Yellow discharge with onion odor. During menstruation and after childbirth. Video: how to treat discharge with the smell of rotten fish

Vaginal odor very often occurs due to an infectious process or from exposure to various bacteria or other microorganisms. Normally, the odor of the vagina is weak and specific, but the main thing is that it does not cause discomfort to others. If infectious diseases occur in the female body, the smell in the vagina and discharge from it will be very unpleasant, often reminiscent of rotten fish or onions. It is also often accompanied by intense itching and burning.

The characteristic smell of discharge can accurately indicate a problem that has arisen, in which case you should immediately consult a doctor. But a bad smell does not always indicate an infection. Sometimes foul-smelling discharge can indicate a metabolic disorder.

In order to find out how to remove such an unpleasant symptom, it is necessary to find out the reasons for its occurrence. This disorder is one of the most common in women of reproductive age and often manifests itself after childbirth. The course of this pathological condition depends on which bacterium caused the unpleasant odor from the vagina (this can only be done with the help of laboratory tests). Treatment consists of a whole range of remedies - from medications to medicinal herbs. But at home, you can get rid of vaginal odor only on the recommendation of your doctor.

Etiology

Normally, the vaginal odor of a healthy woman is slightly sour, but it is not unpleasant. The main reasons why a rotten fishy smell appears is the influence of bacteria. Against the background of their life cycle, various gynecological diseases begin to develop. These include:

• , in which the balance between beneficial and pathogenic bacteria is disrupted;
• – this disorder is characterized by the appearance of white vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor of sour milk;
• damage to the mucous membrane by a bacterium such as. At the same time, a sour onion or fishy smell is felt;
• . Often the cause of its manifestation is unprotected sexual contact;
• chronic inflammation of the uterus and appendages - accompanied by slight white discharge with an almost imperceptible smell of onion.

In addition, additional factors for the appearance of vaginal odor are:

• irregular performance of personal hygiene measures;
• frequent change of sexual partners;
• various diseases transmitted through sexual intercourse;
• weak immunity of women;
• refusal of contraceptive methods;
• changes in vaginal microflora;
• dystrophy of the mucous membrane;
• use of certain medications;
• pathological structure of the vagina;
• hormonal imbalance - often before the onset of the first menstruation, girls begin to smell an unpleasant smell of onions and fish, but after the onset of menstruation it goes away on its own. Pregnancy, abortion, and pregnancy can also result in a strong odor;
• use of contraceptives, in particular the intrauterine device, for more than five years;
• the impact of frequent stressful situations;
• excessively high body weight;
• emotionality and impressionability, which female representatives very often succumb to;
• genetic metabolic disorder.

After childbirth, vaginal discharge often has an unpleasant fishy odor, but this does not cause discomfort to the woman or others. Then the discharge takes on a brown tint and becomes transparent over time. This whole process takes a little over a month. But, if the smell of rot begins to stand out, this means that an infection has been introduced. If the discharge has a strong foul odor and has not changed color, you should immediately contact a gynecologist. In addition, vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor may be discharged after sexual intercourse, after menstruation.

Symptoms

Of course, the main symptom is the appearance of a strong smell of fish or onions, but these manifestations may be accompanied by the appearance of the following symptoms:

• discharge from clear to yellowish. May be accompanied by the smell of sour milk. In some female representatives they may not stand out at all, while in others they are abundant;
• itching – often observed during menstruation;
• pain during sexual intercourse;
• sticking together of the labia minora - this occurs with a strong secretion of purulent fluid;
• burning when urinating is a rather rare symptom, which may indicate irritation of the mucous membrane;
• discomfort in the lower abdomen;
• inflammation of the uterine appendages.

In addition, the smell from the vagina may differ, and speak for itself about problems in the female body. Thus:

• the smell of onions indicates the penetration of bacteria;
• feeling the smell of urine in the vagina - frequent stressful situations or;
• rotten - inflammation;
• sperm – changes in microflora;
• itching and sour smell – inflammation;
• acetone – ;
• garlic – excessive consumption of it;
• iron – detection of blood impurities in secretions;
• The sweet smell of the vagina appears when eating a lot of sweet fruits.

It is best to start treatment from the moment the first symptoms are detected in order to prevent the spread of infection. If after childbirth the smell and discharge do not go away on their own, it is best to consult a doctor.

