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Yeast infections, often, may have absolutely no smell at all. If you have a more severe infection, you may also have a "cottage cheese" like discharge from the vagina.
This whitish ooze, is simply yeast; and, it can smell like fermenting yeast—as you would also smell in fermenting beer or bread. Yeast, if it has a smell, will smell like the yeast you buy from the store to leaven bread; or, it could smell like beer to some extent.
But, if you are noticing a vaginal fishy smell, this is highly indicative of bacterial vaginosis (BV). And, BV is the most common of all vaginal infections! Yeast infections will not cause a fishy vaginal odor.
Yeast infections and BV can occur at the same time. So, if you seem to have all the classic signs of a yeast infections, and you also have a foul, or fishy, vaginal odor; this can mean you’ve got two forms of vaginitis.
Also, trichomoniasis, a common sexually transmitted disease (STD), can also cause a foul vaginal odor. So, if you have had some risky sexual activity lately, your bad vaginal odor could be due to this STD.
To help better understand what your symptoms mean, the following research will discuss the various symptoms of common forms of vaginitis. But, if you have a cottage cheese like vaginal discharge, and you have no vaginal odor—or a slight “yeast” smell from the vagina—you may just have a yeast infection.
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Visit Official Site!Vaginal Odor Research
One study, discussed the various symptoms of common causes of vaginitis; one of which was Candida. The study was published in the journal American Family Physician [83.7 (2011): 807-815].
As far as the symptoms of vaginal yeast infections go, the study cited thick, white vaginal discharge; burning; pain during urination; pain during sexual intercourse; frequent itchiness; and, a lack of vaginal odor as indicators of a yeast infection. Vaginitis that carries an odor, was caused by trichomoniasis and BV.
Both trichomoniasis and BV would cause a “fishy” smelling vagina. Also, BV will often present with a homogenous, thin vaginal discharge. Thus we see most yeast infections will have no smell.
Another study, that discussed the most prevalent vaginal infections and the odor they cause, was published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada [37.3 (2015): 266-274].
The study stated, that women with just vaginal Candidiasis, would have a negative “whiff test;” which is checking for a classic “fishy” smell.
The study stated BV will cause there to be a fish smell from the vaginal fluid. As far as trichomoniasis goes, common symptoms include an increase in vaginal discharge that can be yellow, green, and frothy in appearance; and, there can also be a foul odor.
Thus, women with vaginal yeast infections usually do not have any smell associated with them. A fishy smell means you probably have BV.
Another study, also related that vaginal Candidiasis often has no odor associated with it. The study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine [355.12 (2006): 1244-1252].
The study stated, that vaginal yeast infections are associated with a cottage cheese like discharge, and are without the presence of a smell. BV is associated with a white or grey, thin, fishy smelling discharge.
And, trichomoniasis is associated with a heavy, yellow discharge that can have a foul smell.
A final study, that talked about yeast infection smell, was published in the journal American Family Physician [70.11 (2004): 2125-32]. The study stated that a negative “whiff test,” that checks for the presence of a fishy smell, is one way to help diagnose infections.
Again, the two other vaginal infections the study stated can cause an odor, included BV and trichomoniasis. The symptoms of trichomoniasis included a foul smelling, frothy vaginal discharge and irritation of the vagina.
For BV, the study listed the symptoms as a homogeneous, milky discharge that sticks to the vaginal wall, and a foul fishy smell from the discharge.
Yeasty, Bread-Like, and Beer-Like Odor
A book entitled Yeast Infections, Trichomoniasis, and Toxic Shock Syndrome, by Michael Sommers, also discusses the smell a yeast infection can produce.
Many women have a vaginal odor that is present before their period and then dissipates during menstruation. This odor can change based on several factors: hormone levels, personal hygiene, use of birth control pills, and the levels of bacteria in the vagina.
Sommers does relate, that a very strong, or fishy, vaginal odor is a sign of infection.
Concerning the smell a yeast infection can cause, Sommers states that this infection can cause a smell. According to Sommers, the discharge a yeast infection produces will be white or white gray in color.
This discharge smells like the yeast of beer or freshly baked bread. The discharge will also be thick or clumpy in consistency; and can resemble cottage cheese. Consequently, as this book states, it appears a "yeasty" odor, similar to beer and bread, appears to be the key smell Candidiasis of the vagina will produce.
