3. What does a fungal infection discharge look like?
Answer: A fungal infection can cause thicker white discharge that may appear clumpy or cottage cheese-like. However, the appearance varies, and itching, irritation, and soreness may be more useful clues than discharge alone.
Q4. Can you have BV and a fungal infection at the same time?
Answer: Yes. More than one vaginal condition can occur at the same time. This is one reason why persistent symptoms should be assessed rather than repeatedly treating yourself based on a single symptom.
Q5. Why does my vaginal discharge smell?
Answer: A change in vaginal smell can have several causes. Bacterial vaginosis is one common cause of a fishy odour, but other vaginal infections and conditions can also cause changes in smell. If the odor is new, persistent, or accompanied by unusual discharge, pain, itching, or irritation, a gynaecological assessment can help identify the cause.
Q6. Should I see a gynaecologist for unusual vaginal discharge?
Answer: If the discharge is persistent, recurrent, associated with a strong odour or accompanied by pain, itching, burning, or unusual bleeding, it is sensible to consult a gynaecologist. Dr. Shilpa Agarwal at Harleys Women’s Clinic, Andheri, can assess your symptoms and help determine whether further examination or testing i