What causes vaginal discharge to have a fishy smell?

Vaginal discharge increases, is grayish white, very sticky, even like paste, uniform and has a fishy odor. This is most likely bacterial vaginitis. Abnormal bacterial metabolism produces amines. The fishy smell will be more obvious during strenuous exercise or sexual intercourse. What causes vaginal discharge to have a fishy smell?

Bacterial vaginitis, also known as nonspecific vaginitis, is one of the most common infectious diseases in women. It is a mixed infection caused by Gardnerella, anaerobic Gram-negative bacteria such as Bacteroides, and Gram-positive bacteria and mycoplasma. When the disease occurs, the ratio of lactobacilli and anaerobic bacteria in the vagina is unbalanced, that is, the number of lactobacilli decreases, the number of anaerobic bacteria increases, and the acidity and alkalinity of the vagina changes. This often occurs when the level of sex hormones in the body changes, such as before and after menstruation, during pregnancy, or when taking contraceptives, broad-spectrum antibiotics, or immunosuppressants. In elderly women, whose estrogen levels decrease and local resistance decreases, bacterial vaginitis is also common.

There are many causes of bacterial vaginitis, such as vaginal foreign objects, vaginal trauma, etc., which may cause damage and bleeding of the vaginal mucosa and cause bacterial infection. Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, endometritis, adnexitis and other gynecological inflammations may also cause bacterial infection of adjacent genitals; contraceptive devices or ointments, chemical drug stimulation can cause corrosion of the vaginal epithelium, leading to bacterial infection, thus forming vaginitis.

The main symptom of bacterial vaginosis is increased vaginal discharge, which is mostly purulent and has a fishy odor. The vagina may experience burning, stinging, and heaviness, which may be accompanied by pelvic discomfort and general fatigue. During gynecological examination, the vaginal mucosa may be found to be flushed, congested, edematous, tender, with increased secretions, purulent secretions and even induration. A smear examination of the secretions can reveal a large number of pus balls and pathogenic bacteria, but there will be no trichomonas and fungi in the secretions. Adding 10% potassium hydroxide to the secretions can also release the amine smell. The pH value in vaginal secretions increases, with a pH range of 5.0-5.5, while the normal pH is 4.5-4.7.

This disease must be differentiated from vaginitis caused by other reasons:

1. Trichomonas vaginitis:

The vaginal discharge increases and becomes foamy, has a foul odor, and is purulent. The secretions are microscopic plugs, the number of white blood cells increases, and active Trichomonas can be found.

2. Fungal vaginitis:

The majority of fungal vaginitis is caused by Candida albicans. The vaginal discharge increases in volume and becomes thick and resembling tofu dregs. Its clinical manifestations are sometimes difficult to distinguish from bacterial vaginosis, but the discharge of fungal vaginitis has no fishy odor. Direct microscopic examination can reveal yeast-like spores and pseudobacteria, and culture can detect Candida albicans.

treat:

1. Oral medication: Methicillin, 0.2-0.4g each time, 3-4 times a day, for 7 consecutive days. It can also be administered by intravenous drip.

2. Local treatment: Wash frequently to keep the area clean; regularly flush the vagina with 3% boric acid or dilute acetic acid and then flush with clean water to relieve symptoms. You can also use "Jie'eryin" or "Fuyinjie" to flush the vagina once a day or every other day. Metronidazole vaginal effervescent tablets 200 mg, once a night, for 7 to 10 days as a course of treatment.

The above medicines should only be used after consulting a doctor in detail and are for reference only.

Note:

Sexual partners who have or do not have symptoms do not need to receive routine treatment at the same time.

Bacterial vaginosis may coexist with other sexually transmitted diseases and should be examined and treated accordingly.