Why do I have a brown discharge with a fishy smell?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have brown discharge, and it smells fishy to me, and my partner is active in sex, but earlier, it did not smell like that. After I use a seamless panty, I notice a fishy smell in my discharge.

Kindly suggest.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I am deeply concerned about your worries

A fishy smell with brown discharge most commonly suggests bacterial vaginosis (BV) rather than the seamless panty itself. The timing with the new underwear may be a coincidence, or the fabric may be trapping sweat/moisture and making the smell more noticeable.

The most likely cause is bacterial vaginosis (BV). It happens when the balance of bacteria in the vagina changes. Some typical symptoms include:

Strong fishy odor.
Thin discharge that may be gray, white, or brownish.
Smell that may become stronger after sex.
Sometimes mild itching or burning.
Sometimes no itching at all.

You mentioned you are sexually active. Being sexually active can increase the chance of BV, especially with:

A new partner.
Sex without condoms.
Semen changes the vaginal pH.
Using scented soaps or washes.

However, having brown discharge usually means old blood mixed with vaginal fluid. This can happen due to the following reasons:

Just before or after your period.
From light spotting after sex.
Because of irritation inside the vagina or cervix.
Mixed with an infection like BV.

The brown color itself is often not dangerous, but the fishy smell is the bigger clue for BV. The underwear itself usually does not directly cause infection, but tight or non-breathable fabric can trap sweat, keep the area moist, irritate the skin, and make odor stronger. So, cotton underwear is usually better because it allows airflow.

BV usually needs antibiotic treatment from a doctor or gynecologist, commonly Metronidazole or Clindamycin. A few preventive measures you can follow are to avoid:

Douching.
Scented feminine wash.
Perfumed panty liners.
Tight underwear for long hours.
Use plain water or a mild, unscented soap only on the outside area.

Because a fishy smell can also sometimes happen with trichomoniasis (an STI (sexually transmitted infection), it is a good idea to get checked if:

You have a new sexual partner.
The discharge turns yellow or green.
You feel pain during urination or sex.

I hope you find this helpful.

Thank you.