According to the The V Book, yeast infections can cause a smell to occur. The authors relate, that a yeast infection can produce a bad smelling discharge.
The odor of this discharge can be "yeasty," or sour smelling. Concerning BV, the book states, that a yeast infection can happen along with BV; and, this concomitant infection can produce an odor as well.
It can be assumed that a sour or putrid odor, when thick discharge is present, is due to the simultaneous presence of these two, very common, vaginal infections.
This book also relates that vaginal odor can be an embarrassing condition. Many women, at one time or another, are concerned about an unpleasant odor from their vaginal secretions.
One of the author’s appears to have encountered this in their practice. It so happened that patients would be reluctant to admit their problem with vaginal odor; as, they assumed it was related to poor personal hygiene.
However, the book goes on to say that: "Inadequate washing is almost never the cause of a V [vaginal] scent. Remember that some scent is to be expected from all activity of the Vs [vaginas]."
This, of course, is very true. Excessive washing of the vagina can disrupt the normal bacterial life (Lactobacilli) of this area; and, even cause more bad smelling odor, as a result.
An interesting comment, on the smell of Candida, was made by a study published in the Australian Dental Journal [1998; 43:(1):45-50]. The research paper stated that Candida species colonies, when grown, have a yeasty smell to them.
This yeasty smell required the Candida to be grown in aerobic (with oxygen) conditions, in a medium that has a pH between 2.5 and 7.5, and in a temperature range of 20° to 38°C. Concerning what can be inferred from this research, the smell of a yeast infection may differ based on its growing environment.
As conditions in the gut will be anaerobic (without oxygen), yeast from the gut may not have any odor. However, Candida growing in the vagina or on the skin, can have access to oxygen, and create a yeasty smell.
Another comment of interest, was made by a study published in Mycopathologia [149.1 (2000): 1-4]. The study dealt with Candidiasis of the esophagus; and, cultured Candida species from these patients. Samples from these individuals, with this esophageal infection, were grown in agar (a medium for microorganisms to grow on).
The yeast grown on this medium was said to have a characteristic yeast odor. Concerning the type of yeast grown on the agar (and produced the odor), the study seems somewhat ambiguous about this; likely due to a disorganized presentation of the study (many studies have imperfections like this).
However, it does appear, that the composition of the yeasts giving the odor, might be: C. albicans (87.5%), C. tropicalis (8.5%), and other unidentified species (4.0%).
From these books, the studies, and the metabolism of Candida; we can clearly see that Candida can produce an odor like other yeasts. Candida, since it is a yeast, operates in a similar way to the yeast used to make beer and bread.
Candida, for instance, metabolizes carbohydrates into alcohol. Also, Candida produces CO2 in its metabolic processes as well. Consequently, when enough Candida is present (possibly always inducing a discharge due to the vast amount), the area of infection (or discharge) will have a yeasty odor resembling that of bread and/or beer.
Again, you will want to remember that a foul, fishy, cheesy, or putrid odor is going to be caused by a different infection; often, of course, this infection will just be BV.
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Visit Official Site!Bacterial Vaginosis: A Common Female Problem
If you smell a “fishy” odor, and you do not see any white discharge or white patches of yeast in the vaginal canal, you probably have the most common type of vaginal infection: BV.
BV is a condition that occurs when undesirable bacteria proliferate and dominate the vaginal microbiota. The most noticeable symptom of BV is an unpleasant odor. This odor will smell very “fishy,” and be much stronger than normal odor associated with the vagina.
You can have both a yeast infection and BV at the same time. If you have all the symptoms of a yeast infection; and, you also smell a foul fishy odor emanating from the vagina or from vaginal discharge, you could have both types of infection.
The yeast infection is due to a species of yeast in the genus Candida. The BV smell, is coming probably from the most common bacterial culprit: Gardnerella vaginallis.
Gardnerella vaginallis gets its genus name from the researcher, Gardner, who originally discovered this bacteria in 1955. Gardner published an interesting study on the subject.
Gardner’s paper was published in The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology [May 1955, Volume 69, Issue 5, Pages 962–976]. The study found that about 92% of 138 cases of BV were due to a specific strain of bacteria Gardner called “Haemophilus vaginalis.”
