Expert Explains Why Some Women Have Fishy-smelling Vaginal Discharge And When To Seek Medical Attention
A medical health expert, Dr. Toluwani Binutu, has urged women with fishy-smelling vaginal discharge to seek medical intervention, noting that they could be infected with vaginosis – a bacterial infection.
Bacterial vaginosis, according to Mayo Clinic – a medical center focused on integrated health care, education, and research – is a type of vaginal inflammation caused by the overgrowth of bacteria naturally found in the vagina, which upsets the natural balance.
Mayo Clinic, women in their reproductive years are most likely to get bacterial vaginosis, but it can affect women of any age. The cause is not completely understood but certain activities like having unprotected sex or frequent douching increase the risk.
In a video posted on his Instagram page, @tolubinutu, the UK-based doctor urged women to pay attention to the colours of their vaginal discharge.
The health expert said that a white or clear discharge is normal, especially just after and just before the period, but added that if the discharge is thick and solid white like cottage cheese, and accompanied by itching or soreness, it may be a yeast infection.
Continuing, he said,
“Brown vaginal discharge indicates the presence of blood, and it is normal to have this just before or just after your period.
“That said, it can also indicate a number of conditions (it may be a sign of early pregnancy) especially if they occur at other times during your cycle.
“However, if the brown discharge lasts for several weeks, frequently happens after sex, has an unpleasant smell, occurs after your menopause, or comes together with other symptoms (painful urination, vaginal itching, pelvic pain, etc) you should speak to your doctor.”
He further explained that having a yellow or green coloured discharge may indicate gonorrhoea or trichomoniasis infection.
The discharge may also be lumpy and have an unpleasant smell, he added.