Why do I have a foul smell and burning sensation after sex?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had unprotected sex three days ago with my partner. My vaginal discharge smells foul after that, and I have a burning sensation after passing urine. Yesterday I got my period, and that foul smell is coming in that too. I also have PCOS.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query, and I am deeply concerned about your worries.

You had unprotected sex three days ago.

Now you have

Foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
Burning after urination.
Odor even during your period.

The most likely possibilities

Burning after passing urine strongly suggests a UTI (urinary tract infection). Sex can push bacteria into the urethra, especially within a few days.
A strong foul smell (often fishy), especially noticeable during periods, is very typical of bacterial vaginosis (BV). It is not strictly an STI (sexually transmitted infections0, but sexual activity can trigger it
Sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.

These can cause discharge, odor, and burning urination. Since the sex was unprotected, STIs (sexually transmitted infections are infections spread primarily through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex, caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites) testing is important.

PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is a common, chronic hormonal disorder in reproductive-aged women, characterized by high androgen levels, irregular periods, and small ovarian follicles. It does not cause foul smell or burning urine. So this is unrelated to PCOS.

What you should do now

You need a urine test and vaginal swab.
You likely need antibiotics, but the correct one depends on whether it is a UTI, BV, or STI.
Do not self-medicate randomly.
Avoid intercourse until treated.
Drink plenty of water.

You need to get to an urgent care if you develop

Lower abdominal pain.
Fever.
Back pain.
Nausea.

Most likely based on your symptoms, you might have a UTI with possible bacterial vaginosis.

This is treatable and common, but you do need proper testing

Please tell me, is the discharge grey, yellow, or green?
And is the smell stronger after intercourse?

I hope this answers your query.

Please let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.