Haemophilus vaginalis, later came to be known as Gardnerella vaginalis. Thus, if you have a bad fishy smell coming from your vagina, you probably have this bacteria Gardner discovered overgrowing down there.
Candida Hub has a whole article dedicated to helping women determine if they have BV or a yeast infection. If you’d like to learn a bit more about these two female ailments, you can check out this article: Yeast Infection or Bacterial Vaginosis
Clair Goodall: Author & Nature Lover
Clair Goodall is a bee-obsessed natural medicine convert from Minnesota. She is one expert you might want to know more about!
Clair will help you protect you and your family from toxic products and chemicals and help you discover solutions from nature.
Also, Clair’s book is backed by a 60-day, 100% money back guarantee
Visit Official Site!Trichomoniasis Infections Versus Candida Infections
Candida and BV aside, you may actually have a common STD known as Trichomoniasis; this disease can produce a malodorous smell. Trichomoniasis is caused by the protozoa Trichomonas vaginalis.
Often, Trichomoniasis is asymptomatic; meaning many women and men who are infected show no symptoms. But, in those cases where symptoms are present, about half of the women who report symptoms have a foul vaginal odor.
Also, about half of women who are symptomatic will also see a vaginal discharge of varying color. In a few cases, about 10%, this vaginal discharge will appear frothy. To learn more about this STD and how it compares to yeast infections, check out: Trichomoniasis or Yeast Infection.
At Home Self Diagnosis Help
It is not unusual for a woman, who is not familiar with yeast infections, to misdiagnose her condition as a yeast infection. If you came to this site because there is a strong “fishy” odor down there, and you are wondering if you have a yeast infection, the answer is “probably not” if that is your only symptom.
However, there is a great way to tell if you have Candida affecting your body; maybe you don’t have a vaginal yeast infection, but you always seem to be sick and “tired all over.” If this is the case, you may have yeast overgrowing in your digestive system.
If you’d like to get a excellent evaluation of your potential for having a vaginal or systemic yeast problem, Candida Hub provides two different tests all based closely on the tests developed by the medical pioneer, the late Dr. William Crook.
Dr. Crook had extensive experience treating both men and women who suffered from some form of Candidiasis. Often, their problem went far beyond just a simple vaginal or penile yeast infection. These individual’s whole health and life was being negatively influenced by yeast.
You can check out the quick, or comprehensive tests, and get a better understanding of your condition here: two yeast infection tests.
Taking antibiotics, as the yeast infection test questions suggest, greatly raise your risk of developing a yeast infection. If you have tried prescription antibiotic drugs to treat BV, and you now have a yeast infection, these antibiotics likely helped trigger your current Candida problem.
It is a well known scientific fact, that antibiotics are a primary culprit of instigating a problem with Candida yeast.
A Natural, 12 Hour Yeast Infection Cure
According to a research paper published in Clinical Microbiology Reviews [12.1 (1999): 80-96], Candida species are quite ubiquitous organisms. Candida are most frequently present in the mouth; and, live in 31% to 55% of healthy people. The species that causes approximately 70% to 80% of all Candida infections is C. albicans.
The Chinese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology [2011 Jul;46(7):496] reports there appears to be a correlation between intestinal Candida infections and vaginal yeast infections. And, this provides a clue, as to why yeast infections in general, can reoccur.
This study states, in 148 cases of vaginal candida infections, 33.1% of the women were infected in both the intestines and vaginal area.
The recurrence rate of yeast infections, in women with simultaneous intestinal infection, was significantly higher than for women who did not have an intestinal infection. This study concluded that vaginal yeast infections are highly associated with simultaneous intestinal Candida infection.
As research appears to indicate, systemic Candida infections can and do happen. A more systemic Candida infection may primarily get a foothold in the intestines; and cause a wide array of problems. If your yeast infections keep happening, a systemic Candida problem may be why.
One woman who suffered from a systemic Candida infection, for about 12 years, was Linda Allen. The systemic Candida infection that attacked Linda caused a wide range of health problems in addition to yeast infections. Some of these problems, Linda describes in her own words in the following quote:
To be honest, it was hard to pinpoint exactly what was wrong: I wasn’t really sick, but I wasn’t really well either. I had listlessness, fatigue, brain fog, stomach ailments, unexplained rashes, skin infections, and so on. It seemed like every day brought a new challenge.
