Fishy vagina - The cause of a fishy vagina is most often an inflammation in the area.
The inflammation is caused by an infection which could be either around or in the vagina.
One of the commonest causes of this vaginal odor is bacterial vaginosis which is a rampant problem among women.
At one time or the other most women have experienced bacterial vaginosis and once they have had, it learn how to deal with it effectively on their own.
This is not a normal condition and is caused with the increase in the bacteria which is normally present in the vagina.
Initially it was thought that the gardnerella bacteria was responsible for the problem but later research showed that it was the increase and imbalance in several species of other bacteria that caused this problem.
The fishy vagina is one of the symptoms of this problem as the discharge from the vagina has a fishy odor.
Fishy vagina - Though bacterial vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted disease discharge from the vagina could be for several different reasons.
Some of the symptoms could be common to gonorrhea and Chlamydia and other infections of a more serious nature.
Only a clinical diagnosis can rule out the various possibilities.
A pelvic examination by the doctor will give a more accurate diagnosis of the cause and the nature of treatment will have to be decided as per this.
Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis differ from one woman to another and there may be no symptoms at all in some.
There could be itching in and around the vaginal area, burning while urinating, foul smell and a whitish grey discharge accompanying these symptoms.
The main cause for bacterial vaginosis is an imbalance in the natural bacteria that are found in the vagina.
This could happen because of low immunity and a run down condition, during pregnancy and also because of some other infection in the system.
The problem is diagnosed with a microscopic examination and a whiff test.
A sample of the discharge is taken and some potassium hydroxide solution is added to it.
If the result is a fishy odor then the diagnosis is bacterial vaginosis.
Treatment in the initial stages can be simple home remedies but if the problem is more chronic then a course of antibiotics may be prescribed by the doctor.
Sometimes the symptoms may recur and then another course of the medication is prescribed.
As recurrent use of antibiotics can bring on a yeast infection many women do prefer natural remedies.
Though the sexual partner does not have to be treated as well, it is better to refrain from sexual activity during this period.
During pregnancy special care should be taken if a woman gets BV as it can bring on premature labor and birth and an infection of the uterus and amniotic fluid.
External medication helps to eradicate the problem but only when it is mild.
Even if there is a fishy vagina with no other symptoms it should be treated instead of allowing the problem to become chronic.