Complications

Delayed treatment or complete ignoring of vaginal odor can lead to complications such as:

• inflammatory or infectious processes in the vagina, uterus and appendages, ovaries and urinary canal organs;
• predisposition to sexually transmitted diseases;
• increased risk of complications after surgery on the genitourinary system.

To prevent the formation of complications, it is best to contact a gynecologist at the first signs for consultation and treatment, and under no circumstances try to get rid of them on your own. It is important to remember that after childbirth, the occurrence of discharge and odor is a completely normal process. Only a rotten smell should cause alarm.

Diagnostics

If a woman has a symptom such as an unpleasant odor from the vagina, there is no need to try to get rid of it on her own, as this can only complicate the course of the disorder. You should make an appointment with a gynecologist as soon as possible.

Diagnostic measures consist of:

• collecting detailed information about the manifestation of the first symptom, clarifying the period of time when vaginal odor appeared, and the presence of discharge. In addition, the doctor must find out how the pregnancy proceeded, and whether this unpleasant manifestation arose after childbirth or for another reason;
• direct examination by a specialist, which will help him obtain more information about the structure of the mucous membrane, as well as identify the presence and amount of discharge, their color;
• collection of secretions for further laboratory research;
• exclusion or confirmation of the presence of sexually transmitted infections;

After receiving all the test results, the doctor will prescribe the most effective treatment for vaginal odor for each patient individually.

Treatment

Treatment of unpleasant vaginal odor is aimed at eliminating the causes of its occurrence. It is important to remember that after childbirth, the smell and discharge go away on their own about a month after the birth of the child. Treatment in most cases includes:

• antibacterial drugs;
• the use of lactic acid to restore acidity;
• hormonal treatment;
• taking bacterial medications that help increase the number of benign bacteria.

Treatment of vaginal odor in a pregnant woman is carried out only after childbirth.

A woman’s reproductive health is the key to personal and family well-being. Therefore, you need to be careful about various abnormalities in your body. Many women are embarrassed by uncharacteristic vaginal discharge. This is one of the common problems with which people turn to a gynecologist. In particular, the discharge smells like onions - what does this mean? Why does it happen? And should there be any alarm? Let's talk about this in more detail.

Why does a woman's discharge smell like onions?

An onion-like vaginal odor is not normal. A healthy woman should not experience any odors from the perineum at all. However, the discharge may have a slightly sour, but not pungent odor. This is due to the peculiarity of the microflora. In particular, with the fact that lactic acid bacteria live in the vagina, which create a “house” from an acidic environment.

And if the discharge smells like onions, what does that mean? This nature of secretion suggests the presence of pathologies in the body. We'll talk about them further.

Symptoms

An unpleasant smell from intimate areas brings discomfort to a woman. It is inconvenient to go to the pool, fitness room and other public places. This is an aesthetic discomfort. But not all diseases are harmless; they can also be transmitted through household contact.

However, a woman's biggest fear is to push her man away during intimacy. Moreover, unpleasant odors during sexual intercourse may worsen.

If a woman’s discharge smells like onions, and this has never happened before, then you need to take a closer look at additional symptoms of an anxious state. To establish an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to analyze the clinical picture. Pay attention to the nature of the discharge:

• color - transparent, cloudy, white;
• amount of discharge - scanty or abundant;
• consistency - liquid, curdled or creamy;
• there is no smell or the discharge smells like onions.

The last sign is most often the cause of a woman’s psychological discomfort. It is the specific smell that interferes with normal sexual life.

Discharge smells like onions: reasons

Vaginal discharge is an unpleasant situation that leads to a gynecologist. Changes in the functioning of a woman's reproductive system can be caused by many factors. Some have an external side of origin, influencing the body through the environment. Others are directly related to disruption of internal processes: hormonal metabolism, immune system, etc. Most often, several negative factors are combined.

Vaginal discharge is a natural state of the mucous membrane of the genital organs.

Why does my discharge smell like onions? Such an uncharacteristic odor of vaginal discharge may be normal if the woman ate a large amount of onion and garlic the day before. However, in this situation, the discharge may not smell like garlic. But a woman’s breath and skin can retain a specific odor for a long time. However, it should go away in literally a day.

In other cases, the smell of onion from the vagina is considered a sign of an imbalance in the microflora of the external genital organs.

We will talk further about the main possible pathologies due to which the discharge smells like onions.

