Sexual health
Things Getting a Little ‘Fishy’ Down There After Sex? Here’s What You Need to Know
Published: OCTOBER 6, 2024
Talking about a person’s vaginal smell can be a sensitive subject, but it is an important one to discuss. Everyone’s vagina has its own unique odor, which can change for myriad reasons such as menstrual cycles, pH levels, or hormone levels.
Some odors can be strong, but you should only start being concerned when the smell is straight-up bad. A powerful "fishy" smell, especially after sex, could mean there is something more sinister going on. If you notice this happens whenever you let your male or penis-having partner cum inside you, it might be time to visit a doctor.
We’ll take you through what a fishy smell after sex could mean, what might cause it, and what to do next.
Why does sperm make me smell fishy?
It’s time to talk about sexual chemistry, or rather, the chemistry of sex.
Vaginal pH, how acidic or basic something is, plays an important role in your vaginal odor. Normally, vaginas fall on the more acidic side of the scale with a pH of around 3.8-5.0, with 7 being “neutral”.
The most common result of disrupting this slightly acidic state is Bacterial Vaginosis. This is when the natural bacteria inside your vagina gets disrupted and leads to an infection.
Semen has an average pH of 7.2-8.0, making it more basic. That difference in pH can upset your vagina’s natural state and lea to a whole host of issues that can result in a "low-tide" vaginal odor.
Other Potential Causes
There are other reasons for the sea to be a’ callin’.
One could be the STI Trichomoniasis, which has similar symptoms to BV, but more intense. Think more discharge, stronger smell, and more itching and irritation. There could also be some lower abdominal pain as well. Check with your doctor if you’re experience these, even if it ends up being BV, better safe than sorry.
There could also just be something, like a tampon or another foreign object, stuck up inside messing up the works.
Another common potential cause for strong vaginal odor is the basic fact that our bodies are walking biochem labs. Your personal scent could change because of a change in diet, a new soap, or just because you need a shower after your workout.
Some good general hygiene tips are to avoid scented soaps and lubes, wear cotton panties, and look for pH-balanced products.
Symptoms to Watch For
Here are some signs that you might have some beyond the sea-stank:
- Grey or green-ish vaginal discharge
- Vaginal itching or irritation
- Burning sensation when urinating
When to See a Doctor
Definitely go to the doctor if you are experiencing the symptoms mentioned above. Bacterial Vaginosis is easily treatable with antibiotics.
Should you go if you notice a fishy vaginal smell from time to time? It may be worth checking out, but definitely go if the smell is persistent over a period of time. If the smell is accompanied by irritation and smelly vaginal discharge, then see a healthcare provider as soon as you can.
Again, Bacterial Vaginosis is easily treatable, but those symptoms could also mean an STI. It’s better to play it safe here and get checked out as soon as you can.
Treatment and Prevention
If you do have BV, your doctor will likely treat your BV with antibiotics, typically topical creams like Metronidazole. Remember to always finish off your antibiotics, even if the symptoms subside!
If the issue is an STI, like trichomoniasis, that would mean a different course of antibiotics where everyone infected needs to take them at the same time. You wouldn’t want to be cured, celebrate with sex, and catch all over again, right?
One thing is for sure: DO NOT DOUCHE!
Douching can make things even worse by disrupting, or even wiping out, your vaginal flora. It would be like literally fighting fire with fire.
Embracing Your Natural Scent
If you want to keep things smelling good and fresh, use mild, unscented soaps and water. Look for pH-balanced or body-safe soaps and products, but make sure to keep any soap on the outside. No soap should actually be going in your vagina.
But there’s no reason to feel ashamed of a natural vaginal smell. It changes from person to person, and within each person it can change pretty much day to day. It can be metallic during your cycle, skunky after a run, and have a lil’ tangy sweetness. It’s all a wonderful bouquet!
Some people even make your smell the star of the show with scent play.
The Bottom Line
Every vagina has a range of natural, and wonderful, odors. Embrace your natural aroma, but keep a nose out for strong, fishy smells. Pungent fishy odors, along with abnormal discharge and vaginal irritation, could mean you have Bacterial Vaginosis or an STI. Visit your healthcare provider if you experience those symptoms.
It may feel embarasing to see a doctor over vaginal odor, but they will probably give you the same advice we talk about here. Practice good hygiene, don’t douche, play safe, and love your normal, healthy, and sexy smell.