My energy was sapped and I felt exhausted, which affected my grades and put a big dent in my social life.
Linda Allen’s symptoms included an embarrassing vaginal discharge, severe itching, and burning sensations. Her infections were difficult to deal with, and Linda’s health problems cost her financially as well.
Linda states these infections of Candida can become excruciating when they happen as frequently as a menstrual period.
Yet, Linda spent a great deal of time in research; and even questioned health professionals who were kind enough to share some time with her. Linda even tried an array of purported "cures."
Although it took a while, eventually, Linda put together a natural treatment plan she hoped would solve her Candida situation.
After spending about a year refining her new approach, Linda tried her system on herself. It worked amazingly well. Linda even returned to a few medical doctors to get tested for the presence of infections.
These tests revealed all indicators of infection had vanished! Linda was indeed well again, after such a long, difficult journey.
Linda has since published a book detailing how to copy her success. She also includes a 12 hour yeast infection cure that can get rid of a superficial (such as a genital yeast infection or oral thrush) yeast infection in about 12 hours.
Linda’s publisher protects those who get her book with a 60 day, 100% money back guarantee. Linda’s publisher, a subsidiary of the United States based firm Keynetics Incorporated, is a reputable digital retailer that has been around for a long time.
They have great customer service, and make getting a full refund on Linda’s book quick and easy. If you’re not satisfied, you can quickly get all your money back.
If you would like to learn more about Linda’s journey to freedom from Candida, see reviews of others who tried her natural system, or find out more about her efficacious book; you can find more information at Linda Allen’s website.
Author: Mr. Nicholas Gross
Nick Gross is a natural medicine enthusiast who has been researching and writing about natural medicine since 2008. Nick is primarily a web developer but also researches and authors written and video content about natural health. Nick has a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems from the University of Northern Iowa.
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SOURCES:
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21524046 — Hainer, Barry L., and Maria V. Gibson. "Vaginitis: diagnosis and treatment." Am Fam Physician 83.7 (2011): 807-815. Full Text Available Here
- http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S1701-2163(15)30316-9 — van Schalkwyk, Julie, et al. "Vulvovaginitis: Screening for and Management of Trichomoniasis, Vulvovaginal Candidiasis, and Bacterial Vaginosis." Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada 37.3 (2015): 266-274. PDF Available Here, PubMed
- http://dx.doi.org/10.1056/NEJMcp053720 — Eckert, Linda O. "Acute vulvovaginitis." New England Journal of Medicine 355.12 (2006): 1244-1252. PubMed
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15606061 — Owen, Marion K., and TIMOTHY L. Clenney. "Management of vaginitis." Am Fam Physician 70.11 (2004): 2125-32. Full Text Available Here
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- Google Books — Stewart, Elizabeth G.; Spencer, Paula, M.D.. The V Book: A Doctor’s Guide to Complete Vulvovaginal Health. Random House Publishing Group [2008], ISBN: 0307492443, 9780307492449
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- http://www.ajog.org/article/0002-9378(55)90095-8/abstract — Gardner, Herman L., and Charles D. Dukes. "Haemophilus vaginalis vaginitis." American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology 69.5 (1955): 962-976.
- http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/hsag.v6i1.54 — Diagnosis of vaginal infection in pregnancy. Health SA Gesondheid; Vol 6, No 1 (2001), 12-20
- http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/CMR.17.4.794-803.2004 &mda sh; Trichomoniasis. Clinical Microbiology Reviews (2004 Oct; 17(4): 794–803).
- https://doi.org/10.1128/CMR.12.1.80 -- Fidel, Paul L., Jose A. Vazquez, and Jack D. Sobel. "Candida glabrata: review of epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical disease with comparison to C. albicans." Clinical Microbiology Reviews [12.1 (1999): 80-96].
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22041440/ -- Lin XL, Li Z, Zuo XL. "Study on the relationship between vaginal and intestinal candida in patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis." Chinese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Zhonghua fu chan ke za zhi). [2011 Jul;46(7):496].