Bacterial vaginosis (gardnerellosis)

This tricky medical term refers to vaginal dysbiosis. This disease occurs frequently in women. Dysbacteriosis is an imbalance of microflora.

The bacterial environment in the vagina is quite mobile, its ecosystem is constantly changing. It is based on lactobacilli. They perform a protective function. By converting glycogen into lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide is released.

This and the presence of peroxide suppress the growth of pathogenic flora. It is created by staphylococci, streptococci, E. coli and anaerobic bacteria. These numerous “residents” coexist peacefully until the number of lactobacilli decreases.

As soon as this situation occurs, the “conditions” quickly multiply without causing significant discomfort. Only before the start of the menstrual cycle can the nature of the discharge change dramatically. The only characteristic sign of this pathology is white discharge that smells like onions. Sometimes this smell is complemented by the smell of rotten fish.

Reasons for the development of dysbacteriosis:

• frequent douching with a solution of soda or chamomile decoction;
• using contraceptives (suppositories, creams) or condoms that are treated with N-9 (nonoxynol-9);
• change of sexual partner;
• the use of antibiotics to treat pathologies that are not related to the genitourinary system.

The development of inflammation in the internal genital organs (uterus, appendages) is the main danger of the disease.

During pregnancy, dysbiosis can cause premature birth, complications during pregnancy and directly during childbirth.

Vaginal candidiasis (thrush)

Every woman has encountered this unpleasant disease at least once in her life. Vaginal candidiasis is caused by Candida fungus. It progresses rapidly in conditions of a favorable vaginal microclimate.

Accordingly, it causes significant discomfort, namely:

• unpleasant odor, discharge smells like onions;
• copious curdled discharge that begins to appear 10 days before the start of menstruation;
• itching, burning, feeling of dryness and tightness in the genitals;
• inflamed genitals become covered with a coating that looks like sour milk;
• painful urination accompanied by burning;
• During sexual intercourse, the pain gets worse.

Any stressful situation, depression, or uncomfortable psychological state can cause a malfunction in the entire body.

Colpitis

This is a disease in which the mucous membrane of the vaginal walls becomes inflamed. The infection “dictates” the severity of the form of colpitis. The disease has three forms: acute, subacute and chronic form with sluggish relapses.

Characteristic symptoms for colpitis:

• copious discharge with a foamy consistency of a grayish-white hue;
• vaginal discharge that smells like onions;
• swelling and redness of the genitals;
• dull aching pain in the lower abdomen and genitals;
• intense pain during urination and after it for a certain period of time.

If colpitis becomes chronic, the symptoms subside. They may intensify during an exacerbation. In an advanced form of the disease, ulcers may form on the genital mucosa.

This pathology must be treated in a timely manner, since colpitis can lead to dire consequences. For example, to infertility.

Venereal diseases

These are infections that are sexually transmitted. Among them are syphilis, gonorrhea, granuloma venereum, lymphogranulomatosis inguinal, and chancroid. The main danger is that these diseases can also be transmitted non-sexually.

Doctors separately identify causes that have nothing to do with the condition of the genital organs. The following additional factors may influence the appearance of onion odor in the vagina:

• violent reaction to a stressful situation;
• prolonged depression;
• antibiotic treatment;
• overheating or hypothermia;
• excessive use of personal hygiene products that change the pH of the vagina.

Only a doctor can determine the true cause of the onion smell.

When is the smell without pathology?

The healthy microflora of the vagina contains lacto- and bifidobacteria. They perform a protective function while remaining in balance. If the discharge has a slightly sour smell and varies in color (from transparent to whitish and creamy), then this is considered normal.

Physiological changes in secretions in terms of odor strength, concentration and consistency are influenced by the following factors:

• period of the monthly cycle;
• beginning of sexual activity;
• change of sexual partner;
• intimacy;
• pregnancy (especially the first and last trimesters);
• breast-feeding;
• taking hormonal medications (including hormonal contraceptives).

All these factors affect female sex hormones, which are released in large quantities. They are the ones who “dictate” the smell of vaginal discharge.

The nature of the discharge is determined by the hormonal spectrum in the female body. The main reason for the appearance of a specific odor from an intimate place is a change in the level of estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are responsible for a woman's reproductive health. Changes in the ratio of these hormones can occur in the following situations:

• second phase of menstruation;
• pregnancy;
• taking hormonal contraceptives.

