What does STD odor smell like?

Author: Danial Oberbrunner  |  Last update: Friday, January 16, 2026

To begin with, is it typical for an STD to cause a change in vaginal odour? Yes, an unpleasant and fishy vaginal odour is a common side effect of STDs.

What does gonorrhoea smell like?

Gonorrhoea can cause unusual discharge (also known as a 'drip') from the penis, which may have a slightly foul smell, comparable to mushrooms or fish. presented the samples of sweat and saliva to a group of women who tested and compared those same samples to a group of 'healthy' men.

What does trich smell like?

Women with trich may notice: Itching, burning, redness or soreness of the genitals. Discomfort when peeing. A clear, white, yellowish, or greenish vaginal discharge (i.e., thin discharge or increased volume) with a fishy smell.

Do STDs cause bad body odor?

The sexually transmitted infection (STI) trichomoniasis also causes odor. Other STIs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, don't usually have odors.

Does syphilis have an odor?

However, when there is an infection, such as syphilis, the discharge can change in color, consistency, and odor. Recognizing these changes is essential for detecting the presence of syphilis and other STDs early on.

Ask an Expert: What Causes Vaginal Odor?

What STD causes foul smell?

Trichomoniasis in women can cause: abnormal vaginal discharge that may be thick, thin or frothy and yellow-green in colour. producing more discharge than normal, which may also have an unpleasant fishy smell.

How does a female know if she has syphilis?

Primary Stage: The first sign of syphilis is often a small, round, firm sore. These appear at the place where it entered the body such as the vulva, vagina, tongue, or lips. These signs may be inside the vagina. Most do not cause pain.

Can you smell if someone has an STD?

STDs and “Fishy Odors”

Several common STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause discharge from the genitals. Occasionally, this discharge may have a pungent smell associated with it, but more often than not, this isn't the case. Rather, trichomoniasis is the STD that most often produces foul-smelling discharge.

Why does it smell when I open my legs?

We get it — it's a common problem, but sometimes it can make you self-conscious (“wait, can other people smell that, too?!”) and affect your confidence. Inner thigh odor is caused by various factors, including excessive sweating, fungal infections, poor hygiene, and hormonal changes.

What does BV smell like?

BV is responsible for the fishy smell most commonly associated with unpleasant vaginal odors. The fishy smell may be especially strong after sex. Another common symptom to look out for with BV is a gray or grayish-white discharge.

Why do I smell bad even with good hygiene?

Still, it's possible that things like diet, medical conditions or a bacterial buildup on the skin could be causing odor, Kopelman says. Hyperhidrosis, the medical term for excessive sweating, could also contribute, because bacteria thrives in moist environments.

Do chlamydia have a smell?

Chlamydia doesn't always have a smell. But one of the symptoms of chlamydia is an unusual vaginal discharge that has an unpleasant odor.

What STDs are not curable?

No cure is available for some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as HIV, human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes, and hepatitis B.

Why is it called the clap?

Gonorrhea is a bacterial sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is sometimes called "the clap." The origin of this nickname is not known, but it can be traced to several words with various meanings, including the French word "clapier" (brothel), the old English word "clappan" (to beat or throb), and others.

What does high estrogen smell like?

Does estrogen have a smell? Estrogen doesn't have a scent, but hormonal changes during menopause can alter body odor. As estrogen drops and testosterone becomes more dominant, sweat may attract more bacteria, leading to stronger smells, particularly during hot flashes.

What does thyroid sweat smell like?

Diabetes - Fruity smell. Kidney disease - Bleach-like smell. Infectious diseases - Varies with location and infection. Overactive thyroid - Sour smell.

What STD causes bad body odor?

And the women said about 50 percent of men who had gonorrhea had sweat that smelled "putrid," whereas only 32 percent of the healthy men were described as putrid. And while 26 percent of the healthy men smelled "floral," just 10 percent of those with gonorrhea were described that way.

What are the four new STDs?

In addition, emerging outbreaks of new infections that can be acquired by sexual contact such as mpox, Shigella sonnei, Neisseria meningitidis, Ebola and Zika, as well as re-emergence of neglected STIs such as lymphogranuloma venereum.

How did I get trichomoniasis if no one cheats?

While trichomoniasis is usually passed sexually, it may be picked up from contact with damp or moist objects such as towels, wet clothing, or a toilet seat, if the genital area gets in contact with these damp or moist objects.

What STD causes watery sperm?

1. Chlamydia. Chlamydia is the most common curable STI and, as we mentioned earlier, most people who get chlamydia do not show symptoms. If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to a considerable decline in the motility and quality of sperm, which makes conception much more difficult.

What does your skin look like if you have syphilis?

In the first stage of syphilis, a small, smooth sore develops on your genitals, mouth or lips. It may resemble a pimple and be so small and harmless that you don't even notice. This sore goes away on its own in about six weeks. In the second stage of syphilis, a rough, red or brown rash develops.

How to know if you have an STD without getting tested female?

Symptoms of an STI include: A change in vaginal discharge (thicker, discoloured, or bad-smelling) over a period of several days to 2 weeks. Pain, burning, or itching while urinating that lasts more than 24 hours. Pain during sexual intercourse.

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