I had a sour, fishy odor after sex for months. What causes it?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

You are experiencing two distinct odor-related issues:

1. A current fishy vaginal odor after sexual intimacy (present for two months).

2. A previous sour body odor that resolved after five months.

Your weight (110 pounds at 64.9 inches) is at the lower end of normal (BMI 18.5). Nutritional status can affect vaginal health, so ensure adequate protein, vitamin D, and probiotic foods. The use of antidepressants is noteworthy, as some medications can affect sweat composition and odor perception.

The probable causes include:

1. Transient hormonal imbalance affecting sweat or apocrine glands.

2. Dietary factors cause temporary changes in body chemistry.

3. Localized skin infection (like intertrigo) that resolved

So I suggest you get the following investigations:

Diagnostic testing such as vaginal pH test (BV (bacterial vaginosis) typically more than 4.5), Whiff test (adding KOH (potassium hydroxide) to discharge), wet mount microscopy for "clue cells", and STI (sexually transmitted infection) screening (especially if new partner).

The treatment plan includes the following:

1. Immediate actions such as avoiding douching (worsens imbalance), using condoms to maintain pH balance, wearing cotton underwear, ·and probiotics with Lactobacillus strains can help you.

2. You mentioned taking Flagyl (Metronidazole). This is the first-line treatment for BV (bacterial vaginosis). If the odor persists after completing this course, we should reconsider the diagnosis.

3. Use barrier methods during intercourse as a preventive measure.

And please follow up for a more thorough discussion of this.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.