Immediately after menstruation, the discharge acquires a transparent, scanty color. But they become more viscous and abundant as ovulation approaches. In the second phase of the menstrual cycle, the mucous glands of the vagina change secretion. The discharge becomes creamy, white in color and has a garlicky odor.

If a woman, apart from the unpleasant odor, is not bothered by anything else, then most likely the reason for the appearance of this aesthetic discomfort lies in physiological changes. Most often this is considered the norm.

Diagnostics

Additional examination will be required to identify the exact cause of the unpleasant odor. It is necessary to pass the following tests:

• general blood and urine analysis;
• blood biochemistry (hormonal spectrum);
• microscopy and culture of secretions.

Colposcopy is required to visually assess the condition of the vaginal mucosa.

After receiving the results of all tests, the doctor will be able to tell the exact cause of the unpleasant odor. If necessary, he will prescribe treatment.

Treatment

Drug treatment includes antibacterial therapy to reduce the number of pathogenic microorganisms.

For the treatment of bacterial vaginosis, an antiprotozoal agent is prescribed: Metronidazole, Ornidazole.

Eubiotics must be prescribed to restore the state of the microflora. These are beneficial bacteria that are administered orally in the morning and evening. Eubiotics are taken orally.

Prevention

The discharge smells like onions - this is an unpleasant symptom that can be prevented. It is necessary to adhere to the following medical recommendations:

• Observe the rules of personal hygiene (wash yourself in the morning and evening with a special gel).
• You should not douche without a doctor's prescription, as this procedure provokes the development of bacterial vaginosis.
• You should not wear panty liners all the time; they lead to overheating of the genitals. It is better to add daily supplements during ovulation, when heavy discharge occurs. They need to be changed every two hours.
• Wear breathable underwear.
• Lead a healthy lifestyle, do not abuse alcoholic beverages.
• Avoid promiscuity.
• Always use a condom if you are unsure about your sexual partner.

If you follow simple rules, you can avoid the appearance of an unpleasant onion odor from the vagina. Be healthy!

A person who properly cares for the body has a natural smell of physiological fluids secreted by the body. The intimate smell of a healthy woman is inaccessible to smell. If the smell of onion from the vagina bothers you, you should think about the occurrence of pathology.

Pathologies of the genitourinary organs can be provoked by environmental or internal factors (failure of hormonal balance, immune system, metabolic processes).

If the discharge smells like onions, it suggests the presence of ailments such as vaginosis and candidiasis of bacterial origin.

The cause of a specific aroma in the intimate area is determined as a result of a thorough diagnosis, which consists of:

• from examination by a female doctor;
• taking smears;
• Ultrasound of the pelvic organs;
• urine and blood biochemistry tests.

A pungent vaginal odor is not necessarily a consequence of the disease; it also appears due to physiological processes:

• pregnancy;
• breastfeeding;
• menstrual phases;
• the beginning of sexual relations.

The structure and smell of the mucous substance from the vagina are greatly influenced by hormonal levels. Estrogen and progesterone play a major role in the functioning of the fertilization system. The imbalance that arises between them can be the cause of an annoying aroma that can appear upon the onset of ovulation, in the first weeks of an interesting position (when the woman does not yet know about it), and with prolonged use of contraceptives.

Vaginal secretions are usually clear and scanty. With the onset of ovulation, it thickens and becomes more abundant, and in the end, the body begins to more actively produce progesterone, due to which in the next phase of the cycle the discharge becomes whitish and smells sour or garlicky. Pregnancy and contraceptive use show a similar picture. This should not be confusing, as it is the norm.

Symptoms of abnormalities should cause alarm: unpleasant feelings in the lower part of the body, pain and accelerated urination, itching of the vulva.

Causes of odor

If your vagina smells like onions, you may have an infection in a sensitive area or the onset of a sexually transmitted disease:

1. An infection caused by the fungus Candida albicans (thrush).
2. Gardnerellosis (bacterial vaginosis).
3. Colpitis (inflammation of the vaginal mucosa).
4. Trichomoniasis, syphilis, gonorrhea, inguinal lymphogranulomatosis, venereal granuloma.
5. Pathologies in the uterus and appendages.

Women may have a specific odor, so we recommend reading a separate article on this topic.

Other factors can provoke vaginal secretions with a characteristic odor:

• treatment of another disease not related to the sexual sphere with potent antibiotics;
• hypothermia or overheating of the body;
• some hygiene products that disrupt the acid-base balance in the vagina;
• depressive and stressful conditions.

