vaginal discharge and ordor

Hi Anon,

Thank you sharing your question with the EmpowHER community.

It's normal for a woman's vagina to have a slight smell, and it will vary through out the menstrual cycle. After sex those odors can be more pronounced. Normal sweating can cause vaginal odor. However, what your are describing is something a little more. Are experiencing any other symptoms like burning or itching?  

Potentially you could have Trichomoniasis which is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite. For women the symptoms sound similar to what you describe.  Trichomoniasis can cause a foul-smelling vaginal discharge, genital itching and painful urination. Men who have trichomoniasis typically have no symptoms.  Which may explain why your partner decided not to take the medication.

Another potential causes of abnormal vaginal odor is Bacterial vaginosis which is a type of vaginal inflammation that results from the overgrowth of one of several types of bacteria normally present in the vagina.

If you are under doctors care, give them an update on your progress.  If you have not been officially diagnosed, then make an appointment.  Also, consider using condoms moving forward, especially if you and your partner aren't going to be exclusive.  Not doing so will make your vulneralble to any sexual health issues he may have and those of the other partners he's engaging with.

I hope this help.

Be well,

~Gillette