A lot of women have experienced bad odor coming from their private parts, but that’s not always a reason to worry. In fact, that fishy smell that makes many women rather uncomfortable sometimes happens for no particular reason.

Often, putting on clean underwear after bathing or showering is enough to bring your natural scent back to normal.

However, if the odor doesn’t go away despite good hygiene, or shows up with other unusual symptoms, it may be worth consulting your gynecologist.

If the fishy smell is accompanied with itching, pain, or other unexpected symptoms, it may signal an underlying issue such as bacterial vaginosis.

In fact, this bacteria is the most common reason for a fishy vaginal odor.

Bacterial vaginosis develops when the natural balance of vaginal bacteria shifts. Most common symptoms include thin gray or white discharge, a noticeable fishy odor (often stronger after intercourse), and itching or burning sensations. It needs to be treated with antibiotics.

Another reason that leads to fishy odor can be linked to poor hygiene, trapped sweat, and tight clothing.

Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a parasite, can also be the cause of the unpleasant smell coming from your private parts. This is treatable with medications, not home remedies.

Leaving a tampon in too long can also cause a powerful rotten odor, sometimes misidentified as fishy.

While the smell usually goes away on its own, it may sometimes stay longer than what is considered normal. In that case, it’s best to have yourself checked for bacteria or other underlying conditions.

Some ways to prevent the fishy smell from happening are maintain good hygiene, most preferably by gently cleaning the external genital area with warm water and mild soap instead of douching, wear cotton underwear, use protection to prevent infections, and avoid scented soaps, sprays, or feminine wipes among the rest.

You can also consider probiotics to maintain healthy vaginal flora if your doctor approves.