Urogenital form of candidiasis

Among the pathological ailments characterized by discharge with the smell of onions, candidiasis is noted, which is provoked by fungi that have entered the female organs. They cause an unpleasant aroma, then the appearance of ulcers, which become more and more abundant, increased itching in the genitals, a feeling of tightness and dryness of the skin, a burning sensation and pain during urination and sexual intercourse.

Vaginal inflammation and swelling of the labia lead to the formation of a whitish coating on their surface (hence the name “thrush”).

The disease occurs when the body’s immune defense decreases, self-medication with antibiotics (without taking antifungal agents) that destroy microflora, changes in hormonal levels (pregnancy, menopause, taking hormones, beginning of sexual relations). After an abortion, candidiasis is also possible.

In addition, thrush can be caused by wearing tight underwear made of unnatural materials and neglecting personal hygiene. An untreated disease will become a serious threat to the health of the female reproductive system as a whole.

Bacterial vaginosis

During reproductive age, women can catch an unpleasant disease - gardnerellosis. The color and smell of pathological discharge in this case are due to the active activity of microorganisms such as staphylococci, streptococci and E. coli. As they multiply, they cause the appearance of an onion smell mixed with rotten fish, which usually occurs before the onset of menstruation.

Among the factors for the formation of vaginosis are:

• using a condom treated with nonoxynol-9;
• irrigation with chamomile decoction;
• change of partner;
• taking antibiotics to recover from other diseases.

Advanced gardnerellosis causes the development of inflammatory processes in the uterus and appendages, and in a pregnant woman – early labor and its complications.

Colpitis

The mistake of many representatives of the fairer sex is that they associate inflammation of the mucous surfaces of the vagina, accompanied by nagging pain and heaviness in the abdomen, with hypothermia.

However, the origin of these symptoms is of an infectious nature: entry into the vagina of trichomonas, candida fungi, herpes virus, cytomegalovirus, mycoplasma, E. coli and other opportunistic pathogens. As a result, colpitis develops, which can be diagnosed based on the following symptoms:

• copious, sometimes serous;
• feeling of heaviness in the vagina;
• burning;
• pain when urinating.

There are three stages of the disease:

1. Spicy. Women complain of severe pain and a large amount of pathological discharge. An examination by a gynecologist shows the presence of redness, swelling of the mucous membrane, and possible ulcers.
2. Subacute. The pain subsides a little, the discharge decreases, and the swelling subsides.
3. Chronic. All signs of the disease are weakly expressed, pathological contents of a serous or purulent nature continue to be released.

Colpitis is often caused by vaginosis (thrush), which is confirmed by laboratory tests.

The doctor will definitely prescribe a microscopic examination of tests from the cervix, vagina and urethra for trichomonas, fungi, gonococci, oncocytology, and may also additionally recommend taking blood and urine tests, diagnosing STDs, and undergoing. This will allow you to determine what is causing colpitis and prescribe adequate therapy.

Pathological features

It happens that the characteristic smell of onions appears in a woman after her period. If she is not sexually active, then the presence of genital infections should be excluded. Before the start of the menstrual cycle and after menstruation, increased secretion is possible, as well as the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria, which lead to the process of inflammation.

Changes in the microflora of the vagina can occur during pregnancy, as well as when using oral pills, when dysbiosis of the vaginal cavity occurs, that is, the balance between beneficial and pathogenic bacteria is disturbed.

In chronic forms of diseases, there are periods of exacerbation, manifested by increased symptoms, heavy discharge, and pain. Treatment is aimed at the complete recovery of the woman, and if she has a sexual partner, then both.

If you let the disease take its course, the development of pathologies will not be long in coming. Possible damage to the female organs of the genitourinary system, rectum, and oncological tumors.

During pregnancy

During pregnancy, an onion smell may indicate medical problems. When immunity is weakened, pathogenic flora is activated, causing inflammation and a nasty odor.

Sometimes this indicates the manifestation of a sexually transmitted or chronic disease, which the woman did not suspect, dangerous for both the expectant mother and her baby.

Comprehensive diagnostics will allow you to assess the degree of risk and improve women’s health without harming the baby.

