If your vulva smells fishy, it is almost certain that you have bacterial vaginosis (also known as ‘anaerobic vaginosis’). This is an imbalance in the bacteria in the vagina. All women have harmless bacteria in their vaginal passage. In bacterial vaginosis, some of the bacteria multiply so that more are present than is normal (it is usually the Gardnerella and Mobiluncus bacteria that are the culprits). In other words, bacterial vaginosis is not an infection caught from your partner, it is due to bacteria that are normally present in the vagina.

Bacterial vaginosis is treated with an antibiotic, metronidazole, from your doctor. You will find more information on bacterial vaginosis in the section on genital infections.

• Vaginal and vulval problems main page
• Painful vulva
• Vulval itching
• Vaginal discharge
• Change in colour
• Dry vagina
• Vaginal lips
• Common sense dos and don’ts
• Useful contacts