Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Foul Smelling Vagina After Intercourse?

Hi! We are trying to concieve. Everytime we have sex, after laying horizontally to help the sperm's journey, I get a putrid fish-like smell for 2-3 days regardless of how many times I wash myself. Am I doing something wrong? When my hsband and I use to have sex with a condom this smell never appeared. Nor when we had unprotected sex and I would go immediately after to the bathroom. I just had my annual pap test and all is well. Please help get rid of this smell w/out decreasing my chances for pregneancy.thanks!
Mon, 22 Feb 2016
Report Abuse
OBGYN,  's  Response
Hello, and I hope I can help you today.

Noticing a fishy odor after sex is actually one of the classic symptoms of a vaginal infection. There are two types of infections that cause odor- Bacterial Vaginosis and Trichomonas. The reason that the odor is present is that sperm has a high pH and it's mixing with the vaginal fluid produces that odor.

This type of infection does not necessarily show up on a Pap test, or if you didn't mention to your provider he or she may not have looked for it. I suggest you mention this symptom to your local gynecologist and they may want to see you to culture your vagina.

Furthermore, if your husband is not circumcised, the infection can stem from bacteria under his foreskin and that may also why you only notice it after unprotected sex.

So in summary, I think you and possibly have an infection causing the odor. I would mention it to your GYN because both of these infections need to be treated with antibiotics (either pills or a jelly) and they may want to give you a prescription.

I hope I was able to adequately answer your question today and that my advice was helpful.

Best wishes, Dr. Brown
I find this answer helpful
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on HIV


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Foul Smelling Vagina After Intercourse?

Hello, and I hope I can help you today. Noticing a fishy odor after sex is actually one of the classic symptoms of a vaginal infection. There are two types of infections that cause odor- Bacterial Vaginosis and Trichomonas. The reason that the odor is present is that sperm has a high pH and it s mixing with the vaginal fluid produces that odor. This type of infection does not necessarily show up on a Pap test, or if you didn t mention to your provider he or she may not have looked for it. I suggest you mention this symptom to your local gynecologist and they may want to see you to culture your vagina. Furthermore, if your husband is not circumcised, the infection can stem from bacteria under his foreskin and that may also why you only notice it after unprotected sex. So in summary, I think you and possibly have an infection causing the odor. I would mention it to your GYN because both of these infections need to be treated with antibiotics (either pills or a jelly) and they may want to give you a prescription. I hope I was able to adequately answer your question today and that my advice was helpful. Best wishes, Dr. Brown