Diagnosis and treatment

If a woman feels an onion odor from her vagina, the first thing she should do is consult a specialist. The examination scheme is as follows:

1. Collecting anamnesis (lifestyle, risk factors, previous diseases, complaints). Diagnosis and treatment largely depend on the correct answers.
2. Gynecological and bimanual examination. Using these procedures, the physician determines the condition of the mucous membrane, palpates the uterus and appendages, and examines the discharge.
3. Taking samples for bacterioscopy. If there is pathology in the smear, it means there is an inflammatory process.

Medicines are prescribed depending on the diagnosis. In any case, complex therapy will be required. It includes bacterial drugs, antifungal and anti-inflammatory substances.

To restore hormonal balance, hormone therapy is used, which gives good results: menstrual irregularities and other symptoms disappear.

Treatment for a simple imbalance that does not require drug intervention may involve the use of folk remedies - phytohormones and phytoestrogens produced by certain types of plants.

Preventive actions

To prevent the occurrence of pathologies that cause onion odor, personal hygiene products should not be neglected. To prevent dysbiosis and infection, it is necessary to eat natural foods rich in microelements and vitamins. The amount of proteins, fats and carbohydrates should be balanced. You need to drink kefir and other lactic acid products that restore the balance between beneficial and harmful bacteria.

A healthy lifestyle - giving up smoking, alcohol and other bad habits, hardening, swimming, massage, playing sports in the fresh air - will help prevent the disease.

What's in the article:

One of the most vulnerable systems in a woman’s body is the reproductive system. Changes in its functioning can provoke an increase in the amount of vaginal secretion secreted, as well as its color, unnatural consistency, and smell. The smell of garlic from a woman's discharge should alert her and be a reason to immediately contact a gynecologist.

Causes of garlic odor

A sharp change in the nature of the discharge, the appearance of an unpleasant fetid odor should alert the woman, as this indicates the development of pathological conditions in the reproductive system and urgent consultation with a qualified specialist is necessary.

The main reasons that provoke the appearance of garlic odor from discharge in women are diseases such as:

1. Vaginal dysbiosis, which manifests itself when the ratio of beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria) is disturbed due to a decrease in immunity and protective functions of the body. The mucous membranes of the vagina become thinner, which is a favorable environment for the development and reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms and pathogenic microflora.
2. Vaginal candidiasis (damage to the mucous membranes of the vagina by fungi of the genus Candida) is manifested by abundant cheesy discharge with an unpleasant sour odor. When candidiasis develops and is seriously affected, women may smell garlic and onions from their discharge.
3. Colpitis is an inflammatory infectious lesion of the walls of the vagina and external genitalia due to infection with coccal microorganisms, chlamydia, and Haemophilus influenzae. Untimely treatment contributes to the spread of the inflammatory process to the cervix, appendages, ovaries and can lead to diseases such as endometritis, cervical erosion, and infertility.
4. Chronic diseases of the uterus and appendages of an inflammatory nature, occurring without obvious signs and accompanied by slight discharge of varying consistency with a pungent garlic odor.

To confirm the diagnosis and identify the cause of the appearance of garlic odor from vaginal discharge in women, it is necessary to visit a gynecologist and undergo the necessary tests.

Factors causing garlic-smelling discharge

There are cases when the garlicky smell of discharge in women is a natural protective reaction of the body to changes in external or internal factors.

External factors include: unfavorable environmental conditions, unfavorable climatic and natural conditions, ingestion of contaminated water, etc.

Internal factors - disorders in the immune, endocrine system, metabolic disorders of the body, genetic abnormalities, conditions and lifestyle of a woman.

Physiological reasons for the appearance of garlicky odor in female discharge:

• Beginning of sexual activity, frequent change of sexual partners,
• Long-term use of hormonal contraceptives,
• Pregnancy and lactation period,
• Failure to comply with personal hygiene rules, use of toilet soap for washing,
• Incorrect and regular douching with antiseptic (anti-inflammatory) agents,
• Changing your diet, eating a lot of spicy spices, onions, garlic,
• A sharp change in climatic conditions,
• Regular stress.

If vaginal discharge is not accompanied by symptoms such as itching, burning, discomfort, pain in the intimate area, then such discharge is due to the physiological characteristics of the female body. They do not pose a threat to a woman’s reproductive system and go away on their own if the causes that provoke their occurrence are excluded.

Garlic smell of vaginal discharge during pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman's body experiences serious hormonal changes that affect the nature of vaginal discharge, its consistency, color and smell. Thus, the smell may become more pronounced, and the consistency more dense and cloudy. But there should be no irritation, pain, or discomfort.

