What causes leucorrhea with a foul smell?

The foul smell of leucorrhea may be related to bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas vaginitis, cervicitis, endometrial infection, vaginal foreign body residues and other causes. Foul-smelling leucorrhea usually manifests as abnormal color and texture change of the discharge, accompanied by itching or burning sensation in the vulva. It is recommended to seek medical treatment promptly for a clear diagnosis to avoid delaying the condition by self-medication.

1. Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is an infection caused by an imbalance of vaginal flora and may be related to factors such as frequent vaginal douching and multiple sexual partners. The typical manifestation is gray-white thin leucorrhea, accompanied by an obvious fishy odor, which is especially aggravated after sexual intercourse. After diagnosis, you need to use metronidazole vaginal effervescent tablets, clindamycin phosphate vaginal cream and other drugs as directed by your doctor, and avoid sexual intercourse during treatment.

2. Trichomonas vaginitis

Trichomonas vaginitis is caused by Trichomonas vaginalis infection and is mainly spread through sexual contact. Patients will develop yellow-green foamy leucorrhea with a strong odor, accompanied by severe itching of the vulva and painful urination. You need to take metronidazole tablets or tinidazole tablets orally as directed by your doctor, and your sexual partner needs to be treated simultaneously. Underwear needs to be boiled and disinfected daily to avoid cross-infection.

3. Cervicitis

Cervicitis is often caused by gonorrhea, chlamydia and other pathogenic infections. Purulent leucorrhea with a rancid smell may appear, and bleeding may occur after sexual intercourse. In the acute phase, antibiotics such as azithromycin dispersible tablets and doxycycline tablets are needed. Chronic cervicitis can be treated locally with Baofukang suppository. Regular cervical cancer screening can help detect lesions early.

4. Endometrial infection

Endometrial infection after childbirth or miscarriage may result in bloody, foul-smelling discharge accompanied by lower abdominal pain and fever. It may be related to lax surgical disinfection and residual placenta. Broad-spectrum antibiotics such as ceftriaxone sodium need to be injected intravenously, and in severe cases, hysteroscopic curettage is required. High fever requires immediate hospitalization.

5. Vaginal foreign body residues

Foreign objects such as tampons and condoms forgotten by children or adults remain in the vagina, which may cause putrid and foul-smelling leucorrhea, and the secretions are often mixed with blood. The doctor needs to use instruments to remove the foreign body and rinse the vagina with povidone-iodine solution. Long-term foreign body residue may lead to vaginal wall ulcers, requiring the use of prophylactic antibiotic ointment.

Pay attention to perineal cleaning on a daily basis, choose cotton breathable underwear and change it daily. Avoid using soap or lotion to clean the vagina excessively to avoid damaging the microenvironmental balance. Reduce the intake of spicy and stimulating foods in the diet, and appropriately supplement yogurt containing lactobacilli. If the odor of leucorrhea lasts for more than 3 days or is accompanied by fever, abdominal pain and other symptoms, you should immediately go to a gynecologist for routine leucorrhea, cervical TCT and other examinations. During menstruation, you need to change sanitary napkins frequently and avoid using panty liners for long periods of time.