The immune system of a pregnant woman weakens and provokes the active proliferation of pathogenic bacteria and viruses. Chronic diseases are getting worse.

If the smell of garlic appears from the discharge of a pregnant woman, it is necessary to urgently consult a specialist to exclude inflammation and infectious disease to avoid infection of the fetus. The gynecologist will select the appropriate treatment method that will not harm the health of the unborn child. Timely seeking medical help will help you cope with reproductive system diseases faster and more effectively.

Diagnostics

If your vaginal discharge has an unpleasant garlic odor, your doctor recommends taking the following tests:

• General blood analysis,
• Biochemical blood test (to study hormonal levels)
• General urine analysis,
• Bacterial culture of secretions,
• Calposcopy (examination of the vaginal walls, the presence of infection on them)

After carefully studying the results, the doctor determines the diagnosis and prescribes treatment.

Treatment

Treatment of vaginal secretion disorders with an unpleasant odor is aimed at eliminating the causes of its occurrence, factors provoking the development of the disease, as well as drug therapy.

Treatment methods:

1. Antibacterial therapy (Cephalosporin - prescribed when sexually transmitted diseases are detected).
2. Physiotherapy (douching with antimicrobial agents).
3. The use of general strengthening drugs.
4. Balanced diet (with proper distribution of proteins/fats/carbohydrates).
5. Local therapy:

• taking antimicrobial vaginal tablets and suppositories (Terzhinan, Trichopolum),
• vaginal ointments (Metronidazole, Chlorhexidine, Miramistin, Nystatin),
• the use of tampons impregnated with a therapeutic antimicrobial and antibacterial solution.

Treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis, but in serious advanced conditions, as well as with the development of a serious inflammatory process, treatment is carried out in a hospital setting under strict medical supervision.

As a complement to drug treatment, in the absence of inflammation and vaginal disease, treatment methods with folk remedies can be used.

These include:

• douching with soda solution (dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 liter of warm boiled water),
• douching (sitz baths) with a decoction of medicinal herbs (sage, chamomile, calendula). To prepare it, 1 tbsp. pour 0.5 liters of boiling water over the raw materials, wrap in a warm towel and leave for 30 minutes. Strain through several layers of gauze and douche with a warm solution,
• washing with vinegar water (for 1 liter of boiled warm water you will need 1 tablespoon of 9% table vinegar). Vinegar water helps stop the development of bacteria, yeast, and pathogenic microorganisms.

Before starting treatment with folk remedies, it is advisable to consult a specialist to prevent the occurrence of allergic reactions and aggravation of the existing pathology.

Prevention

Compliance with preventive measures will help avoid the appearance of garlic odor in the discharge:

• regular and thorough personal hygiene,
• regular change of daily sanitary pads every 3 – 4 hours,
• strengthening the immune system, general hardening of the body,
• daily consumption of vegetables, fruits, herbs, berries,
• sufficient consumption of clean water,

• the presence of natural fermented milk products in the diet (kefir, yogurt, fermented baked milk),
• sexual relations only with trusted sexual partners, exclusion of promiscuous sex life,
• use of contraceptives (condoms) with every sexual intercourse,
• exclusion of mechanical damage to the vaginal area,
• refusal of tight synthetic underwear, panties - thongs.

It is important to remember that the appearance of an unpleasant garlic odor in vaginal discharge may be a sign of serious disorders caused by serious pathology. But it may be a consequence of a violation of physiological characteristics. For high-quality and effective treatment, it is necessary to seek medical help in a timely manner. Based on the tests, the doctor will be able to diagnose the nature of the discharge and prescribe effective treatment.

A woman’s reproductive and sexual health is the key to family and personal well-being. Therefore, careful attention to any deviations in the functioning of the body and timely resolution of emerging problems is required. When visiting a gynecologist, people often express concern about vaginal discharge. This phenomenon is common among women of different ages and has certain characteristics. For example, you may experience discharge that smells like onion or garlic. Only a doctor can tell why they occur in a particular case.

Causes

The situation with vaginal discharge is certainly unpleasant and makes you think about your reasons. Changes in the normal functioning of a woman’s reproductive system can occur under the influence of too many factors. Some of them are of external origin, affecting the body from the environment. And the rest are associated with disruption of internal processes: hormonal, metabolic, immune. There is often a combination of several risk factors.

Vaginal discharge is a sign of the natural state of the mucous membrane of the genital organs. But their changes do not always indicate serious changes in the body. There are transient states of functional origin that are not dangerous. But they also deserve attention in the context of differential diagnosis with pathological disorders. Thus, the smell of onion or garlic from the vagina becomes a consequence of:

• Physiological changes.
• Bacterial vaginosis (dysbiosis).
• Candidiasis (thrush).

The origin of the discharge can only be determined through a comprehensive assessment of the condition of the female body, which is carried out by a doctor based on a clinical examination and additional research methods.

Discharge that smells like onions is not a pleasant situation. Whether this is normal or a consequence of pathology, a specialist will determine.

Symptoms

If discharge appears that was not there before or has changed, then you need to understand in more detail the symptoms present in the woman. After all, creating a holistic picture of the condition that has arisen and making a diagnosis largely follow a thorough analysis of the clinical picture. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify the nature of the discharge:

• Color: transparent, white, cloudy.
• Quantity: scanty or abundant.
• Consistency: liquid, creamy, curdled.
• Smell: absent or specific.

It is the latter symptom that can cause significant psychological discomfort and an obstacle to an active sexual life. And in a pathological situation, this is accompanied by other symptoms that aggravate the woman’s condition.

Physiological changes

The nature of normal vaginal discharge is largely determined by the hormonal spectrum in the female body. A change in the ratio of the main regulators of sexual function - estrogen and progesterone - often causes the appearance of a mild, specific odor from the intimate area. This may happen in the following situations:

• In the second phase of the menstrual cycle.
• During pregnancy.
• Due to taking hormonal contraceptives.

Immediately after menstruation, the discharge is clear and rather scanty. The approach of ovulation makes them more abundant and viscous, and the second phase of the cycle further changes the secretion of the mucous glands of the vagina. Under the influence of progesterone, the discharge acquires a creamy consistency, a white tint and a slightly acidic (garlic) odor. Approximately the same phenomena occur during pregnancy or when using hormonal contraception. But you shouldn’t be afraid of this - everything is within normal limits.

Sometimes you can note the influence of a woman’s eating habits on her discharge. So, when consuming a large amount of onion or garlic, a corresponding smell from the vagina may appear. All you have to do is change your diet and it will disappear.

If a woman is not bothered by anything except the onion smell of the discharge, then most likely it is a consequence of physiological processes occurring in the body.

Bacterial vaginosis

Violation of the vaginal microflora is a common cause of unnatural discharge. If conditionally pathogenic microbes begin to predominate in its composition over lacto- and bifidobacteria, then they speak of dysbiosis (bacterial vaginosis). It manifests itself with the following symptoms:

• Copious discharge.
• The appearance of an unpleasant odor.
• Increased secretion after sexual intercourse or before menstruation.

Other symptoms, as a rule, are absent, which indicates the absence of an inflammatory process in the genitals. For the same reason, no leukocytes are detected in the smear. Some patients do not show any complaints at all.

Candidiasis

When vaginal discharge smells like onion and has a cheesy character, candidiasis (thrush) can be developed. This disease is caused by fungi of the genus Candida and is characterized by superficial inflammation of the vaginal wall. Therefore, in addition to discharge, the following symptoms will be present:

• Cutting, burning and itching when urinating.
• Discomfort during sexual intercourse.
• Redness of the mucous membrane.

Although thrush is considered a fairly mild infection, when the body’s defenses are reduced, candidiasis is able to spread to other organs of the genitourinary system. Therefore, it is necessary to treat the disease in time.

Candidiasis is accompanied by a change in the properties of vaginal mucus, which may cause an onion smell. But at the same time, other symptoms appear that worry women.

Diagnostics

To find out the cause of the unpleasant odor from the intimate area, an additional examination should be carried out. It includes laboratory methods that make it possible to determine not only local disorders in the genital organs, but also general disorders in the body that contribute to their development. Women who complain of discharge with an onion odor are recommended to undergo the following tests:

• General blood and urine analysis.
• Blood biochemistry (hormonal spectrum).
• Microscopy and culture of secretions.

In addition, a visual assessment of the condition of the vaginal mucosa may be required using colposcopy. And after receiving the diagnostic results, we can confidently say what caused the unpleasant odor and whether the woman should take any active steps to eliminate it.